2009 Topps Allen and Ginter pack break

This is the first chance I have had to post since returning home from Nashville. I was hoping to open some Gypsy Queen but there was none to be seen when I stopped at Target after work today. Instead I found a discounted pack of 2009 Allen and Ginter that I couldn't pass up, so I'll share what was inside today.

Pretty standard fare here, this pack was dominated by Cubs and Mariners. Derek Lee is having a real slow start with the Orioles this year. His defense at first base as been great and a real asset to the infield, but hopefully he can find some of the power he exhibited when he played in Chicago.

The real highlight of the pack and the reason I bought the pack, besides the discounted price, is the mini and I was happy to pull one of a negro league player. Frank Evans had a long career in the Negro Leagues playing and managing for numerous teams until he became a major league instructor and scout in the 1960's and 70's.

This wraps up my short pack break, hopefully I'll be able to post a more substantial topic in the next few days.

2009 Allen & Ginter Adam Jones

A nice win by the Orioles tonight, put the O's at 5-1 and a top the A.L. East. I know its the beginning of the season but thirteen losing seasons will make you excited by any early success. Adam Jones, who has started the season slow, had a home run and three RBI in the come back win. The Orioles welcome the undefeated Texas Rangers to Camden Yards for a three game series this weekend.

the 2009 Allen & Ginter set is propably my favorite design from the retro series so far. The abstract colored backgrounds and faint white border frame the image of the player very well and make the larger image standout. In contrast many of the images in last years release were smaller and had too much dead space between the image and border. I am intrigued by this years Ginter design. I like the look of it from the sell sheet so far, but I want to have one in hand before I really form an opinion.

Quick Trade Post

I proposed a trade with No ones going to read this blog. Jeremy has posted his 2011 Topps want list and I was able to send him a large stack of cards he needed. I have bought a fair share of Topps this year and since I'm not building the set I still have alot of 2011 Topps to trade if anyone is trying to finsish off the first series.

In return I recieved a bunch of new Orioles for my collection. I have scanned my favorite cards from the stack.

I haven't bought any Obak, so the Grich is my first card, but I do like it enough that I want to complete the Orioles team set. The A@G minis are the highlight here and I like the horizontal design on the Roberts card. Brian has only played in a few games this Spring, due to his re acurring back issues. Hopefully he gets better or can manage the problem before the start of the season, last years O's fans witnessed first hand how valuable he is to the team.

He also sent some Turkey Red inserts from the 2009 Topps set. How many times has Topps made Turkey Red cards as a stand alone set or insert set the last few years?

The Frank and Brooks Robinson "Bird Belters" reprint is from this years set while the Brooks Robinson is a card your mom threw out from last years release. I also recieved another Donruss Highlights card of Cal Ripken I didn't have. Thanks for the cards Jeremey.