The Break, Day 11 Packs 61-66

I want to start off this break post with a thanks to my man, Mark, a This Way to the Clubhouse for yet another awesome trade. The gifts will be posted soon. Great stuff as always. And if you haven't dealt with Mark yet, you, my friends, are missing out. Clink on the link above to visit Mark's World.

Tonight we start the final leg of the break with this year's Pro Debut. I had to do a little research on the affiliates, but it is done. I'm going to list the Minor League team name with Major League team in parenthesis. As for the picture, I don't know enough of these players to pretend who's good and who's not, so I'm going to pick the best looking card or the team with the coolest name. Let's get started.

Better Beer Face

Pack 61
Heath Hembree - Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants)
Deck McGuire - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays)
John Hellweg - Inland Empire 66ers (Angels)
Travis d-Arnaud - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays)
Trevor Story - Asheville Tourists (Rockies)
Justin Boudreaux - Ogden Raptors (Dodgers)
Nick Urbanus - AZL Rangers (Rangers)
Todd McInnis - Batavia Muckdogs (Marlins)









Pack 62
Robbie Grossman - Bradenton Marauders (Pirates )
Nestor Molina - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays)
Tyler Thornburg - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers)
Jake Marisnick MiLB All-Star - Lansing Lugnuts (Blue Jays)
Juan Perez - Billings Mustangs (Reds)
Trey McNutt - Tennessee Smokies (Cubs)
Scooter Gennett - Bevard County Manatees (Brewers)
Zack Cox - Springfield Cardinals (Cardinals)








Pack 63
Cody Buckel - Hickory Crawdads (Rangers)
Miguel Santos - Elizabethton Twins (Twins)
Gary Brown - San Jose Giants (Giants)
Luis Jimenez Auto - Arkansas Travelers (Angels)
Jett Bandy - Inland Empire 66ers (Angels)
Josh Parr - Missoula Osrey (Diamondbacks)
Mark Haddow - Great Falls Voyagers (White Sox)
Matt Davidson - Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks)








Pack 64
Casey Crosby - Erie Sea Wolves (Tigers)
Taylor Lindsey - Orem Owlz (Angels)
Mike Olt - Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Rangers)
Alexi Amarista - Salt Lake Bees (Angels)
Bryce Harper - Syracuse Chiefs (Nationals)
Kevin Pillar - Bluefield Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Tim Shibuya - Elizabethton Twins (Twins)
Ryan Brett - Princeton Rays (Rays)








Pack 65
Allen Webster - Chattanooga Lookouts (Dodgers)
Kole Calhoun - Inland Empire 66ers (Angels)
John Lamb - Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals)
Anthony Gose MiLB All-Star - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays)
Taylor Motter - Princeton Rays (Rays)
Mike Murray - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (Giants)
Nick Castellanos - West Michigan White Caps (Tigers)
Jonathan Griffin - Missoula Osprey (Diamondbacks)


Pack 66
Kevin Matthews - Spokane Indians (Rangers)
Wil Myers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals)
Javier Baez - Boise Hawks (Cubs)
Steven Proscia - High Desert Mavericks (Mariners)
James Allen - Billings Mustangs (Reds)
Nicholas Cuckovich - AZL Royals (Royals)
Nicholas Tropeano - Tri City Valley Cats (Astros)
Jace Peterson - Eugene Emeralds (Padres)








Nice start to breaking the young 'ens. For some reason, I've really liked this set since its inception in 2010. Just something different, I guess. What do you guys think?

Oh, and as a wrestling fan, I'd be remiss to point out the name of the third player in the break, John Hellweg. Although spelled different, the name automatically reminded me of Jim Hellwig. Who is Jim Hellwig you ask?

Recognize this Whack-job?

The Break, Day 10 Packs 55-60

I know that I've commenting on the playoffs during the break, but I will not be commenting on the NLCS in any of my posts from henceforth. I am not a Cardinal or Giants fan, nor will I ever claim to be. Therefore, I cannot bring myself to cheer for either. So...GO UMPIRES!!!

Now, let's get started.

Pack 55

Matt Cain - Giants

Jordan Pacheco RC - Rockies

Liam Hendricks RC - Twins

Kyle Seager - Mariners

Pack 56

Mike Moustakas - Royals

Ryan Braun - Brewers

Wei-Yin Chen RC Refractor - Orioles

Lance Berkman - Cardinals

Pack 57

Josh Beckett - Red Sox

Johnny Cueto - Reds

Alex Avila - Tigers

Prince Fielder - Tigers

Pack 58

Lucas Duda - Mets

Kyle Blanks - Padres

Tom Milone RC Red Refractor Auto 10/25 - A's

Adrian Gonzalez - Red Sox

Pack 59

Josh Johnson - Marlins

Mark Buehrle Blue Refractor 40/199 - Marlins

Brett Lawrie RC - Blue Jays

Kevin Youkilis - Red Sox

Pack 60

Craig Kimbrel Red Refractor 19/25 - Braves

Alex Rodriguez - Yankees

Matt Moore RC - Rays

Carlos Ruiz - Phillies

Wow! What a great end to the Chrome box! Great stuff. As an update, only one claimed team went through the chrome box without a "hit." That was the Astros. No worries, Anthony. You will be taken care of my friend. Also, I will start taking suggestions for the next group break. You can leave me a comment or light up the inbox. I'll go ahead and tell you. It will not include anything like Triple Threads or Playoff Prime Cuts. Something all of us can afford is the basic guideline.

The Break, Day 9 Packs 49-54

Glad to say after two games in the ALCS, the only team I can bring myself to cheer for left in the playoffs is actually winning. Great job by the Tigers and future AL MVP Miguel Cabrera and company to stun the Evil Empire with wins in the Bronx. Can you tell I'm not a Yankees fan?

Pack 49
Eric Surkamp RC - Giants
Justin Verlander - Tigers
Cliff Lee - Phillies
Billy Butler - Royals













Pack 50
Kirk Nieuwenhuis RC - Mets
Ian Kinsler - Rangers
Andrelton Simmons RC Refractor - Braves
Starlin Castro - Cubs











Pack 51
Alex Gordon - Royals
Aramis Ramirez - Brewers
Mike Trout X-fractor - Angels
Paul Konerko - White Sox








Pack 52
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees
Ryan Lavarnway Auto - Red Sox
Matt Moore RC - Rays
Robinson Cano - Yankees












Pack 53
Mark Trumbo - Angels
Gio Gonzalez Refractor - Nationals
Shane Victorino - Phillies
Matt Holliday - Cardinals












Pack 54
Cole Hamels - Phillies
Wilin Rosario RC Refractor - Rockies
Mark Buehrle - Marlins
Curtis Granderson - Yankees












I'm sure Tom is ecstatic right now. His first Trout yesterday. Now a Trout X-fractor today, and Trumbo in the next pack. Very nice, Tom. Bet it will never happen again.

The Break, Day 8 Packs 43-48

On the heels of witnessing the epic disaster that was Cards-Nats Game 5, I don't have much to say that I care repeating on this "family" blog. I mean, really. I digress...time for the second day of Chrome.

Pack 43
Jered Weaver - Angels
Drew Hutchison RC Auto - Blue Jays
Jason Heyward - Braves
Mike Trout - Angels












Pack 44
Jhoulys Chacin - Rockies
Justin Upton - Diamondbacks
Jose Reyes Refractor - Marlins
Drew Smyly RC - Tigers












Pack 45
Matt Garza - Cubs
Jacoby Ellsbury X-fractor - Red Sox
Jose Bautista - Blue Jays
Rickie Weeks - Brewers








Pack 46
Torii Hunter - Angels
Tommy Hanson - Braves
Desmond Jennings - Rays
Adrian Cardenas - Cubs












Pack 47
David Wright - Mets
Gio Gonzalez - Nationals
Chris Carpenter Blue 183/199 - Cardinals









Pack 48
Wilin Rosario RC - Rockies
Josh Hamilton - Rangers
Michael Bourn Refractor - Braves













So there you have it. An auto and a blue refractor. Not sure why packs 47 and 48 had only three cards. Packing snafu or something. Overall, pretty great day for The Break!

The Break, Day 7 Packs 37-42

Sobering news today, folks. The Yankees have again reached the ALCS. I'm sure John Rocker is rolling in his grave. Wait just a moment. I'm getting word that Rocker is still alive, ladies and gentleman. Well, ok then. Umm...not sure where to go from there except start ripping packs. My apologies, Mr. Rocker.

Yes, I seriously own this card! Don't judge.

We are starting the Chrome tonight, so...LLLLLLLLLLLET'S GET READY TO RIP THEM!!!

Pack 37
Ichrio - Mariners
Brandon Belt Refractor - Giants
Allen Craig - Cardinals
Irving Falu - Royals












Pack 38
Buster Posey Refractor - Giants
Addison Reed RC - White Sox
Carlos Gonzalez - Rockies
Alex Gordon - Royals












Pack 39
Albert Pujols X-fractor - Angels
Derek Holland - Rangers
David Price - Rays
James Darnell RC - Padres












Pack 40
Jesus Montero Dynamic Die Cuts - Mariners
Tim Federowicz RC - Dodgers
Hanley Ramirez - Marlins
Miguel Bautista - Tigers












Pack 41
Adam Dunn - White Sox
Dustin Ackley - Mariners
Carlos Santana X-fractor - Indians
Devin Mesoraco RC - Reds












Pack 42
Jesus Montero RC - Mariners
Shane Victorino - Phillies
Johnny Cueto - Reds
Jacob Turner - Tigers












It's all about the shiny. Pretty good stuff. Really great to find that Pujols X-fractor. No variations yet, but we've just started. Like Forest said, "Packs are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." Or something like that.

That's all I have to say about that. 

The Break, Day 6 Pack 31-36

Congrats to the Giants for beating the lifeless Reds and making it to the NLCS. Lets see if we find some El Gigantes to celebrate.

Pack 31
Joaquin Benoit - Tigers
Jeremy Guthrie - Orioles
Jose Arredondo - Reds
Yasmini Grandal RC - Padres
Jose Quintana RC - White Sox
Jesus Montero '87 Mini - Mariners
Don Mattingly Golden Greats - Yankees
Laynce Nix - Phillies
Joey Devine - A's
Jeremy Hermida - Padres






Pack 32
Ernesto Frieri - Angels
Darren O'Day - Orioles
Matt Albers - Red Sox
Omar Infante - Tigers
Matt LaPorta - Indians
Gary Carter '87 Mini - Mets
Xavier Avery RC - Orioles
Joe Kelly RC - Cardinals
Hector Santiago RC - White Sox
Luis Perez - Blue Jays






Pack 33
Darnell McDonald - Yankees
Kris Medlen - Braves
Jacob Diekman RC - Phillies
Roy Oswalt - Rangers
Billy Butler Golden Moments - Royals
Nolan Ryan Golden Giveaway - Rangers
Matt Cain - Giants
Billy Butler ASG - Royals
Carlos Beltran ASG - Cardinals
Wade Miley RC - Diamondbacks


Pack 34
Tyler Chatwood - Rockies
Wilson Valdez - Reds
Christian Friedrich - Rockies
Erasmo Ramirez - Mariners
Ichiro Blockbuster - Yankees
Harmon Killebrew Golden Greats - Twins
Brian Dozier RC - Twins
Giancarlo Stanton ASG - Marlins
Joe Nathan ASG - Rangers
Chipper Jones ASG - Braves






Pack 35
Casey McGehee - Pirates
J.P. Howell - Rays
Henry Rodriguez -Nationals
Travis Snider - Pirates
Jairo Asencio Gold - Cubs
Lou Gehrig '87 Mini - Yankees
Wandy Rodriguez - Pirates
Stephen Strasburg ASG - Nationals
Eduardo Escobar RC - Twins
Tommy Milone - A's






Pack 36
Jose Mijares - Royals
Randy Choate - Marlins
Miguel Batista - Mets
Francisco Liriano - White Sox
Reyes/Braun/Kemp Gold - Mets
Jon Lester Golden Moments - Red Sox
Aaron Cunningham - Indians
Tim Dillard - Brewers
Adam Dunn ASG - White Sox
Carlos Gonzalez ASG - Rockies






Only Mr. Cain showed up today, buts it's nice to see the Royals finally representing. Nice assortment of inserts, especially of retired players. That does it for the Update box. Tomorrow we'll be starting on Chrome. Gonna be so great stuff.

The Break, Day 5 Packs 25-30

Lets get to it.

Pack 25
Alfredo Aceves - Red Sox
Luis Ayala - Orioles
Craig Breslow - Diamondbacks
Derek Norris RC - A's
Austin Kearns Gold Sparkle - Marlins
Trevor Bauer Golden Giveaway - Diamondbacks
Ross Detwiler - Nationals
R.A. Dickey ASG - Mets
Ryan Cook ASG - A's
Jered Weaver ASG - Angels






Pack 26
Shelly Duncan - Indians
Brian Bogusevic - Astros
Jamey Wright - Dodgers
Josh Vitters RC - Cubs
Bautista/Granderson/Teixeira Gold- Blue Jays
Carlton Fisk Blockbusters - White Sox
Prince Fielder HRD - Tigers
Chris Perez ASG - Indians
Curtis Granderson ASG - Yankees
Craig Kimbrel ASG - Braves






Pack 27
Josh Harrison - Pirates
Angel Pagan - Giants
Kyle McClellan - Cardinals
Jacob Turner - Tigers
Jason Marquis - Padres
Albert Belle '87 Mini - Indians
Casey Kotchman - Indians
Matt Moore RC - Rays
Dan Uggla ASG - Braves
David Freese ASG - Cardinals

Pack 28

Edwin Jackson - Nationals

Phil Coke - Tigers

Reed Johnson - Braves

Marco Scutaro - Giants

Manny Parra Gold Sparkle - Brewers

Brad Ziegler - Diamondbacks

John McDonald Black - Diamondbacks

Carlos Gonzalez ASG - Rockies

Asdrubal Cabrera ASG - Indians

Will Middlebrooks RC - Red Sox

Pack 29
Luke Scott - Rays
Chad Durbin - Braves
Quintin Berry RC - Tigers
Tyler Moore RC - Nationals
Ryan Ludwick Gold Sparkle - Reds
Warren Spahn Golden Giveaway - Braves
Todd Frazier - Reds
Alex Burnett - Twins
Jeff Keppinger - Rays
Mark Lowe - Rangers






Pack 30
Marco Estrada - Brewers
Rafael Soriano - Yankees
Darren Oliver - Blue Jays
Starling Marte RC - Pirates
Jacoby Ellsbury Gold - Red Sox
Tim Lincecum Golden Moments - Giants
Kevin Millwood - Mariners
Marc Rzepczynski - Cardinals
Brian Fuentes - Cardinals
Ian Kinsler ASG - Rangers






Nice stuff today. Really like the John McDonald Black. It was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't aware Topps put the black in the Update box. Definitely no complaints, though.