So.

As is fairly evident, my postings have been few, far between and really, not that great. I have post series that have been ignored (Throwback Thursday, Hidden Gems, etc...), post thoughts that currently resides in a text document in a document folder, as well as stacks of cards that need to be scanned, thanked and organized. I work in my card room/office daily, so I see stacks upon stacks of card, mostly meant to be outbound, and a simple question comes to mind

What happened?

It's actually a fairly difficult question to break down into a concise and coherent answer, but let's have at it. For starters, I'm active in my attempts to bring income into the household. From the regular job, Uber, LetGo/OfferUp, eBay (soon, but nothing of my collection) - goal #1 is always finances. And quite frankly, I frigging hate it. I hate how survival is based on these green pieces of paper. The analogy of finding a deer so the family can eat becomes short lived when half the deer meat is spoiled. It zaps your motivation. Your pleasure. Your sense of accomplishment. Your self worth. Since failure is not an option though (thanks Gene Kranz), I plug away.

Ceri is......well, Ceri. Doctor after doctor, medication after medication, diagnosis after diagnosis - we still don't have a firm answer. Mayo said fibromyalgia, which is just a BS response when they have no answers. It's not fibromyalgia. This whole household knows it's not that, but we'll play the game for now. I know her anxiety complicates the issue, but there is truly something that starts the pain. We are working to better treat her fears and other mental needs in the hope that until we get a good solution, her life is manageable.

My regular job is unfulfilling, which I am sure the rest of you feel about your careers. Some days we are overworked, with the same mind numbing calls each day that cause you, at least myself, to question why am I in the job, or even this field. Pile a heaping dollop of micromanagement into the mix and the day ends with the mind taxed to the limit and needing inane activity to wind down for the day. Thank you Destiny 2. (side note: if anyone plays that and wants to hang out, shoot me a message with your tag. PS4 only).

And there in lies the rub. I like to blog. As I have said in the past, I write for me more than for you. It keeps my mind sharp and my sarcasm sharper. But when you are worn down, it's hard to work out what you want to say and construct it into something somewhat interesting to read. Greg - have no idea how you write a newspaper article daily. Thank goodness that is not my career. I put a lot of energy into my posts. I like working them out, constructing the sentences and the flow of the post and then releasing it to the world. I hate "dialing it in". I have done a few like that, and, back up to the self worth statement, I don't want to hit my psyche doing something half ass. I take pride in all I do, with 101% effort being the goal at all times. And I'm my harshest critic. It's important I strive for the best I can do.

There's a little of the personal life. I tend to be fairly private, so if any of you use it against me I will destroy you. For a more focused update on the blog and other card related things, I am hoping to get rid of the last of the Tis The Seasons mailing by the end of July. I will put a focused effort on those, as there is really not much card wise to buy, and I don't have the cash for what I want anyhow. Plus I have a fair amount of "owes" mailings along with "here, you should have these" mailings to get packaged and sent out. Soon. As I mentioned, organization is dreadful right now, though I think it's really bad because of the backlog of of incoming mailings. Maybe I need to just cut myself a break of being perfect when I post.

HAHAHAHA......"perfect".

Oh, and before I get to some scan folder cleaning, I have a goal for myself. Not a promise to any of you, cuz I suck at them, but a goal: post 7 days in a row. I have done this before, and I can do it again. The hope if if I take the time to focus on content, I get break out of the funk, get the mind working as it should and show some appreciation for the generosity I have received. I can get Throwback Thursday back on track, which is a no brainer post. And knock out a Hidden Gem, which requires some effort to pair up the card with the song, and be somewhat entertaining in the process. Goals....

How about three quick thanks over 6 images?

Jeff Pederson (non blogger) snagged up the bags of 2016 Topps in TTS (they are mailing soon, Jeff). He dropped a well stuffed PWE back in thanks )not needed, but appreciated). I love the blue border Bazooka. In fact, that whole set was fun. Hey Topps - maybe Bazooka as a replacement for Opening Day?

Jeff really dropped the colors on me. Always felt that blue sparkle redemption card from Update was the best looking sparkly thing Topps released. It's a good color choice. Much better than the green or that red abomination.

John from Johnny's Trading Spot dropped a healthy lot of bunting cards. I think I have a 2nd mailer here from him I need to organize, but let's enjoy this stack showing the art of the lay down. Some better than others.

I said it was a fat lot of bunts. And a single double play card. I have no idea who that player was on the south side.

Brian Simpson (do you blog?) also grabbed a stack in TTS and felt the need to mail something back. That's not how this works!!!! But thanks. Some rookie ChiSox hit the headquarters. May is back in the minors. Anderson is doing fairly well in the show, but needs to stop striking out so much. Puckett is on the 7 day DL (since April), so I have no idea what the Sox plan are with him.

A newer minor leaguer with  Basabe, who is still in the minor getting his skills up. Such the difference in years when you see what was released as a minor league card 20+ years ago. Fernandez had an ok career, but I think more was expected from him. Missed a no hitter by two outs. Merullo had an uneventful 6 years in the pros.

There we have it. Day 1 of 7 posts (or more hopefully).  So.......

Be back tomorrow

Been almost a month since I have posted. Lot going on, but I will get a post up tomorrow with some updates on a lot of stuff and plans for the future. Missing the 2x3 headquarters - it's all dusty here. And is the Jimmy Hoffa in the corner behind that stack of '92 Upper Deck?

Ok - talk to you tomorrow. Until then, here's a card that even Prince would say "damn - get a real mustache".

Mustache in training....

Break it down!!

I think I have only ever participated in one group break online with all those breakers you can purchase from via ebay or directly on their sites. Main reason is the price. Yeah, sure, whatever - I don't get all the extra cards, and hopefully I get what I want, but I still think many breakers are overpriced. My opinion - I could be wrong.

Survey SAYS....!

But when bloggers do group breaks, I try to get in on the ones I find fit my budget and fill needs in the Sox box. Been is a couple over the past months, and it's about time I thank the breakers and share some spoils. First up, Colby from Cardboard Collections did what he called an affordable group break. The price was right, and it almost didn't happen, so I grabbed a 2nd slot to get it filled. Along with my Sox, I picked the Pirates, and my random teams ended up being the Indians and Tigers. A lot of AL Central for me.

There were three boxes in the break: 2002 Topps Gallery and 2004 Topps Clubhouse Collection. Colby also threw in some bonuses, one being a blaster of Diamond Kings. I think I pulled the whole Sox team set from Gallery, along with that sweet Kendall in a throwback.

The Clubhouse Collection was a hit per pack product. I grabbed the Pirates since there was a Clemente relic, but nothing from my other teams. Fortunately, if you are going to be shut out of 75% of your teams, when you score twice on your main, it's a joyous thing. I look forward to your next affordable break, Colby.

The other recent was run by new daddy Chris at Nacho Grande. Chris called it retro, breaking six total boxes: 02 Fleer Triple Crown, 12 Coopertown, 97 Sports Illustrated, 09 Bowman Chrome, and both a 98 and 12 box of Gold Label. I had my White Sox and the Brewers (blah). Chris threw in some random packs as well, so let's look at the good stuff.

Two for the player collections. I need another Paulie from my throwback binders. I really would like to see the Sox bring back those 1917 uniforms. One would have thought they could have made an appearance for a few games last year. Sigh.....

These really constitute my only "hits" from the break. A black foil Moncada, a city variation of Abbott, and a needed Big Hurt, if only a class 1. Not sure when the next time Chris will do another break, being he had to go and be a dad (FOOL!). Seriously - I wish nothing but the absolute best for your whole family. Fatherhood just gets better and better.

Unless your baby grows up to be a degenerate.

Them's the bre.....wait, what's this?

As I was about to put together another amazingly witty and humorous post....

......Well, it's got a lot of laughs and smart thoughts....

....Which, by that, means that people could get a chuckle or two while reading, or gain insight into new....

.....it is my first post in nine days.

Thanks for the support, Michelle. Anyway, as I was saying, I was going to write up one post, until I took a look in a folder and realized I had a tons of scans within that are a few months old, and I venture to say the actual mailer was from sometime in 2017. Let's do a little cleaning, and a lot of thanking, to the sender - Matt from Once A Cub. I am long overdue with a return package (where have we heard that before), and Matt really dropped a hell of a bomb on me with this mailer.

Image heavy post for you dial up users. Also, how about an A/S/L for you dial up users as well.

See that really, REALLY pathetic box on the left side of my baker's dozen commons? The one that has a crapload of empty space? These eight cards made all the white space. I'll need to get eight more into the list. It's not like I don't have filler for the wants. That Garcia at the top is the unique combo of a throwback and a bunt. Considering it was the longest on the list, I put it in both collections on Zistle (RIP). Who knows if a 2nd will come into my possession.

Double Plays. Vizcaino is from Spring Training I am sure. I think the Miller is too, though that could be old Shea in the background. Never been to the park.

Throwbacks as well. I still need to finish the Franchise Flashback set from 2015 Opening Day. I hope the Dodgers bring back the proper powder blues in the future.

Yummy, yummy bunting. If you look close, that Garvey is nowhere near a bunt. However, Matt dropped a note on that card stating "terrible bunting form". I agree. And humor gets it a pocket in the binder.

Sox box!!!! I'll take any Sale rookies out there. You have your standard Pacific scan, which means you cannot see anything on the card in the Magglio. Nice TRU purple (RIP)   ʞıupǝspod ʇʇoɔs :ɐ

These were new additions to their respective player collections. Crede pre high cuffs.

Matt also sent a ton of cards as possible inclusions to the Hidden Gems binder. So let's see who made the cut in each image I scanned.
Bolton: nice image of a ferris wheel in the back ground, but no
Alou: Interesting position, but didn't make the cut. But I may have to revist that decision
Altuve: Nah - bad cropping
Fernandex: ditto
Rodriguez: Also bad cropping, but almost was forgiven
Wolf: Currently no, but another I may revisit

Reddick: Nah. Better for a Stadium Club release.
Ramirez: Maybe for the bad shop job, but no.
Ladd: Currently no, but most likely the first of the revisits to make it. Great afro
Gibson: In. No brainer
Cole: Tempting, but passed. Composition is all off
Buhner: YES! Wait - no. Rules are it has to be on the front of the card. Damn rules....

Guiterrez: Perfect framing - it's makes the cut.
Brett: Are you even asking? How amazing is that photo????? No brainer - in.
Logan: TOTALLY IN!!!! I need to get that card TTM'd.
Cabrera: Currently on the fence. You would think it would be an easy in, but I wish it was not so zoomed in. More green would have made this card.
Blanco: This. This is what I mean about too zoomed in. Plenty of tan to encompass the subjects. It's in.

And a few last randoms words:

Score Gold Rush scans like total shit.

Bunting looks great, no matter how busy the design is.

Matt buried me in Panini Diamond Kings from the White Sox. I'll find a place for the dupes.

BOOM! Hits. The red GQ relics were numbered to 50 if I recall. Trey is currently in AA with the Birmingham Barons. Garcia is a sparkle variation. It's on the bat barrel under hit arm pit. And Buehrle is just an awesome relic of an awesome pitcher.

So a very belated thanks, Matt. You done my collection and my scanner well. No side eye from me.

BBA: Sign up the team

So the latest Blog Bat Around was suggested by Zippy over at Torren' Up Cards. If you have seen others, I won't get into too much detail. Just click the link if you want the ground rules. Let's just right into it.

Catcher:

From the start, I have a tough call with the backstop. But I am going to go with a guy that has 13 rings, 18 All Star appearances and 3 MVPs. There was none better during his era.

Honorable Mention: Gary Carter

First Base:

Going with Moose at first. Five World Series rings and an 8 time All Star - it's tough to put any of the other autos I have above him, even if their might be some room for argument.

Honorable Mentions: Paul Konerko, Frank Thomas, Pete Rose

Second Base:

This one is tough. There just isn't enough hard data to decide if the honorable mention could take this spot. Different eras and different leagues. If we Iguchi had a full MLB career, who knows. But I am going with the HOF member with 9 All Star appearances, even if the other has a WS ring.

Honorable Mention: Tadahito Iguchi

Shortstop:

Weakest position I have in the autograph binder, so let's go with BoSox fav Bucky "F***ing" Dent. He is a three time All Star with 2 World Series rings, nabbing the MVP award in one of those two fall classics.

Honorable Mentions: Alexei Ramirez, Ozzie Guillen

Third Base:

The only "not on card" auto in this post, since I own it, he has to got the spot. You would be hard pressed to find anyone that played 3rd base better. You can argue Schmidt's batting numbers, but position wise, Robinson set the bar everyone is trying to beat: 18 All Star appearances, 16 Gold Gloves, 2 World Series wins, an AL MVP and a World Series MVP, and a first ballot HOFer with 92% of the vote.

Honorable Mentions: Robin Ventura, Joe Crede

Outfield:

Two of these are no brainers for the readers. Kaline's HOF career with 18 All Star games, a World Series win and 10 Gold Gloves. Then you have Raines with seven mid summer appearances, 3 WS rings and 4 times stolen base leader. And when you see a few of the honorable mentions, you my question my selection of Harold Baines. But Harold deserves a spot in the hall (in my opinion) and would be the third player in the grass on my team. Six All Star appearances and a ring in 2005 - he gets the third spot.

Honorable Mentions: Minnie Minosa, Juan Pierre, Boog Powell, Aaron Rowand, Sandy Alomar

DH/PH:

He didn't make first base cuz I could put the Big Hurt here. Why are you even reading this? Of all the roster spots, this was the easiest.

Honorable Mentions: Harold Baines

Starting Pitcher:

Before I even post an image, let go with the Honorable Mentions, cuz holy shit - you try and pick from this list:

Steve Stone, Chris Sale, Jack McDowell, Ralph Branca, Curt Simmons, Clayton Kershaw, Mark Buehrle, Billy Pierce, Orlando Hernandez

Ultimately, I am going with Bullet Bob. Sure - his career is not much. Just 9 All Star games, 2 World Series rings with the MVP award in both, another MVP award in the regular season, 9 Gold Gloves, 2 Cy Young awards and a no hitter. BIG WHOOP! In the future, there is a chance Kershaw could take his spot in the rotation, but maybe not. I can really only think of a couple guys that would take this position that sign and can be easier autographs to acquire: Koafax or Ryan. But unless luck shines upon me, or one of your readers are generous (please don't be - I could never repay the kindness), Gibson will be my starter.

Middle Relief:

Yes, one of these was more a starter and the other a closer, but they did have some relief appearances, so that is my excuse to work them out of the pen. El Duque had a famous relief appearance during the 2005 playoffs, getting the ChiSox out of a bases loaded/no one out jam. Foulke was part of the famous White Flag trade and worked with Bobby Howry in closing out games in the 90s.

Honorable Mentions: Cliff Politte, Brandon McCarthy, Addison Reed, Erik Johnson, Gerry Staley. Alex Colome

Closer:

This spot is probably the easiest to debate, and some of the honorable mentions could get the nod. I'm going with Roberto, though. Of all the closer autographs, he has the most saves, and his stats are equal or better then the ones mentioned below. But I would put any of the players mentioned here on the mound in the 9th with confidence.

Honorable Mentions: Bobby Thigpen, Keith Foulke, Dustin Hermanson

So there you have my team. Ya know - I bet one of the readers of my post, or any of the others BBAs, has a Strat-O-Matic and can find out which blogger has the best autograph team. Someone with plenty of time and no life should really get on that.

Clearing the pile

I while back, I mentioned how I have a stack of incoming packages at the edge of my desk that needs attention. Less because of the sorting and far more because I need to say thanks. Failure to post and give props to those that took the time to send me awesome rectangles sure gives the impressions I am an ungrateful bastard.

100% more baseball cards. 100% less Nazis.

Let's have at it. Starting with an oldie but a goodie. Many, MANY moons ago Dennis at Too Many Verlanders had a giveaway of stuff he just didn't want. I jumped at a single item, but Dennis being Dennis (ie too cool) included a couple packs of UD Heroes. Highlights?

But the one item I asked for was an old Starting Lineup figure.

That little beauty sits on a brick from Old Comiskey in my room. Pepper passed away a few years back, so TTMing that card is unfortunately not an option, but she has autos on eBay if I so desired.

Peter from Baseball Every Night dropped a PWE on me a couple months (or more) back.

Remember when Bowman came back with the oversized cards? Yeah - that was a mistake. Peter also dropped some current year cards on me. I was toying with a Moncada PC, but 5 seconds later I came to my senses and decided against it. Thanks Peter.

Trevor from Bump and Run selected a stack in the TTS giveaway (it is boxed up with 3 others and should go out this week). But in the kindness of Trevor, he sent over cards feeling like he needed to return the favor. They were NOT needed, but certainly not refused, either.

90's inserts - amirite?

Some binder and set needs. I will complete that 2008 UD set someday. Not a lot of those in dime boxes, unfortunately. Always nice to see the Padres brown uniforms on cards. Someday, San Diego...

And a few current Sox, and that sweet, strangely thick Rowand gray swatch for the PC. Thanks Trevor.

Last, but not least, is Gavin from Baseball Card Breakdown. Curiously, his note in the package didn't comment about my manliness or other power I possess. Just a simple "here". So what does here include?

Atomic refractors and a blue Fulmer. Yes, I now collect Joey Bats. If you have dupes, I want them. I'll explain later.

I lot of shiny. I put all these together cuz I wanted to see how shitty the scan would look. Except for the refractors, I was not disappointed.

VINTAGE! That '63 was a card that was not on my list, which means I will have to shuffle a ton of cards in the vintage team set binders. I have built in extra card spaces in the pages, so hopefully it will not be a lot of "shift one to the right" moves.

A couple for the Crede binder, and a sweet (not sick) Petrick patch. This is the 4th relic of Ben's in my collection. And as beautiful as a relic is, the best you can get from a Gavin mailing is his customs.

Boom. The back of the Pierce makes it look like a picture frame you would hang on the wall or set on a mantle. And the Ozzie....well, that speaks for itself. Another fine custom from the episode Homer At the Bat. Thanks Gavin.

Again - a hearty gratitude to all you for the great cardboard. Just a few thousand stacks or less to go.