I did work out a trade for these two tough-to-find 1997 parallels:
RESOLUTION TRACKER:
1. 4/5 previously achieved.
2. Just four to go.
3. Previously achieved.
4. No progress.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
A Beckett Organize Trade
I decided I would finally pay money to get the Beckett Organize feature just so I could make contact with a few members that had some of my missing Alomar cards in their trade lists that I could not contact otherwise. I ended up contacting several people, but to this date I have only heard back from one. Which is okay, but not quite what I was hoping for. Some of those other members have not been on the site in several months, others I am not quite sure why I have not heard back.
I did work out a trade for these two tough-to-find 1997 parallels:
The Donruss Signature Platinum Press Proof is limited to 150 copies. The Donruss Gold Press Proof is limited to 500. I like the die-cut on the Gold Press Proof.
RESOLUTION TRACKER:
1. 4/5 previously achieved.
2. Just four to go.
3. Previously achieved.
4. No progress.
I did work out a trade for these two tough-to-find 1997 parallels:
RESOLUTION TRACKER:
1. 4/5 previously achieved.
2. Just four to go.
3. Previously achieved.
4. No progress.
Card #273: 1995 Topps Embossed #105
BRAND: Topps
SET: Embossed
NUMBER: 103
SUBSET: NA
INSERT: NA
TEAM: Cleveland Indians
Embossed was a very short-lived Topps set. It only existed in 1995. It is kind of unfortunate because the cards had a unique texture and some decent photography. I really like the photo on this card. It definitely looks dated now, but in the mid 1990's it was really something.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Some Bilingual Cards from Southpaw Cards
Over the weekend I received my latest package of cards, this time from Beckett Marketplace seller Southpaw Cards, a seller I have bought a number of cards from over the years. They specialize in parallels and oddballs.
These cards have a distinct theme in that each card has text in languages other than English. Actually three of the cards have both English and another language with only one card solely in a different language.
The second card is the 1999 Bowman Chrome International Refractor. It is definitely my favorite card from this package. The refractor aspect really pops with the picture from Alomar's home of Puerto Rico. The card is also numbered out of just 100. The text on the back is all in Spanish.
The third card is a Panini French sticker and feature French text as well as English on the back. Other than the text on the back, this card is exactly like the non-French sticker I already had.
Finally, the fourth card is another Panini French sticker, this time it is a Guessing Game card with a small picture of Alomar, cutting off his head, as a hint to a trivia question. Yes, Alomar was an All Star in 1991 despite driving in just seven runs. It is an example of fan balloting gone bad. He did not deserve the All Star berth that year.
RESOLUTION TRACKER:
1. 4/5 previously achieved.
2. Six to go!
3. Previously achieved.
4. No progress.
Card #272: 1997 Ultra Gold Medallion #45
BRAND: Fleer
SET: Ultra
NUMBER: 45
SUBSET: NA
INSERT: Gold Medallion
TEAM: Cleveland Indians
Gold Medallions became the Ultra parallel in 1995. The first two years there was nothing real special about them other than a badge near the logo. But in 1997, Gold Medallion cards featured a different photo from the base set cards. It also featured the "Gold Medallion Edition" tag under the name and gold foil lettering. Unfortunately Fleer would not keep this up after 1997, which is why this is my favorite year for the Gold Medallions.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Sandy Alomar Could be the Next Manager for...
Well we are a little ways into the season and by the end of the year there should be some managerial openings. Sandy Alomar's coaching contract is up with the Indians at the end of the year, so this would be a great time for him to find a managerial position.
Alomar brings a few strengths to the table as a potential manager. Firstly, as a former catcher (and a well-regarded one at that), he has experience dealing with pitchers, so a young pitching staff would probably be an ideal fit for him as a manager. Secondly, Alomar is bilingual, which is important with teams that have a young, Spanish-speaking core. Third, Alomar has coached under a number of well-regarded managers, such as Manny Acta, Terry Francona, and Willie Randolph, so he has likely picked up a few things along the way, particularly in the last few years under Francona.
Bleacher Report recently looked at five managers that could find themselves without a job by the end of the season. That article can be found here: Link .
These are the five listed there:
TERRY COLLINS: NEW YORK METS
The Mets are doing quite well early this season but Collins is in his last year as manager. The Mets are an improving club with a potentially very strong pitching staff in the years to come with Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jacob DeGrom, and Noah Syndergaard. Their offense could use a little bit of work though. The Mets also have some young Latin stars such as Juan Lagares, Jeurys Familia, Jennry Mejia, and Dilson Herrera. Finally, Alomar has some connections to the Mets, having played his final season for the team and starting his coaching career as a catching instructor from 2008 to 2009. There is no one left in the team's management from the time Alomar was there, other than owner Fred Wilpon.
The Mets are a rebuilding team and have some pieces in place to contend in the future. Terry Collins is in his final season as the Mets manager and the team may be looking for someone younger and more energetic to help guide the team into contention. Alomar would be a very good fit for the Mets.
LLOYD MCCLENDON: SEATTLE MARINERS
The Mariners are expected to contend this year for the first time since 2001. They are in a difficult division with strong teams in Los Angeles and Oakland. McClendon has not been a terribly successful manager over the years, mostly managing teams with little to no expectations. He did have a successful season managing the Mariners in his first season, but if he stumbles this year with the Mariners expected to contend, you have to think he would have a short leash. Like the Mets, the Mariners have a young pitching staff, though one with a certified veteran ace in Felix Hernandez. The Mariners do not have a strong Latin core though. Other than Hernandez, they have Robinson Cano, and a few role players. Alomar also does not really have ties to the Mariners organization.
Seattle could probably use a young manager to help with the very young pitching staff. However, the lack of ties to the organization and the fact that McClendon has been reasonably successful with the team make this a bit of a long shot. McClendon has not been a great handler of pitching, but if he succeeds this season, he will likely be rewarded with a longer contract.
WALT WEISS: COLORADO ROCKIES
The Rockies perpetually have problems. They are not expected to contend this season, particularly in a division with the Dodgers, Giants, and the surging Padres. Unfortunately that has been the norm. Other than a few seasons, the Rockies have typically not contended. This is Weiss's third year as manager and if his record diminishes again this year, it is unlikely he will be brought back, despite being under contract for next season. There is some hope though, the Rockies actually have some decent young pitchers coming up. Alomar does have some ties to the Rockies organization as he once played for them, but there is no one left in the organization from his brief time there.
The Rockies remain a possibility for a managerial position for Alomar. It is a younger team in the midst of a rebuild. Alomar does not have strong ties to the organization, but with a bright young pitching staff and some young hitters, they could be looking to contend and need a young manager to grow with them.
DON MATTINGLY: LOS ANGELES DODGERS
It doesn't seem like the Dodgers should really be a team looking to change managers. But the team has seemed unable to make the next step from contention to success in the postseason. That and the fact that Mattingly has not always seen eye to eye with management means that a shakeup could be coming. There have been moments in past years where it looked as if Mattingly could be headed out the door. If the Dodgers don't take that next step soon, Mattingly would be the first to go.
Alomar also played briefly for the Dodgers, though that was under a completely different management and ownership group. The Dodgers are a veteran team that should be contending and teams in that position would typically be looking for managers with experience. But the Dodgers did once hire Mattingly with no managerial experience after the Yankees went for Joe Girardi. So they could surprise.
BUD BLACK: SAN DIEGO PADRES
The Padres have not contended in years, but Bud Black has generally been well-regarded and popular with his team. The Padres are a team in transition after putting together a more-powerful offense and developing some decent pitching. Alomar, of course, began his career with the Padres, but it has been a very long time since he was in that organization. The Padres have often highlighted their Latin stars in an effort to interest their fanbase.
I would be very surprised if the Padres were to dismiss Black. This is the first year that the Padres have put together a decent team in several years. If the team is at all successful, then Black will be rewarded. If they stumble, there is a possibility that they could dismiss Black, however I suspect he will be given a longer leash than that.
Other Possibilities:
Outside of the five teams mentioned in the Bleacher Report article, I have come up with a few other teams that may be possibilities for a new manager.
FREDI GONZALEZ: ATLANTA BRAVES
The Braves are expected to struggle this season. Their offense is in particular trouble. The Braves do have an exciting young pitching staff and a couple of impressive catchers. They also have a young Latin core made up of Andrelton Simmons, Christian Bethancourt, and Julio Teheran. What makes the Braves especially promising as a landing spot for Alomar as manager is the fact that President of Baseball Operations John Hart was the general manager of the Indians who orchestrated the trade for Sandy Alomar Jr. He also brought Alomar to the Rangers in 2005. That kind of connection seems very promising for Alomar as a possible manager.
JOHN GIBBONS: TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Gibbons has had a tenuous hold on the Blue Jays managerial position for quite some time. This is his second stint with the Blue Jays as manager. The Blue Jays are perpetually disappointing. They are frequently predicted to be contenders in the East and they always fall short. The Blue Jays are another team with a young pitching staff coming up. The team has also interviewed Alomar in the past for their manager position and nearly hired him before going with John Farrell.
RON ROENICKE: MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The Brewers are another team that has disappointed recently. Roenicke is in his last season as manager for the Brewers and if they continue to disappoint, he could be on the chopping block. However, the Brewers are somewhat of a stagnant organization at this point. That being said, a manager getting his first real work may be just what this type of team needs.
MIKE REDMOND: MIAMI MARLINS
There are rumors that the Marlines may be headed for a managerial change sooner rather than later. That being said, the Marlins owner has given Redmond a vote of confidence. The Marlins are another team in an area with a large Latin fanbase. And they also have a young, upcoming core. Redmond's job is in jeopardy because the Marlins continue to struggle despite pumping some money into the team.
If I had to pick one team to put my money on, I would say that next year Sandy Alomar Jr. will be the manager of the Atlanta Braves.
Alomar brings a few strengths to the table as a potential manager. Firstly, as a former catcher (and a well-regarded one at that), he has experience dealing with pitchers, so a young pitching staff would probably be an ideal fit for him as a manager. Secondly, Alomar is bilingual, which is important with teams that have a young, Spanish-speaking core. Third, Alomar has coached under a number of well-regarded managers, such as Manny Acta, Terry Francona, and Willie Randolph, so he has likely picked up a few things along the way, particularly in the last few years under Francona.
Bleacher Report recently looked at five managers that could find themselves without a job by the end of the season. That article can be found here: Link .
These are the five listed there:
TERRY COLLINS: NEW YORK METS
The Mets are doing quite well early this season but Collins is in his last year as manager. The Mets are an improving club with a potentially very strong pitching staff in the years to come with Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jacob DeGrom, and Noah Syndergaard. Their offense could use a little bit of work though. The Mets also have some young Latin stars such as Juan Lagares, Jeurys Familia, Jennry Mejia, and Dilson Herrera. Finally, Alomar has some connections to the Mets, having played his final season for the team and starting his coaching career as a catching instructor from 2008 to 2009. There is no one left in the team's management from the time Alomar was there, other than owner Fred Wilpon.
The Mets are a rebuilding team and have some pieces in place to contend in the future. Terry Collins is in his final season as the Mets manager and the team may be looking for someone younger and more energetic to help guide the team into contention. Alomar would be a very good fit for the Mets.
LLOYD MCCLENDON: SEATTLE MARINERS
The Mariners are expected to contend this year for the first time since 2001. They are in a difficult division with strong teams in Los Angeles and Oakland. McClendon has not been a terribly successful manager over the years, mostly managing teams with little to no expectations. He did have a successful season managing the Mariners in his first season, but if he stumbles this year with the Mariners expected to contend, you have to think he would have a short leash. Like the Mets, the Mariners have a young pitching staff, though one with a certified veteran ace in Felix Hernandez. The Mariners do not have a strong Latin core though. Other than Hernandez, they have Robinson Cano, and a few role players. Alomar also does not really have ties to the Mariners organization.
Seattle could probably use a young manager to help with the very young pitching staff. However, the lack of ties to the organization and the fact that McClendon has been reasonably successful with the team make this a bit of a long shot. McClendon has not been a great handler of pitching, but if he succeeds this season, he will likely be rewarded with a longer contract.
WALT WEISS: COLORADO ROCKIES
The Rockies perpetually have problems. They are not expected to contend this season, particularly in a division with the Dodgers, Giants, and the surging Padres. Unfortunately that has been the norm. Other than a few seasons, the Rockies have typically not contended. This is Weiss's third year as manager and if his record diminishes again this year, it is unlikely he will be brought back, despite being under contract for next season. There is some hope though, the Rockies actually have some decent young pitchers coming up. Alomar does have some ties to the Rockies organization as he once played for them, but there is no one left in the organization from his brief time there.
The Rockies remain a possibility for a managerial position for Alomar. It is a younger team in the midst of a rebuild. Alomar does not have strong ties to the organization, but with a bright young pitching staff and some young hitters, they could be looking to contend and need a young manager to grow with them.
DON MATTINGLY: LOS ANGELES DODGERS
It doesn't seem like the Dodgers should really be a team looking to change managers. But the team has seemed unable to make the next step from contention to success in the postseason. That and the fact that Mattingly has not always seen eye to eye with management means that a shakeup could be coming. There have been moments in past years where it looked as if Mattingly could be headed out the door. If the Dodgers don't take that next step soon, Mattingly would be the first to go.
Alomar also played briefly for the Dodgers, though that was under a completely different management and ownership group. The Dodgers are a veteran team that should be contending and teams in that position would typically be looking for managers with experience. But the Dodgers did once hire Mattingly with no managerial experience after the Yankees went for Joe Girardi. So they could surprise.
BUD BLACK: SAN DIEGO PADRES
The Padres have not contended in years, but Bud Black has generally been well-regarded and popular with his team. The Padres are a team in transition after putting together a more-powerful offense and developing some decent pitching. Alomar, of course, began his career with the Padres, but it has been a very long time since he was in that organization. The Padres have often highlighted their Latin stars in an effort to interest their fanbase.
I would be very surprised if the Padres were to dismiss Black. This is the first year that the Padres have put together a decent team in several years. If the team is at all successful, then Black will be rewarded. If they stumble, there is a possibility that they could dismiss Black, however I suspect he will be given a longer leash than that.
Other Possibilities:
Outside of the five teams mentioned in the Bleacher Report article, I have come up with a few other teams that may be possibilities for a new manager.
FREDI GONZALEZ: ATLANTA BRAVES
The Braves are expected to struggle this season. Their offense is in particular trouble. The Braves do have an exciting young pitching staff and a couple of impressive catchers. They also have a young Latin core made up of Andrelton Simmons, Christian Bethancourt, and Julio Teheran. What makes the Braves especially promising as a landing spot for Alomar as manager is the fact that President of Baseball Operations John Hart was the general manager of the Indians who orchestrated the trade for Sandy Alomar Jr. He also brought Alomar to the Rangers in 2005. That kind of connection seems very promising for Alomar as a possible manager.
JOHN GIBBONS: TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Gibbons has had a tenuous hold on the Blue Jays managerial position for quite some time. This is his second stint with the Blue Jays as manager. The Blue Jays are perpetually disappointing. They are frequently predicted to be contenders in the East and they always fall short. The Blue Jays are another team with a young pitching staff coming up. The team has also interviewed Alomar in the past for their manager position and nearly hired him before going with John Farrell.
RON ROENICKE: MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The Brewers are another team that has disappointed recently. Roenicke is in his last season as manager for the Brewers and if they continue to disappoint, he could be on the chopping block. However, the Brewers are somewhat of a stagnant organization at this point. That being said, a manager getting his first real work may be just what this type of team needs.
MIKE REDMOND: MIAMI MARLINS
There are rumors that the Marlines may be headed for a managerial change sooner rather than later. That being said, the Marlins owner has given Redmond a vote of confidence. The Marlins are another team in an area with a large Latin fanbase. And they also have a young, upcoming core. Redmond's job is in jeopardy because the Marlins continue to struggle despite pumping some money into the team.
If I had to pick one team to put my money on, I would say that next year Sandy Alomar Jr. will be the manager of the Atlanta Braves.
Card #271: 1997 Finest Embossed #113
BRAND: Topps
SET: Finest
NUMBER: 113
SUBSET: Warriors
INSERT: Embossed
TEAM: Cleveland Indians
Embossed was a partial parallel of the 1997 Finest set that included most of the stars and veterans from the set. The cards did not feature the protective covering that the base cards had and the player was raised somewhat to provide a texture to the card. It is kind of an interesting card, but it's tough to tell how different it is from the base card from a scan.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Card #270: 1998 Donruss Collections Preferred #630
BRAND: Donruss
SET: Collections
NUMBER: 630
SUBSET: Preferred
INSERT: NA
TEAM: Cleveland Indians
I have covered the Donruss Collections set before. In 1998, Donruss released a set that was essentially a parallel of four of the sets Donruss released that year. Preferred was the higher-end set that was encompassed in Collections. The texture of the card was different, as was the smaller picture and the background. The cards seemed to be a little lower-end than the regular base set. Of course you can still see the "Collections" logo along the side.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Card #269: 1999 Flair Showcase Row 1 #140
BRAND: Fleer
SET: Flair Showcase
NUMBER: 140
SUBSET: Row 1
INSERT: NA
TEAM: Cleveland Indians
This is not a scan of my card. My card is numbered 1750 out of 6000. But I love this card. It is such an interesting design. It is an almost three-dimensional picture on the right profile. It really is an amazing looking card in person. Flair once again had three rows with each player getting three different cards. This is the first row, though it is probably the rarer one, since it is serial-numbered. It is also the most different from the other two. This is definitely my favorite one.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Card #268: 2001 Bowman Heritage #106
BRAND: Bowman
SET: Heritage
NUMBER: 106
SUBSET: NA
INSERT: NA
TEAM: Chicago White Sox
2001 was the first year that Bowman released a Heritage set. The purpose of the set was the same as Topps Heritage: to pay tribute to old Bowman designs. In this case, the 1948 Bowman set was the focus. The problem with this design is that there is no identifying information on the front of the cards. You would have to really know your baseball to be able to identify everyone without looking on the back. It made for kind of an interesting set.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Card #267: 1999 Bowman's Best #79
BRAND: Bowman
SET: Best
NUMBER: 79
SUBSET: NA
INSERT: NA
TEAM: Cleveland Indians
I never really understood the point of Bowman's Best. Of course then most sets were just padded numbers to release more products and make more money. Best was supposed to have been more of an upscale set with chrome-like cards. Most of the cards were fairly boring though. Such as this one.
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