I've basically limited my pack opening in Japan to Calbee and a single pack of each series of Topps, along with the occasional non-sports pack or a box of Triple Play.
I've been sitting on this pack for a couple weeks, so let's see what's inside, shall we?
First, some of the base cards. The photography is crisp and clear and bright. And it's a lot of the same.
I like shots that show interaction between ballplayers, especially when Padres learn how to levitate.
I didn't know anything about Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, or any of the Dodgers for that matter before I started reading others' blogs.
I've liked McCutchen for several years, and this is a really nice horizontal shot. I just wish Topps had more images where the batters were actually connecting with the ball.
Getting a little tongue. This set has a lot of close-up pitcher photos.
Another levitating player! Or is Galvis about to deliver a high kick to a teammate?
Look! A sepia parallel in Topps flagship! Or, wait, it's just those silly brown camo uniforms and a) a vitamin deficiency b) a lack of sunlight or c) color adjustment errors.
I think the entire White Sox team is shown in their throwback uniforms. I like seeing players in throwback uniforms but it would be better if Topps just made a set devoted to showing players in throwback uniforms. Or do that with one of the parallels or as not-terribly-SP'd variations.
More closeup images.
One year I might actually try to assemble a full set of a colored parallel.
Since it's World Cup time, I'll say GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD.
I don't know why but I kind of like this set. Probably because the titles are either uninspired or over-inspired.
A lot of the inserts I didn't get in my Series 1 pack showed up here. But I got those inserts from trades and purchases. Patience would have paid off, I suppose.
My scanner cut off the borders, but I pulled a black-bordered parallel #/63. I already have one for my type collection, again thanks to eBay or a trade or something.
Here's a nice new insert that I like, because it's confusingly educational! What is UZR, exactly?
And for the first time in about three years I pulled a hit from my single pack! And again, it's a card from a set I picked up on eBay. When will I ever learn?
I'd like for Topps to take a gamble or at least have some fun with the flagship set, but it's so formulaic now I'm not sure what to think. I'll be getting my usual base set sometime after Update is released, but I think that's about it other than the 1989 Minis.
That McCutchen is awesome. I don't really collect the guy, but I'd probably keep that one if I 'd pulled it.
ReplyDeleteI really like the shot on that Galvis.
ReplyDeleteThe McCutchen image is just different enough to make it fantastic. That's what Topps should look for when choosing photos, especially of the star players.
ReplyDeleteAnd Galvis is a pretty nice photo, too, though the player featured on the card isn't facing the camera. I'd prefer seeing those shots in a subset or insert set instead of on a player's main card.