Your Thoughts?

As I revealed earlier this month, I have increased my player collections substantially by creating what is now three binders:

1) Rockies Stars Past & Present

2) Favorite Players from Teams not in Colorado

3) Sweet Rookies, Oddballs and Throwback Unis

I've tossed around the idea of adding a couple more players to each of the first two binders. Of course, the decision is ultimately mine, but I would like some feedback from my readers and fellow bloggers.

The only Rocky currently under consideration is Tyler Colvin.

While with the Cubs, I watched Colvin personally when he was playing for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. TC batted .290 with 18 bombs and 72 RBI in his first season a mile high. I like his approach at bat and his willingness to play wherever Jim Tracy wanted him last season.

For my Best of the Rest binder, Jon Jay is up for discussion.

To be quite honest, I love watching Jay bat. I love the bat jumping up and down on his shoulder, the confidence he has getting the bat through the zone and the sheer power it generates. I may not be as much as Matt Kemp or even Carlos Beltran, but I'd watch Jay over those guys any day.

His sweet 2013 Topps didn't hurt either.

Finally, I don't know if anybody collects Dan Haren, but I may start.

I've had a strange obsession with ole Danny boy. Can't explain it, but it is what it is. In 10 years with St. Louis, Oakland, Arizona and Anaheim, Haren has 119 career wins with a 3.66 ERA. A lot of people hate on Haren because he's "injury-prone" and his control is sometimes questionable, but Dan has started 33+ games in seven of his ten season and has led the league in Strikeout to Walk ration three times.

There you have it. My three new candidates for binder-dom...or something like that. Please feel free to state your opinion. I'm also up for suggestions for all three. So, your thoughts?

Just to Say I Did

I'm going to show you the rest of my first order from Sportlots.

More Todd Heltons, of course. The 2007 Topps is actually the Hobby Edition Red Backs. Grabbed the 2010 Pro Debut Freeman, as well.

Minor side note: I love the look of the 2010 Pro Debut. May have to work on that set eventually.

2005 UD MVP = COMPLETE

2007 Topps Opening Day = COMPLETE

2011 Topps Allen & Ginter Hometown Heroes = ONE LEFT (#20)

Oh, so close!!!

Need Some 2013?

Ok, guys. I know I asked for help with the 2013 Flagship, which I still need a few, but I have some extras if anyone needs any help. Feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment if you need one or more. If you only need a couple, we can set up a PWE, so no worries there.

Here's what I've got:

4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 20, 21, 32, 34, 36, 37, 42, 47, 51, 52, 55, 57, 61, 64, 65, 68, 70,72, 73, 75, 76, 79, 80, 83, 89, 92, 94, 96, 102, 106, 113, 115, 120, 121, 123, 125, 126, 133, 138, 139, 146, 147, 149, 155, 159, 162, 163, 168, 169, 171, 180, 181, 182, 183, 185, 187, 189, 190, 192, 194, 195, 196, 197, 201, 209, 210, 211, 213, 214, 215, 216, 220, 224, 226, 238, 244, 248, 254, 260, 266, 277, 278, 279, 281, 287, 288, 291, 292, 297, 302, 304, 309, 310, 323, 325, 330

Chasing History - 7 (C. Santana; Holographic), 26 (Chipper; Gold), 30 (Dunn; Holographic)

Cut to the Chase - 21 (McCutchen)

So...what's your pleasure?

eBay = HALLELUJAH

I've been doing a lot of trolling on eBay lately. You know, looking for some 2013 inserts and, of course, Todd Helton. And, oh boy, do I have some great stuff to show you!

Say hello to my NEW little friend!!!

Words can honestly not describe how ecstatic I was to not only win this card, but the entire set and the Bazooka tin it came in. (Except maybe, OMG, OMG, OMG. But those are letter.) I was even more even excited to finally open the box and pulling the now most expensive card in my arsenal. (At least the one I've spend the most money on.)

And another one falls off my Top 5 Most Wanted List! I will be sending it off eventually to get it graded.

Next is a first here at HoTF. My first auto/patch card! Numbered 2/10!

I know I sound like a 15-year-old girl, but I love these cards.

Starting to come off my Rocky Mountain High, it is another installment of "Trying to Complete 2013 Series One". I found a seller doing the "you pick lot" thing. Those are great as long as they offer more than half the series.

Did have to buy Profar on its own, though. Can't win them all, I guess.

Couldn't leave out old Freddie. The McCutchens were a bonus.

Finally, Matt Cain rounds out the slew of recent eBay purchases. Die cut for under a dollar? Can't beat it.

So there you have it. Two awesome Heltons. Some 2013 love. I can dig it!

All the Way to a Great Haul

Mustard and Brown. What does that have to do with the Home of the Toddfather? Well, it means my 2013 Series One is almost complete!

Marcus from All the Way to the Backstop send me a huge stack of the flagship to cut my needs to 23. A little note, I've never completed a base set in less than 6 months. So close!

Of course, the inserts are a different story. If you have some to spare, check out my want list. I'd love the help.

Now back to the reason for the post...my treasures from Marcus...

Starting of course with the notables. I know everyone is watching Dylan Bundy in this years rookie class, but I'm anxious to see what Tyler Skaggs can bring to the D'Backs. I've seen him sparingly since I'm obviously not in that market. I am impressed with what I have seen, though.

Got the usual suspects as well. Reyes, Kimbrel, King Felix, Zimmerman, and my man Dan!

I really like these throwback uni cards. I have never been a big fan, but the card design draws me in to the goodness that is old-school duds.

The great, and awkward, shots from the group. Love the Kipnis mid-air turning two. Kearns holds the record for biggest dip in the set thus far. I have never liked Casey McGehee. I honestly think he is garbage. This shot doesn't help his case with me. My caption for this picture: "I hope coach doesn't put me in the field after this. I'm going to be indisposed for awhile."

So what. I'm childish. Wanna fight about it?

Then we have the inserts. Big fan of the Calling Cards. I always try to work on the "young guys" sets. Minis are always cool. The Chasing History is a bit perplexing to me. As I have stated prior to this post, I don't like the parallels in an insert set. I doubt I'll try for all three. Leaning toward the Holographic Foil. I'm curious as to everyone else thinks about these.

I'd be remiss if I didn't show a couple of the Rox Marcus sent. Pacheco trucking, and Tulo pondering. Love them both. Awesome additions to the Blake Street Bombers binder.

Thanks, Marcus. Every card is great and appreciated. Like what you see? Maybe you should go talk to Marcus, too.

Spiegel Strikes Again

This is Day Two of what should be a full slate of packaged goodies here at the Home of the Toddfather. Today, the bubble-wrapped glory comes all the way from Cali, Cali. (Small tangent: Favorite B.I.G. song is most definitely "Big Poppa". See Hardball starting Keanu Reeves.)

Anyway, I got a gift today that I was supposed to be expecting, but totally from Spiegel over at Nomo's Sushi Platter. This trade has been in the works for quite awhile, but we agreed to hold off on exchanging cardboard until we gathered more for each other.

I got my half today. (Spiegel, yours will be in the mail tomorrow.) Let's take a look-see, shall we?

In my deal trades with Spiegel, he always sends me some Rocky Mountain Purple. No shortage here. They are all great, but the Pomeranz and Giambi are awesome. The Gold Giambi can now come out of my COMC cart. I honestly forgot about ole Tyler Colvin. I may have to make a spot for him in the Blake Street Bombers binder before long. (Check my alliteration!)

A couple of Rox GUs. Yes, please! This is my first solo Larry Walker GU. I have at least one dual of him and Mr. Helton, but none on his own.

For only the second time I can recall, I have been sent a 2011 Bowman Platinum in a trade. Man, this set is hard to complete! No shocker really that Spiegel had an Ichiro to give up. If he's anything like me and I'm sure most of you, he has a whole box full of just double for his biggest PC.

On my search to complete the 2012 Topps Chrome Purple Refractor set, I realized, "Hey, maybe I should try to finish the base set, too, since I'm buying a crap-ton of blasters to try to get the purple." Great idea, Tim. Great idea.

The puzzle portion of my 2012 Triple Play set is nearing the finish line. I'm now down to just needing 15 out of 144. Taking a look at the leader board show us that Upton, Castro, Reyes, Hudson, Holliday, and Longoria have all tapped out, while the 15 remaining cards are spread out over 10 players.

J.Up - 0

Castro - 0

El Caballo - 1

Prince Albert - 1

Reyes - 0

A-Roid - 1

Cespedes - 1

Doc - 2

Cutch - 1

O-Dogg - 0

Posey - 2

Ichiro - 2

Holliday - 0

Longo - 0

Hamilton - 2

Joey Bats - 2

Thanks be to Spiegel and his awesome trade package for me. Great stuff, my friend.

A Package from the Clubhouse

Over the course of about seven months, I have developed a great friendship with Mark over at This Way to the Cluhouse. Mark and I have had some epic trades. We've been able to help each other build sets, player collections, and team collections.

A few days ago, Mark emailed me concerning the help I had requested on this very blog with 2013 Topps. He had a slew of doubles, and he was sending them my way. And send them he did! A nice stack of glorious 2013 flagship. I won't bore you with every card...just the ones I think you should see even though you've probably seen them hundreds of times already.

Take a look at these beautiful action shots. Didi looks like he could just float there forever. Oh, and I'm digging Mr. Weeks in the old school powder blues!

Miggy, Trout, and Beltre...talk about a Murder's Row. Better hope there is an Eric Byrnes batting behind Beltre in that lineup. You could at least pitch around one of them that way.

Is it just me or does Colby Rasmus look like he belongs in a boy band or on a skateboard in this shot for his '72 Mini? C'mon, man!!!

It's not often I get excited about a Yankee, but Tex was a pleasant addition to my Calling Card set. About half done with that one if I'm recalling correctly.

Mark was even gracious enough to toss in this Mauer GU for Ms. Ashley's PC. She was so excited when I told her something was coming for her in Mark's package. This is her first GU for Joe.

Thanks for the generosity, Mr. K. If you don't know Mark by know, you should. He'll hook you up, ladies and gentleman! And tell him Tim send you!

Sportlots, I Think I Love You

For months now, I've heard some of you talk about some website called Sportlots. One day, I had had enough of not knowing what it was about. I read about Adam's haul over on ARPSmith's Sportscard Obsession one afternoon and thought, "I've got to get in on this!"

That is exactly what I did. As a result, I was able to knock out a huge portion of my want list. I bought from two sellers and have only received one package so far.

Good news: I am now only missing five from 2012 Topps Update! 

Bad news: Two of them are Harper and Trout. YIKES!!!

I've been trying really hard to complete this set with the help of my friend at the flea market I attend regularly. No such luck. Sportlots, though, helped me nail it. I am currently only missing ONE 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter Hometown Heroes.

I even delved into the 2006 Ultra market picking up three from my want list. Unfortunately, the bulk of what I'm missing from this set is the "Lucky 13" cards.

Ok, I probably should have hit the 2012 Triple Play a little harder, but c'mon, who could pass up 2006 Ultra? This guy, that's who.

Two sets are completely D-O-N-E!!! 2012 Bowman and 2006 Topps SI for Kids, welcome to the Home of the Finished Sets.

Why is it so hard to complete the Topps Sticker sets? I think I'm done with these except for my PCs...that is unless I don't get sucked in by the $1.99 book and $.99 packs. Darn you, Target!

Slowly, but surely seems to be the theme of this blog. As long as it gets done right, there is no reason to rush. This Chrome Purple Refractors are getting scarce, though. I had to pick up what I could.

The only Toddfather from this seller come from the 2005 Topps Cracker Jack Sticker set. I'm 95% sure I don't already have it, but I could be mistaken. Regardless, it was just $.18. A dime, nickel and three pennies well spend.

This is just the start of what should shape up to be up to two weeks of awesome packages! I can't what to show you my latest eBay purchase. So latest that I haven't even paid for it at this moment!

2004 Studio

Who knew that Donruss would be foreshadowing what would eventually happen to Panini cards of today? Well, the 2004 Studio set does just that. No action shots!

All the cards from 2004 Studio are shot portrait-style with the backdrop of the city they play in behind. Sound familiar?

In 2004, Donruss still had its agreement with Major League Baseball to use team logos on the jerseys, hats and the cardboard itself. So these are completely terrible like the major leaguers in the 2011 Elite Extra Edition series.

Before you call me a hypocrite, let me just say I am collecting the 2011 Elite Extra Edition set because it is very small, relatively inexpensive and just plain weird without the logos.

Anyway, with only five of the 270 cards to call it a complete set, I'm offering what I do have from the '04 Studio for trade.

Here's what I've got:

3 Tim Salmon
28 Javy Lopez
80 Juan Pierre
157 Akinori Otsuka
199 Roy Halladay

A Valentine's Day Rack Pack

As we all know, it is Valentine's Day. The time of year that men (and some women) go out and spend extremely too much on flowers, balloons, dinner, jewelry and Lord knows what else because someone was genius enough to come up with a "romantic" holiday like this.

This year, I took a different approach and made dinner for Ashley. I am proud to announce that my house is still in tact, and everything is safe at the Byrd household. I did spring for a single rose and a small teddy bear to go with dinner, though. (Don't fret for her. Our anniversary is in eight days. Shoot me now.)

Anyway, being the awesome girlfriend she is, Ashley stopped by Wally World and picked up a 2013 rack pack for my Valentine's gift. Can't get much better than that!!!

Wanna see what I got? Of course you do.

These are the highlights of those I got to mark of the base set want list. I thankfully have arguably three of the priciest cards from the set via retail goodness (Harper, Trout, Rizzo). Bundy and Profar...You're next. (My best Goldberg impression.)

A silver foil Konerko and a Holographic foil Big Hurt and Carew from Chasing History. Not bad at all. Not sure how I feel about having the four different versions of an insert card, though. Kinda reminds me of Topps Stars, except better quality. 

Next, the other inserts. Altuve Chasing the Dream, Lincecum Calling Card and Votto '72 Mini. I'm a huge fan of these inserts! Especially, the Calling Cards. Can't wait to finish those.

Last, but not least...the cards that are up for trade. As I've stated before, the only blue and emerald I need are those from my PCs. Unless I think the picture is pretty sweet or unusual, they are on the block. The Nieuwenhuis and Jones are great photos, but not great enough to stay with me. Don't forget the Emerald League Leaders.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Or as my professor once said, "Happy VD!!!"

It's About Time

Ladies and gentleman, I have finally uploaded all the cards I've scanned to the Trade Bait page. I don't have the Game-Used or Autos up by team, not do I have the miscellaneous cards link up yet. So I'm not completely done. I'm getting there, though. Slowly, but surely.

"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming."

If you see anything you are interested in, feel free to shoot me an email, and it will be set aside for you.

Any questions about the cards up or anything else I may have, same rules apply. Just an email.

Anything on those pages are free game, and I'm ready to wheel and deal.

Thanks for reading. Hope to hear from you soon!

2007 SP Rookie Edition

There is not much to say about this set, except that, again, Upper Deck had a pretty good concept. With so many "small-ish" sets that UD came out with during this time period, it seems like a desperate attempt to keep up with Topps and Fleer, for that matter.

Topps kept the designs coming with Allen & Ginter, Turkey Red, Heritage, Co-Signers, etc. Fleer even had its base and Ultra, as well as the decent sized insert sets from both.

Rookie Edition wasn't even my favorite SP set of the mid-2000s. I, personally, loved the SPx sets, especially the 2002 design.

But I digress. I have some big names up for grabs here.

Here's what I've got:

31 Jose Reyes

34 Cole Hamels

35 Jimmy Rollins

43 Matt Cain

44 Barry Zito

67 Justin Verlander

75 Francisco Rodriguez

88 Felix Hernandez

91 Carl Crawford

2001 Topps Fusion

This set confused me a bit after buying a pack from the clearance box at Target a few years ago. "Why does this pack have different cards from different sets?" I thought to myself. As I started to catalog them, I noticed the numbers on the back did not match who should be that card number. Apparently, I did not notice the "Topps Fusion" label in the bottom left corner of the card.

Topps came up with the name "Fusion" because Bowman's Best, Finest, Gallery, Gold Label and Stadium Club are all fused into one set. (Thank you Baseballcardpedia.com!)

I like the idea, but one pack did not get me hooked. So have at it, my friends. Chipper and Biggio are the only big names, but all are cool cards.

Here's what I've got:
30 Chipper Jones
52 Dean Palmer
58 Craig Biggio
81 Geoff Jenkins
124 Jeff Segar

2013 Topps Help...Please?

Ok, guys. I'm looking for help with my 2013 Topps set. I've been buying just a few packs and hanger boxes since the debut of this year's flagship. Unfortunately, Christmas bills have kept me from buying more. Like a lot, if not all, of you, I have a budget for cardboard spending, and most of that budget is allocated to PCs and finishing older sets.

 My readers and fellow bloggers have been very helpful in the completion of plenty of my unfinished sets already, so I'm asking for your help. Any extras, unneeded or unwanted base and insert cards are welcome at the Home of the Toddfather. Parallels of my PCs in any color are also on the taken. The Helton Silver Slugger patch would be AMAZING!!!

Obviously, you'd be looking for something in return. No problem! While I don't have many extras from 2013, I'm sure I can drudge up something of your liking. If you have some you are willing to trade me, sent an email my way, and let's get the party started.

Hopefully, next month I can reallocate some money in the 2013 department.

Thanks, friends.

Obligatory DUI Post

Well, friends. We all make mistakes, right? I just hurts a little more when those you've looked up to for several years is the one making the pretty big mistake.

If you haven't heard by now, the Namesake was arrested at 2:30 this morning for drunken driving and careless driving. Don't believe me? Read the ESPN.com article.

Needless to say, we here (namely me) don't condone the actions of Todd nor agree with his lack of judgement. Obviously, I have no affiliation with the Rockies or Todd, but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt a little inside after reading the article.

Helton has left such a big imprint on the Denver area during his time there; thus, this does not change my opinion of him and the fact that he is my favorite player of All-Time.

Sure wish this hadn't happened, though.

Saturday Goodies & Trade Bait

The final installment of "Cards I Got on Saturday" has arrived. Through the snow and wind, I trekked to  my nearest flea market in search of some set building material and cards I though I couldn't live without. Unfortunately, my favorite seller did not brave the winter storm and left me looking elsewhere for my fix. After some looking around, I came out pretty good. Without any further ado, let me introduce you to my finds.

If you read my "vintage" post, you know that I recently decided to start collecting more pre-80s cards that are reasonably priced. Two of the cards I ordered to start this venture were 1977 Topps Mark Fidrych and Dock Ellis. As you can see, I came across some pretty big names from that '77 set, which was the only set I built on this day. Eck, Nettles, Perez and Catfish, with the most expensive being just $2.50 (Eck). Go me!!!

I was able to work on some Player Collections Longo, Kimbrel, Uggla and Freeman. I was shocked that I didn't already have the 2011 Gypsy Queen Uggla. Guess I need to pay better attention.

Arenado and Beachy were kinda random for me. I had saw the Arenado Bowman on eBay and liked the card but didn't pull the trigger. Second time is a charm for me, I guess. Ok, I lied, '77 Topps was not the only set I worked on. I'm slowly trying to complete the '11 Lineage Rookies set. I'm missing about have the set, and Beachy was one of them.

I know that Doug over at Sportscards from the Dollar Store is going to love these. 2010 Topps WWE Legends and a couple Heritage Chrome of Kane. I've watched wrestling on and off my whole life, so I gravitated to these rather quickly, especially the 2010 WWE.

Finally, I'll end with the two pieces of trade bait I picked up. Both were marked half-off, so I figured someone out there could use one of these really nice cards. First, a 2011 Topps 60 Shin-Soo Choo auto. The other a 2011 Update Leather Nameplate Zach Britton. I really like the Namplate. Simple yet extremely cool. Hit me up if you'd like one or the other...or both! Doesn't matter to me.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading. Any thoughts on my pick-ups from the weekend?