Group Break Box 2: 2009 Topps T206

Check it out. I'll let the videos do the explaining this time.  Scans will be up sometime during the weekend.

Team Totals For the Break (base/insert/hit)

Overall, I'm counting base set shortprints as inserts also.

Braves 22/6/0
Marlins11/3/0
Expos 18/1/0
Mets 21/2/1
Phillies 22/1/0
Cubs 19/5/0
Reds 14/3/0
Astros 11/1/1
Brewers 23/0/0
Pirates 10/1/0
Cardinals 6/5/0
Dbacks 17/3/0
Rockies 8/5/0
Dodgers 20/4/0
Padres 14/1/0
Giants 9/3/1
Orioles 13/2/0
Red Sox 21/3/0
Yankees 27/7/0
Rays 20/1/0
Blue Jays 13/3/0
White Sox 16/2/0
Indians 14/1/0
Tigers 21/2/0
Royals 16/3/0
Twins 16/1/0
Angels 6/5/0
Athletics 18/1/0
Mariners 20/4/0
Rangers 13/6/0

Card Showcase: 2009 Topps T206 David Wright Silk

This is definitely not my first card made from a different material other than cardboard or foilboard or other types of printed board varieties in which they come. There was a time in the mid-'90s when making cards out of different materials or simulated materials was the innovation of the industry.

One set in which I never acquired a card (but always wanted to) was 1995 Leaf Statistical Standouts. This particular insert set had embossed red stitching similar to 2009 Sweet Spot base cards, but the rest of the card face felt like the surface of a baseball. Leaf/Donruss continued this practice with 1996 Leaf Limited Lumberjacks (wood grain) and 1996 Leaf Limited Pennant Craze (felt). Other companies added to this practice including Upper Deck (1996 Upper Deck Run Producers (rubber like a home plate) and Topps (1997 Stadium Club Firebrand (wood, but issued only as redemptions) and 1997 Stadium Club Patent Leather (leather)).

This idea really reached a pinnacle when 1996 Leaf Preferred inserted into every pack cards made completely from steel. Suffice to say, the packs were really heavy.

Then, there was a set that focused completely on this concept, 1998 Leaf Fractal Materials, featuring cards made from Plastic, Leather, Nylon, and Wood. This set, unfortunately, had quite possibly the worst possible parallel set EVER associated with it, Fractal Materials Die-Cut, an even more confusing version of 1997 Leaf's Fractal Matrix. Please don't make me explain it, it's confusing to even read about it.

Now, there are parallel sets made of silk and printing plates made of metal (though much rarer). The silk cards are especially high in aesthetic value because they have usually been accompanied by a framing border. Though they differ from these other parallels in that there is no card back.

Humans are a tactile species. There are essentially two senses that dominate when we open a pack of cards, touch and sight. Simulating various textures of known materials or printing cards on different materials is one way in which card sets can enhance the overall collecting experience....until the cards are put into boxes or albums.

2009 topps 206: A new pack for the new year and impressions

I have not been in a pack buying mood lately. I´m starting to run out of space in my little storage area in my apartment, so for the last few months, I´ve been limiting my purchases to group breaks and Phillies card lots. I stumbled upon this in Target though a few weeks back...$4.99, are you out of your mind? ....for 12 cards (same amount of cards as two retail packs priced at $2.99 each)

Here´s the wrapper for those interested, it was packed in two sections with 6 cards apiece. Onto the break....


Jered Weaver stretching as he wakes up in the morning, Miguel Tejada practicing self-defense, and a Bobby Scales sporting the Lucky Cubs Hat.


The much-hyped David Price and one of the last of his RC issued this year? His task if he chooses to accept it, surpass Joba Chamberlain. Right now, his pitch count tendencies remind me a lot of Scott Kazmir, though the scouts say his stuff is top notch. Also, two starting pitchers from the Braves who have annoyed me.

What will Matt LaPorta become? As the key component to the CC Sabathia trade, he needs a position and an opportunity at this point in his career. Thurman Munson, a legend in his own time.



This is the thick bronze parallel. At least I got a retired HOF player.


Posed and ready....though it seems I´ve cut the names off with my magical scanning powers.


And lastly, the newly appointed saviour of the Metropolitans, Fernando Martinez in MINI form.

I have a few other scattered cards from this set and my impression is simple. The set is average. It has some memorable cards, but the faded color backgrounds and painted depictions and somehow a strange cross between A&G and Goudey. Don´t get me wrong, I like it, but I would not pursue it in box form (especially with 20 packs per box and 9 cards per pack). The SPs in the set are also discouraging.

I´m not sure if they did this in the sets in 2002 and 2003, but some retired players from the era would be a nice inclusion. I am happy they didn´t go the non-baseball player route in this set like the other sets of vintage variety from this year.

The framed relics and autos are a big plus (I have none though) as are the minis. Why can´t the entire set be done in mini form? That would be the ultimate tribute. Forget about these so called base cards.

Ok, then a hobby box should include packs plus a stack of the 15 pocket pages since not many people are aware that they exist.

Overall Rating: B-
Collectability Rating: C+
Fun Rating: B
Collation: C- for the shortprints
Innovation Rating: D, is a rehash of ideas from 6-7 years ago and also borrows heavily from other vintage sets this year. Needed something punchy to be a 100th anniversary set to hold onto. At least it´s one series.