Tradeable Vagueness

Excuse the title. I'm working on perfecting the awkward headline.

I've been getting my trade groove on this week and enjoying getting back in the swing.

So, this is a blatant fishing expedition to see if anyone has a want list for 2012 Heritage (including a couple of SPs), 2013 Heritage (including an SP or three) and 2013 Archives. I have quite a bit - especially of the first and the last - for trade.

I'm desperately prowling for Heritage 2011 SPs.

I really need to hold my SPs back for SPs, as I'm sure you can understand why.

If you have needs from the sets mentioned above, please direct me to your want lists. I'm basically seeking Reds, Tigers and Cubs from those three sets but I still need to work up my own want lists.

This is all so very scattershot, so my apologies. Just hoping to get a trade dialogue started.

Meanwhile, because I dislike posting sans art, here's an auto I pulled from 2011 Heritage. RED SOX LEGEND Ted Wil....er, Ted Wills.

I'm looking to trade this for a Heritage 2011 auto from a team I collect.

2013 Cards for Trade

I wanted to get some 2013 trade bait up for anyone interested.

I'm interested in offers of various Reds and Tigers minis, Emeralds, various color parallels, other inserts, Jarrod Parker inserts or parallels  or nice vintage Reds and Cubs, naturally. I have a want list for older stuff linked from the front page.

I also have an assortment of base cards from most teams if anyone has a want list to point out to me.

First, I have a Jose Bautista Commemorative Patch card for trade. Looks nice. 

I'd deal it for any of the rookie patch cards or any other Commemorative Patch, EXCEPT for: Adam Jones, Dustin Pedroia, Trevor Bauer, Yonder Alonso, Billy Butler or Ryan Braun.

Other stuff for trade includes...

Cut to the Chase:
CTC-8 - Ryan Braun
CTC - 15 - Dustin Pedroia

Chasing the Dream:
CD20 - Tommy Milone
CD13- Drew Hutchison
CD10 - Giancarlo Stanton
CD23 - Jose Altuve

Emerald
279 - Vicente Padilla
95 - AL Wins Leaders
168 - Kyle Farnsworth
41 - Daniel Hudson
240 - JJ Putz

Calling Cards
CC- 5 Jon Papelbon
CC - 10 Tim Lincecum (possibly pending in deal, I'm unclear at this time)
(I have Brandon Phillips)

72 Minis
2 - Dan Haren
7 - Craig Kimbrel
31 - Mark Teixeira
35 - Felix Hernandez
39 - Yu Darvish

Chasing History
CH5 - Yogi Berra
CH26 - Chipper Jones
CH34 - Robin Yount
CH36 - Kerry Wood
CH40 - Mike Schmidt
CH41 - Johann Santana

Target Reds
90 - Andy Pettitte (CList)
111 - Casey Kelly
187 - Nick Maronde

Walmart Blues
I have a stack of these. I'm looking for Anthony Rizzo, Jarrod Parker (of course) and Reds and Tigers. (I already have Latos, Arroyo, Fielder and Fister.)

Thanks for taking a look.

My Last Bite on 2013 Retail Flagship

I bought a blaster this afternoon hoping for luck pulling a few Reds, Tigers and some other favored players. This is surely it for my taste of 2013 flagship (retail purchases, at least) since I'm not collecting the base set. That said, opening at least a few packs of new cards can just be fun when the day's been rough. Before I go on, I've listed a bunch of cards I'm happy to trade.

My luck wasn't what I had hoped for but I did manage to pull the Walmart blue of the entire Marlins team (shown here).

I like Former Mike. Really not much of a shot but I'll probably keep it around.

I found precious few Reds in the box. Two, actually. Zack Cozart and the Walmart Blue Mat Latos. So, also with Sean Marshall in hand and a promise of Joey Votto and Didi Gregorious in a trade, I need everything else. Base cards, inserts, color parallels, so on.

I had more luck with the Tigers. I snagged Ryan Raburn, Max Scherzer and Jhonny Peralta and a Walmart blue Prince Fielder. I also have Tigers ALDS Game 5. 

 

I'm in the market for anything else Tigers.

By the way, check out the Raburn card.

At first I thought maybe this was some kind of extra special annoying short print, but apparently not.

Notice the couple of stray arms entering the shot from either side. How pissed you must be to be those guys. Oh so close to being on a baseball card. Wow. 

 

I suppose it could be worse. They could have made the card and been making a bizarre face - saved for card eternity. Or you could be shouting to the ages that you're a Pirates fan.

But really, how cool will it be for those people to show their grandkids? Amazing to think, but this card will be packed away in their great-great-grandkids basements in their houses on Mars long after they're all gone.

(Pictured) Great-great granddaughter's house of the dude in the yellow shirt who's head is cut off in the card.
Not the Pirates guy, but the other yellow shirt. 

The blaster did yield some cards I really wanted, or learned I wanted. On the Cubs, a team near and dear to many in my family, I look for a couple of Cubs (Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo).

I pulled zero Cubs from the base set but I snagged the Rizzo '72 mini, which is cool, and the Walmart blue Starlin Castro - which I think is sharp with the Cub uni.

My patch was the Bryce Harper, commemorative patch card. It's currently promised and not available for trade. I dig the logo and I guess these have some appeal to many.

Finally, below I'm listing the cards I have on the block. 

 

Reminder: I'm looking for Reds and Tigers that I didn't mention above; any other versions of Castros and Rizzos; as well as cards of local product Jarrod Parker - along with Adrian Gonzalez and Clayton Kershaw. More on why those two in a future post.

 

So, here are my available cards (including inserts) broken down by teams in no particular order. If I trade inserts, I'd want the same back ideally. But obviously if you have a gold parallel or pink (yeah, I'm going to look for these), those carry weight with me.

Red Sox:
15 - Dustin Pedroia

66 - Daniel Nava

118 - Daisuke Matsuzaka

Emerald 279 - Vicente Padilla

(an additional insert card featured at end of post) 

 

Dodgers:

9 - Dee Gordon

16 - Andre Ethier

74 - Kenley Jansen

Walmart Blue 158 - Chad Billingsley

295 - Brandon League

 

Yankees:

Chasing History 5 - Yogi Berra 

72mini - TM31 - Mark Teixeira

52 - CC Sabathia

Target Red 90 - Andy Pettitte (checklist)

212 - Eric Chavez

214 - Curtis Granderson

282 - Russell Martin

329 - Rafael Soriano

 

Nationals:

97 - Danny Espinosa

120 - Ian Desmond

170 - Eury Perez (who with 3 stolen bases is just 1,403 away from Rickey Henderson's record)

328 - Jayson Werth 

Diamondbacks:
Walmart Blue 131 - Ian Kennedy
169 - Brad Ziegler
169 (again) - Brad Ziegler
240 - J.J. Putz
Walmart Blue 274 - Miguel Montero

Royals:
167 - Luke Hochevar
243 - Aaron Crow


Padres:
77 - Dustin Moseley
Target Red 111 - Casey Kelly
Walmart Blue 223 - Yonder Alonso
290 - Tom Layne

Cardinals:
Walmart Blue 50 - Adam Wainwright
188 - Brian Fuentes

Angels:
72mini - TM2 - Dan Haren
Target Red 187 - Nick Maronde
210 Vernon Wells
266 - Albert Pujols (checklist)
Walmart Blue 313 - Maicer Izturis

A's:
ChasingDream 20 - Tommy Milone
48 - Ryan Cook
76 - Brandon Inge
259 - Bartolo Colon

Blue Jays:
Chasing Dream 13 - Drw Hutchison
304 - Kyle Drabek
311 - Rajai Davis

Pirates:
98 - Gaby Sanchez
174 - Jason Grilli
262 - Kevin Correia

Mets:
Chasing History 41 - Johan Santana
21 - Lucas Duda
89 - Johan Santana (checklist)

Rays:
133 - James Shields
Emerald 168 - Kyle Farnsworth
218 - Ben Zobrist

Giants:
Walmart Blue 3 - Hunter Pence
38 - Brian Wilson
132 - Ryan Vogelsong
256 - Madison Bumgarner WS Game 2
298 - Pablo Sandoval WS Game 1

Rockies:
165 - Ramon Hernandez
185 - Rob Scahill

Brewers:
Chasing History 34 - Robin Yount
149 - Yovani Gallardo
307 - Norichika Aoki

Phillies:
Chasing Histoy 40 - Mike Schmidt
Walmart Blue 6 - Ryan Howard
83 - Darin Ruf

Indians:
17 - Shin-Soo Choo
267 - Jason Kipnis

Braves:
72 Mini - 7 - Craig Kimbrel
105 - Freddie Freeman
Walmart Blue 115 - Tim Hudson

Orioles:
Walmart Blue 143 - Jim Johnson

Mariners:
Walmart Blue 252 - Dustin Ackley

No Team:
94 - AL ERA League Leaders (Price, Verlander, Weaver)
95- AL Wins Leaders (Price, Weaver, Harrison)
Emerald 95 - AL Wins Leaders (Price, Weaver, Harrison)
189 - NL Batting Average Leaders (Posey, McCutchen, Braun)

Oh, and before I go, I also found this card in the box.

I pretty much would be happy with about any other die-cut in return except for: Darvish, A. Jones, Price, Cruz, Cain or Hamilton.

Thanks for the pageview.

Heritage 2012: I Have Some

This is just a quick notice for anyone who needs Heritage 2012. I have a few dozen for trade. I'll get a list up soon but first wanted to ask those looking for some to feel free to direct me to your want list and I'll look to see what I have right away.

For now, Heritage cards that I want are posted here.

Oh, and I also have a Clubhouse Collection Josh Hamilton bat relic and James Shields jersey relic. For those, I'm seeking any CC jersey relic of the players below. Thanks.

CCR-AC Aroldis Chapman
CCR-AM Andrew McCutchen
CCR-BPH Brandon Phillips
CCR-FH Felix Hernandez
CCR-JBR Jay Bruce
CCR-JM Joe Mauer
CCR-JV Justin Verlander
CCR-MC Miguel Cabrera
CCR-MK Matt Kemp
CCR-MR Mariano Rivera
CCR-PF Prince Fielder
CCR-SC Starlin Castro
CCR-TT Troy Tulowitzki

2011 Clearinghouse: First Up, Gypsy Queen

I'm seeking to clear out my excess 2011 cards while filling some needs along the way. If you want to trade any cards, let me know. What follows is a list of available cards + needed cards for Gypsy Queen 2011. I'm particularly seeking Green and Bronze GQ framed paper.

Of course, I'm also prowling for Heritage 2011 short prints so if you have an excess of those, let me know - cause, you know, everyone out there is sitting on a stockpile of Heritage short prints, right? 

Also, I'm hoping to complete a few of the Allen & Ginter insert sets - so if you have extra World's Most Mysterious Figures, Minds That Made The Future or Uninvited Guests, send me a note or wait to see my list of A&G available/wants - which I expect to publish tomorrow.

Finally, if you're seeking Lineage 2011, click here to look around for what I have and what I need.

Finally (Part Deux): I also have a slew of Bowman 2011 cards to trade so let me know if you're in need.

Without further adieu:

Gypsy Queen Available

9 Scott Rolen

16 Chris Carpenter

22 Barry Larkin

29 Ty Cobb

41 Matt Holliday

51 Alex Rodriguez

54 Frank Thomas

78 Ryne Sandberg

81 Nelson Cruz

93 Victor Martinez

96 Ubaldo Jimenez

98 Aroldis Chapman

100 Nolan Ryan

102 Jorge Posada

103 Magglio Ordonez

114 Chris Coghlan

115 Jeremy Jeffress

116 Jake Peavy

119 Brian Bogusevic

120 Gaby Sanchez

128 Dan Haren

129 Aaron Hill

136 Brett Myers

140 Shaun Marcum

144 Jon Niese

146 Melky Cabrera

157 Ryan Ludwick

159 Ervin Santana

169 Orlando Hudson

171 Manny Ramirez

178 Chone Figgins

189 Mike Aviles

195 Bronson Arroyo

200 John Lackey

201 Travis Snider

203 Brian Matusz

203 Brian Matusz

205 Chris Johnson

210 Aaron Rowand

210 Aaron Rowand

212 Miguel Tejada

216 Angel Pagan

225 Vernon Wells

228 Ryan Kalish

229 Alex Gonzalez

241 Brian Roberts

242 Joba Chamberlain

245 Hank Conger

245 Hank Conger

246 A.J. Burnett

251 Mark Buehrle

255 Barry Zito

256 Wade Davis

259 Aubrey Huff

262 Marco Scutaro

267 Jake Arrieta

268 Wandy Rodriguez

272 Felix Pie

275 Ruben Tejada

279 Josh Thole

283 Rick Ankiel

284 Jed Lowrie

299 Andruw Jones

300 Franklin Gutierrez

325 Jason Castro

332 Ty Wigginton

339 Omar Infante

Checklist 1

Checklist 2

Checklist 4

Green Paper Frame

82 Starlin Castro

Bronze Paper Frame

58 Dale Murphy 

Future Stars

FS3 - Yonder Alonso

FS3 - Yonder Alonso
FS3 - Yonder Alonso
FS9 - Starlin Castro

FS19 - Gordon Beckham

FS19 - Gordon Beckham

FS19 - Gordon Beckham

FS19 - Gordon Beckham

Wall Climber

WC1 - Torii Hunter

WC7 - Franklin Gutierrez

WC8 - Michael Brantley

Home Run Heroes

HH7 - Miguel Cabrera
HH7 - Miguel Cabrera

HH8 - Prince Fielder

Great Ones

GO1 - Andre Dawson

GO1 - Andre Dawson

GO8 - Jackie Robinson

GO22 - Tom Seaver

GO27 - Cy Young


Sticky Fingers
SF3 -David Eckstein
SF13 - Kevin Youkilis
SF14 - Alcides Escobar

MINIs

23 - Johnny Cueto

117 - Dallas Braden

122 - Derrek Lee

183 - Rafael Furcal

189 - Mike Aviles (red back)

195 - Bronson Arroyo (red back)

222 - Heath Bell

224 - Drew Stubbs

286 - Jason Kubel

319 - Elvis Andrus

346 - Shane Victorino

Gypsy Queen Wants

6 Frank Robinson

34 Sandy Koufax

38 Walter Johnson

60 Rogers Hornsby

64 Josh Hamilton

76 Felix Hernandez

79 Andrew McCutchen

84 Tim Lincecum

87 Clayton Kershaw

90 Derek Jeter

92 Mariano Rivera

94 Buster Posey

135 Ryan Dempster

162 Cliff Lee

166 Gordon Beckham

168 Alex Gordon

172 Ryan Zimmerman

237 Roy Campanella

243 Jim Thome

247 Matt Garza

249 Jacoby Ellsbury

301 Alfonso Soriano

302 Brian McCann

303 Johnny Mize

306 Tommy Hanson

315 Jered Weaver

316 Lou Gehrig

317 Justin Upton

318 Hank Aaron

324 Jay Bruce

328 Brett Anderson 


329 Ian Kennedy 


331 Greg Halman RC

333 Travis Wood

335 Freddie Freeman RC


336 Domonic Brown 


GREAT ONES

GO4 Brooks Robinson

GO6 Frank Robinson

GO9 Jim Palmer

GO13 Lou Gehrig

GO15 Mickey Mantle

GO17 Pee Wee

GO19 Rogers Hornsby

GO23 Tris Speaker

GO28 Babe Ruth

GO30 Nolan Ryan

FUTURE STARS

FS14 Matt Latos

FS18 Aroldis Champman

HOME RUN HEROES

HH1 Babe Ruth

HH17 Frank Robinson

HH18 Jimmie Foxx

HH20 Johnny Bench

HH23 Mickey Mantle

HH25 Tris Speaker

Various bronze paper and green paper parallels, minis and other variations. Here is what I OWN of the bronze and greens. Anything not listed, I need. Thanks.

Bronze

13 Joey Votto

14 Brooks Robinson

20 Andre Dawson

22 Barry Larkin

27 Roy Oswalt 

28 Tony Gwynn

37 Ryan Braun

50 Al Kaline

54 Frank Thomas

58 Dale Murphy

68 Gary Carter

Green

4 Jackie Robinson

11 Zack Greinke

13 Joey Votto

25 Mel Ott

29 Ty Cobb

31 Joe Mauer

32 Carl Crawford

37 Ryan Braun

50 Al Kaline

53 Jimmie Foxx

60 Rogers Hornsby

67 Dave Winfield

81 Nelson Cruz

82 Starlin Castro

85 Frank Robinson

91 Josh Johnson

97 Stan Musial

98 Aroldis Chapman

*whew*

Lineage: Six Months Later

In a few upcoming posts, I'll highlight some cards I have for trade from various recent sets. If you're still looking for anything, shoot me a note.

First up, Lineage.

At the bottom of the trade list, I have a short list of cards I'm still seeking. I should add here that if you have any Reds, Tigers or Cubs 75 minis for trade, I probably would be interested in them.

However, I don't have to trade Lineage for Lineage.

For trade:

2 Derek Jeter
3 Jimmie Foxx
4 Buster Posey
20 Justin Morneau
21 Edinson Volquez
28 Aramis Ramirez
32 Jon Lester
33 Tony Perez
35 Hanley Ramirez
43 Victor Martinez
44 Jay Bruce
51 Hunter Pence
55 Nolan Ryan
59 Duke Snider
65 Josh Johnson
67 Nelson Cruz
72 Rickie Weeks
84 Clayton Kershaw
85 Al Kaline
85 Al Kaline
89 Eddie Murray
98 Evan Longoria
98 Evan Longoria
100 Babe Ruth
101 Madison Bumgarner
106 Cy Young
110 Thurman Munson
112 Johnny Cueto
112 Johnny Cueto
112 Johnny Cueto
115 Chipper Jones
118 Todd Helton
121 Roy Halladay
126 Shin-Soo Choo
132 Nick Markakis
133 Zack Greinke
137 Johnny Bench
143 Miguel Cabrera
145 Adrian Gonzalez
146 Freddie Freeman
148 Aroldis Chapman
148 Aroldis Chapman
149 Kevin Youkilis
152 David DeJesus
153 B.J. Upton
159 Yonder Alonso
159 Yonder Alonso
159 Yonder Alonso
162 Brandon Belt
162 Brandon Belt
169 Cliff Lee
173 Adam Dunn
178 Albert Pujols
183 Brian McCann
184 Josh Hamilton
192 Willie McCovey
195 Chipper Jones

Mini 75s
165 Jose Reyes

Rookies
6 Jake McGee
10 Zach Britton

Here's what I need:

5 Felix Hernandez 
13 Cal Ripken Jr.
19 Larry Walker
40 Stan Musial
52 Andre Dawson
76 Roberto Alomar
108 Hank Aaron
158 Monte Irvin

2012 Flagship: A Change of Heart

Well, by pure happenstance, I found myself tonight with a hangar box of the much talked about 2012 flagship. A friend thanked me for a favor. It was a very, very nice gesture. Yes, recently I wrote all about my plans to not buy any 2012 flagship but after poring over the latest release I can tell you that...

...I'm still not buying it. (Yeah, not really a change of heart. I'm such a tease.)

It just doesn't speak to me much. It seems like a middling art student came up with the design. It's just not impressive, particularly when compared to 2011 flagship's design, which I consider somewhat sleek and sophisticated.

One particular sore point for me this year is the absence of each player's position on the front of the card. That's always irked me.

I'm also meh on the mini '87s. I didn't collect this set so there's no emotional tie for me.

Finally, no legend short prints - a gimmick in recent flagship releases but one I definitely got behind. The legends are being replaced as short prints by photos of dugout tomfoolery, mascots and what not.

So, I won't be collecting the set - other than the upcoming breaks I couldn't stop myself from joining. But to each his own and I credit those of you who are going all-in. New releases are a blast. It just so happens I can't get behind this one.

I don't want to be entirely negative so allow me to state some positives. The photography seems pretty strong. I just might dig the Gold Standard inserts. And maybe the Gold Futures. But then again I might be thinking about it only because of the cards I pulled.

Yep, two Cubs (the third team I softly collect behind my beloved Reds and Tigers) and not just two Cubs but two Cubs I specifically collect.

What follows are the remaining cards I pulled. All of these scans, accept for the last couple as noted, show cards that are available for trade. I'm seeking all forms of Reds and Tigers and some Cubs and any players I collect - as noted on the front of my blog.

A Nyjer Morgan hot box! If you want the gold, I'd love one back or an insert of a player or team I collect, perhaps.

I'm sort of a bigger fan of the next batch due to players featured or uniqueness. Same for same would be ideal.

 I'm a huge fan of the next batch of cards. I don't really want to deal these but, well never say never.

And, finally, the only base cards I pulled of the three teams I collect.

If you want to strike a deal, let me know.

Trade Post and Home Stretch For Chrome

Just two posts ago I reflected on my first year as a card blogger and how I handled my collecting during that year - which officially ends in February. While I'm not giving up entirely on the new (I still get a kick out of opening packs and I want to collect Heritage 2012) I talked about my shift to vintage after going hog wild on new in 2011.

Topps Chrome is one of the new releases I enjoyed a lot in 2011. I originally began the set by chasing favorite players and players on favorite teams, but eventually I found that I was well on my way to collecting this set - especially since I'm not worries about completing all of the various parallels.

My goal was to complete the base set and pick up the parallels of my favorite players.

Reader Brad, currently residing in my old Northside Chicago stomping grounds, just helped me significantly with this quest. His generosity in our newly completed trade also has me adding another mini-goal to this set: Complete the Vintage Chrome insert collection.

In full, Brad sent me more than five dozen Topps Chrome cards, including a nice stack of the Vintage Chrome.  I'm not going to show any specific VC cards that Brad sent, rather I'll show three dupes that I've had for trade.

Below is my full list of wants and cards available for trade. Let me know if you see a match. Also, if you missed my A&G post from last week and need or have available various cards from the set, take a look. Finally, send me a note if you need some 2011 Lineage. I need to update that list today or tomorrow but I have some cards (and need a few).




Thanks again, Brad, for all of the help!

Now, my Topps Chrome 2011 needs/available list.

Base Cards Needed 

58, 100, 108, 112, 122, 128, 146, 149, 161, 173, 174, 176, 190, 191, 199, 220

Base Cards Available
2, 10, 12, 16, 19, 21, 21, 23, 30, 36, 37, 39, 39, 40, 40, 43, 44, 45, 50, 53, 56, 64, 69, 85, 93, 94, 97, 113, 113, 123, 123, 130, 134, 135, 136, 138, 143, 147, 147, 155, 155, 155, 167, 167, 168, 182, 184, 196, 197, 212

Refractors Needed
Reds, Tigers, Starlin Castro, Prince Fielder, Lance Berkman, Eric Hosmer, Jeremy Hellickson

Refractors Available
15, 42, 43, 45, 103, 125, 146, 172, 187, 194, 199

Atomic Refractors Needed
Reds, Tigers, Starlin Castro, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Lance Berkman, Eric Hosmer, Jeremy Hellickson

Atomic Refractors Available 
79, 119, 131, 144, 165, 215

Purple Refractors Needed
Reds, Tigers, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Lance Berkman, Eric Hosmer, Felix Hernandez, Jeremy Hellickson

Purple Refractors Available
45, 117

Orange Refractors Needed
Reds, Tigers, Starlin Castro, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Lance Berkman, Eric Hosmer, Jeremy Hellicksson

Orange Refractors Available
18, 27, 32, 36, 42, 45, 52, 57, 58, 84, 113, 123, 134, 136, 142, 147, 148, 152, 161, 165, 166, 177, 180

Vintage Chrome Needed
VC2-VC8, VC10, VC13, VC16, VC19-21, VC26, VC30-31, VC33, VC36, VC38, VC42-44, VC46-47, VC50

Vintage Chrome Available
VC14, VC17, VC25, VC34, VC49

Reader Brad of Chicago sent me this lovely purple refractor of my favorite Cub. Love it!

Allen & Ginter 2011 - Are You Needy? I Am, Sorta

I'm doing some housekeeping in the baseball picture card room and I'd like to tie up some loose Allen & Ginter 2011 ends. I tried to get behind this release but could never fully buy into it.

If you're in search of cards to complete your sets, then please peruse the available list here.

Meanwhile, I'd really love to complete these subsets: Uninvited Guests, Minds That Made The Future and World's Most Mysterious Figures.

Meanwhile, meanwhile, if you haven't already please take a look at the second entry in the Fun-Time Baseball Hall and vote up top for your choice Angels.

Allen & Ginter Available (red means cards now scheduled to come/go in trade)

Base
4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 16, 18, 26, 31, 35, 53, 54, 54, 54, 58, 63, 68, 68, 75, 81, 91, 94, 94, 97, 114, 130, 143, 144, 146, 180, 181, 182, 182, 196, 197, 212, 216, 217, 241, 243, 246, 254, 255, 256, 258, 259, 260, 269, 269, 271, 274, 285, 289, 291, 300, 304, 312(SP), 312(SP), 314(SP), 317(SP), 342 (SP)

Minis  
199, 279 (black parallel), 321

Hometown Heroes
12, 22, 29, 79, 94

Baseball Highlight Sketches
3, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 21, 23

Minds That Made The Future
6, 10, 20, 23, 32, 40 

A&G Needs   

Uninvited Guests
4, 5

Minds That Made The Future
2, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 28, 29, 33, 36, 38 

Base Set
82, 100, 140, 147, 198, 223, 293, 299, 343(SP)

World's Most Mysterious Figures
1, 4, 8, 10

Hometown Heroes
8, 25, 77, 93 

Minis
select Reds, Tigers and star players

Topps 2011 Flagship Exchange

There's no doubt I'm horribly biased, but as I near my one-year anniversary of returning to baseball card collecting, and have now had ample opportunity to pick up some of the flagship cards from the past two decades, I still think the 2011 flagship set is the best looking flagship set in a very long time.

Scroll down to see my needs and be advised I have a boatload of available cards for 2011 flagship from Series 1, 2 and Update. If you're in need of some, send me a note or direct me to your wants. I've yet to catalog my dupes.

Love this card from Update. If you have other Hosmer cards collecting dust, let me know.

With flagship, all of the pertinent information is on the front (name, position, team) and the team logos on the baseballs still wow me. The back has what I want, as well - a full bio, small write-up and stats. If I must pick one quibble, it would be the repeat of the front picture in the close-up shot.

I'm closing in on completing the set. It is likely the last flagship set I'll chase short of another stellar design. I plan to turn my focus to vintage, finishing the sets of my youth (1976, 1978-83), chasing the yearly Heritage set and snagging favorite players, or even a prospect or two to gamble on. But that's it - unless Gypsy Queen casts a spell on me.

Before I get to my needs for 2011 flagship, next on my to-do list is to catalog my Topps Chrome (available/needs). If you're in search of 2011 Topps Chrome, jot me a note.

But for now, here's what I need for 2011 flagship. And, remember, I have a ton of dupes from Series 1, Series 2 and Update if you need help.

US20, US121, US188, US262, US277, US294 

If you missed it, and because blogger won't allow me to fix the poll to create the proper heading, I'll link again to this post about the Fun-Time Baseball Hall so you know what the poll is all about. Also, see my last post to nominate Angels.

2008 Masterpieces Theatre

Editor's Note: This post has been updated with current needs. Thanks Sewing Machine Guy!

I was late to the game when it came to this sharp set. My 20-year card collecting sabbatical meant these cards were fresh and new to me.

I found the set after dropping into various dollar stores: General, Tree and so on. I kept buying them as I just really love 'em. But like I've oft discovered since returning to this hobby early this year, finding the short prints can be a nightmare.

And, so, I call out to the blog world to see if anyone has any of the short prints collecting dust. I suspect not - but why not try, right?

Here's what I need still: 93, 95-102, 104-110, 112-114, 117, 118

In short, plenty. 

Below are a few more images for the uninitiated. Speaking of which, I have dozens of dupes among cards 1-90 should anyone wish to start their own Masterpiece collection. Just ask.

I Have Only Just Begun To Blog!

My wife, daughter and I have been living much like gypsies since June when our Chicagoland house sold and we headed back home to Indiana.

Well, hopefully before Christmas we'll be in our house and, soon after that, my efforts to trade, blog more consistently, and so on will be much easier.

For now, we're still holed up with my Grandpa in a fairly confined space. We can't complain too much. We moved because our jobs became work-from-home flexible and we wanted our daughter closer to family.

As for baseball cards, there are a few things I'd like to do between now and mid-December.

1. Complete 1976 Topps.
2. Make significant headway on Heritage 2011.
3. Make significant headway on Kimball Champions. I need #96 and most everything from #101-150 (but check first as I have a couple of them heading my way, I believe).

Down on the List: Pick up some more 1978s and, speaking of being gypsies, Gypsy Queens and, what the heck, '11 Topps Chrome.

On my home page, I have wants and cards available listed for various sets. If you're having trouble scrolling about and finding what you need, please send me a note.

Too bad TV never showed this guy during the World Series.

Oh, and one more thing: I plan to get back to before the move, the contest I mentioned last month. Far too much work travel popped up since then but I've made detailed notes on who gets entered into ye olde randomizer. Also, I'll offer up another chance to enter before I get things started.

Topps Chrome Wants A Home

While I might be a bit late to the party, my inability to steer clear of 2011 baseball cards has continued with the purchase of many packs of the no-longer-latest shiny. I loved it so much I had to go back for more.

Yes, it was a moral imperative.

Honestly, I wasn't sure whether I'd like the product - it basically being the same "look" as the base product. But the feel is top notch, and I'm sure glad I missed the curly-cue problem of last year.

I have a slew of cards available to trade (see below). I also have several cards I need for the set (also listed below). In general, I'd love to deal refractor-for-refractor, orange-for-orange (or purple or whatevs). Obviously I won't sneeze at offers for your sepias and and other rareties!

Not listed below, I'd like to get various parallels of certain players - Reds and Tigers but also favorites such as Starlin Castro, Ryan Braun and Lance Berkman. 

Base Needs:
2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24, 26, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 47, 53, 54, 55, 61, 63, 66, 67, 69, 72, 73, 75, 83, 85, 92, 93, 94, 98, 99, 100, 106, 108, 109, 114, 116, 117, 118, 122, 124, 125, 127, 128, 132, 133, 135, 139, 141, 149, 150, 152, 162, 164, 170, 171, 173, 174, 178, 179, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 201, 207, 208, 209, 210, 216, 218, 220

Available:
15 (refractor)
21
27 (orange)
30
32 (orange)
36 (orange)
36
39 (x2)
42 (refractor)
44
45
45 (orange)
50
52 (orange)
57 (orange)
59 (orange)
64
79 (atomic)
84 (orange)
103 (refractor)
112 (refractor)
113 (orange)
113
118 (purple #to 499)
119
123 (orange)
123
130
130 (orange)
136 (orange)
136
138
147 (orange)
147 (x2)
148 (orange)
155
161 (orange)
165 (orange)
167
168
176 (orange)
182
196
198 (atomic)
212
215

Ah, thanks for reminding me, Kevin. I really dig the Vintage Chrome cards like the one pictured here. However, I don't dig this particular one so he's up for trade too. I'm also looking to deal: Teixeira, Sabathia and Adrian Gonzalez.

Again, seeking Reds, Tigers or Starlin Castro, Braun or Berkman.

A&G and Me: Next Steps, Part Deux

First, thanks for the kind e-mails/comment about my last post. Nice to know people read the blog and just might even relate to a post now and again.

Unrelated, I've been involved in a slew of trades in recent weeks and I want to thank everyone for the great deals. You guys know who you are - even if I'm woefully behind on formal blog-style thank yous. (And, if you've e-mailed me in the past few days about a deal, I'll be back to you within a day as I had some serious want lists updating to do with the slew of deals coming and going. Thanks much.)

One set (available cards/needed cards) that had fallen through the cracks for me, as I haven't kept up to date with it, is Allen & Ginter 2011.

Roughly six weeks ago I posted a little about my goals for A&G - basically, collect Minds That Made The Future, Uninvited Guests and Mysterious Figures, along with a few select favorite players.

I've come a long way since then thanks to some great trades. This post is for anyone still looking for cards from this set. First is what I have available to trade (followed by my needs). Send me an e-mail (dw.reds@gmail.com) or leave a comment if you see a match. Also, on my front page I have want lists for various other sets. Let's make a deal!

A&G Available Base Cards

4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 16, 18, 31, 53, 54, 54, 63, 75, 81, 85, 89, 94, 97, 99, 114, 130, 143, 144, 146, 157, 161, 174, 180, 182, 182, 196, 197, 199, 212, 241, 243, 246, 249, 254, 255, 256, 260, 269, 271, 273, 274, 300, 301, 304, 312(SP), 312(SP), 314(SP), 317(SP), 342(SP)
 

Available Minis
94, 279 (black parallel), 310, 321, 331

Available Hometown Heroes
12, 22, 22, 29, 31, 36, 79, 89
 

Available Uninvited Guests
7

Available Baseball Highlight Sketches
3 

And now (drumroll) here are my needs:  

Uninvited Guests
4, 5

Minds That Made The Future
1, 2, 4-9, 11, 13-16, 18-22, 28-33, 35, 36, 38, 39

Base Cards
46, 82, 100, 140, 147, 194, 198, 223, 293, 299, 343(SP)

World's Most Mysterious Figures
1, 4, 8, 10

Hometown Heroes
8, 25, 30, 53, 77, 93, 94 

My Lineage Obsession

Editor's Note (9/28): My Lineage needs/wants have drastically changed and I expect to update them in the next day or two. Thanks!

(This post includes a) Lineage for trade; b) news about the quest for my first set; c) a hearty thank you; d) a new auto; e) there is no "e".

My pursuit of the '75 minis from the Lineage Experience will end at one. With everyone, everywhere choosing to collect these cards, I cry "Uncle!".

Eventually - perhaps a very long time from now - I may snag four or five from my player collections. That's all I really wanted anyway.

But as for the rest of Lineage, I'm still on the hunt for the retired fellas and other favorites from the checklist. See below for what I have available to trade and what I'm seeking.

But first, I want to thank the Jeff Laws of My Sports Obsession for shipping me a few Lineage legends, several much-needed cards for my '76 quest and more.

Jeff and I - after several deals - are now at a point where we're just sending mailers back and forth every so often. I have these unspoken arrangements with a handful of bloggers, it seems, and they work great and generally are much less fuss.

This go-round, he sent me several old-timers from the Lineage set. I won't post all of the goodies, but I scanned a few.

I think this is a nice-looking card and Morgan is near the front of the players I collect.

Jeff also sent along the below gem - an auto that I noticed he posted several weeks ago. (Sorry about the neck strain.)

Not a huge name but a great addition for me - a lifelong Reds fan.

And Jeff added this legend - my very first cloth card.

Mr. Laws (who by the way lives no more than a couple of hours north of me in Indiana) didn't stop with Lineage. He took the time to look over my 1976 needs and sent me a couple of cards I needed and a couple of others cards where I needed upgrades.

Here are some of them.

So, I'm now dangerously close to completing '76, the first set that I personally have labored to put together. This set means a lot to me, as I wrote about a few months ago.

I have 15 cards to go (and another 30 for which I'm seeking upgrades)! Here's my 1976 list for those who might have and/or need some.

But back to Lineage. I have needs and wants and perhaps you do too!

Here's what I have for trade:

3 Jimmie Foxx
10 Jim Palmer
20 Justin Morneau
32 Jon Lester
35 Hanley Ramirez
41 Vladimir Guerrero
41 Vladimir Guerrero (refractory-thing)
51 Hunter Pence
55 Nolan Ryan
56 Shane Victorino
59 Duke Snider
65 Josh Johnson
67 Nelson Cruz
72 Rickie Weeks
85 Al Kaline
100 Babe Ruth
101 Madison Bumgarner
110 Thurman Munson

118 Todd Helton

126 Shin-Soo Choo
132 Nick Markakis
133 Zack Greinke
145 Adrian Gonzalez
149 Kevin Youkilis
152 David DeJesus
153 B.J. Upton
173 Adam Dunn
189 Jaime Garcia (refractory-thing)
192 Willie McCovey


Here's what I need:

2 Derek Jeter
5 Felix Hernandez 
13 Cal Ripken Jr.
19 Larry Walker
21 Edinson Volquez 
40 Stan Musial
47 Lance Berkman
48 Carlton Fisk
52 Andre Dawson
53 Mike Schmidt
57 Willie McCovey
60 Reggie Jackson
64 Joe Morgan
76 Roberto Alomar
90 Tris Speaker
98 Evan Longoria
99 Honus Wagner
103 Joey Votto
106 Cy Young
108 Hank Aaron
112 Johnny Cueto
120 Ichiro
121 Roy Halladay
137 Johnny Bench
141 Ozzie Smith
143 Miguel Cabrera
146 Freddie Freeman RC
148 Aroldis Chapman
154 Fergie Jenkins
156 Austin Jackson
158 Monte Irvin
159 Yonder Alonso
170 Tom Seaver
171 Ryne Sandberg
178 Albert Pujols 
181 Frank Thomas
182 Frank Robinson
186 Mel Ott
187 Justin Verlander
190 Bert Blyleven
195 Chipper Jones All-RC
196 Ichiro All-RC
197 Andre Dawson All-RC
200 Tom Seaver All-RC