Even in 10th place, you win something

I've now taken part in my 3rd College Bowl Pick 'em challenge that Kerry from the great Cards on Cards runs each year. My first attemp was a total disaster. In 2013, I was way out in front of the pack, even ranking in the top 50 of all the bowl picks on Yahoo, before everyone reeled me back in and I finished just out of the winnings in 4th or 5th. This year, I said it would be my year. And without fail, I jumped out to an early lead, only to have my knowledge (?) of college football fail me as I finally ended up a distant 10th. Oh, the humanity....

Northern Illinois over Marshall? What was I thinking? Noooooo!

But a couple weeks before the first bowl game even kicked off, Kerry dropped a nice envelope on me. I'm calling these pre pick prizes, cuz it helps me sleep at night.

Pitchers and catchers report in about 35 days. That's a better indication of the end of winter than Groundhog Day. That Moments and Milestones is the 2nd one I have, and both are of Big Hurt's career home runs. If Dime Box Nick's math is to be believed, that is 2 out of 12,529 cards. Otherwise, I have completed .016% of the set. Got a bit to go.

Two Abreus from 2014 Update. Dennis from Too Many Verlanders and I had an email exchange about Update today. I mentioned I am not looking forward to the 20+ Abreu cards that will be in 2015 flagship. And that's before the 29 variations of each. He thinks Update should be traded players only. Sometimes a Red Wing fan does know what he's talking about. Hmmm....

Gold Paulie for the binder. The Holland flag look does not save that Prizm. Kill the brand, Panini. Kill it with fire.

The Renteria was sitting on the most wanted baker's dozen, so a great removal because that is a killer throwback the Cards had. Teddy goes into my master set for the 2013 Heritage. Check my Wants page if you have some of those lying around.

And the prize of the envelope. Into my Igushi collection these baby goes. Not sure purple is a good color with grey (or any other color really), but Kerry gifted it to me, for pre coming into 10th place, so that's the prize you can expect for finishing just out of single digits in his contests.

Thanks Kerry. I hope you all join in the college pick 'em next year. Watch me jump out to a HUGE lead and then falter at the end.