Donruss for the Taking

CLOSED - No more takers, please.  Sorry!

I'm planning on doing some spring cleaning this weekend, and hope to cull all of the singles out of my Donruss collection.  I'm sitting on three 3,200 count boxes, and probably three quarters of that is heading out the door.

Soooooo, if you for some unknown God-forsaken reason need any Donruss cards from 1981 until 1996, leave a link to your blog or want list in the comment section.  I'll gladly set aside anything that I have to help complete your collection. 

The sheer amount of cards in my house is beginning to make me nauseous.  Time to clutter someone else's closet!

I'm looking at you...

I'll eventually, GASP, put up want lists for some serious junk.

Everything is Frosting Now

Pure dumb luck landed me the only card in the Giveaway that I had to have.  

Somehow, this guy...

Magically became this guy...

AND this guy...

And then both of those guys became the greatest hitter to ever play the game........... CAPTAIN VIDEO!

MINE

MINE

MINE

MINE

 MINE   

Everything at the Diamond Giveaway is Frosting Now

Diamond Mining - Part V - THE SHEER AGONY!

The frustration is setting in.  Not because I am unable to pull of any trades, but because people are offering me ridiculous cards for wood grain junk wax.  This morning I "had" to turn down two, count them, two '67s for a 1987 Nolan Ryan.  What, that Ryan is "worth" about a buck?  Judging by the sheer mass of '87 Topps I have at home, I am likely to have at least five of that Ryan card.

I almost accepted that trade this morning, but then I remembered my little quest.  One year backwards at a time.  I know I wrote the rules, but damn, this is insane.  I guess part of me is being weak and wanted someone to say, "Go ahead, break your own rules!  Don't be a fool and pass on vintage 60s goodness for 1987 WOOD GRAIN MASS PRODUCED TOPPS!"

What to do...

Back on track, the mining adventure has gone relatively well.  I think every "shaft" had a trade since the last update.  I even managed to trade an '88 Ryan for an '87 Carlton and an '89 Maddux.  The Carlton is floundering, but the '89 Maddux became the aforementioned '87 Ryan, so in the long run, I got what I wanted plus an extra card.

Here's the diagram.  Ooooh, all the pretty cards...

click to enlarge

I even traded away my Jair Jurrjens DDC for TWO DDCs.  Gaby Sanchez and Andrew Bailey.  Never heard of any of those three guys, but the Bailey card has been getting lots of offers.  I've put those two DDCs up for a Gwynn DDC.  I can dream, right?

Well, I'm still fretting as I type this post in notepad, so I can post it at work with "minimum" online big-brother supervised time.  I'll just come straight out and ask (if anyone cares), should I stick with my one year backwards at a time rule or just go for the oldest cards possible?

May 24th - 2011 MLB Tuesday Tournament Update

Today is a day of reckoning.  A day that has nothing to do with baseball, however, everyone here is on the edge of their seats.  It's the bottom of the ninth.  Two out, two on.  Two strikes and down by one. 

We're waiting for the next pitch.  Sweat hanging precariously on our brow.  We're anticipating the sting in our eyes, thus blurring our vision.  What will the pitch be?  Were will the ball come from?  Over the top?  Three quarters?  Fastball or curve?  Look for the seams, dammit.

In about 15 minutes the Senate releases their budget.  Some of us have already been notified we're being released.  Some of us are just plain waiting.  I wonder who will be the lucky ones?  Those going home or those left to shoulder the load?

Time will tell.

But while we wait, here's this weeks standings.  Almost every match-up is a dead heat at the halfway point of the second round, save for the Ginas who are making pebbles out of the Rocks.



Until next time, which will either be a lot of time, or none at all.

Diamond Mining - Part IV - 26 Trades and Counting

Last I left you, I was whittling my way backwards in time with two lowly cards.  I greet you today with six cards for trade in my Diamond Giveaway "collection (The Diamond Die Cut is not included in this experiment).  As the title suggests, I've now completed 26 trades with each trade being the current year for the previous year.  My "system" appears to be working, and I can't wait to share it when I've reached the conclusion.  

For the sake of space and loading a ton of pictures, I've created a graphic of what has been accomplished.  See for yourself.

 Click to enlarge

In short, here's the breakdown:

• 2002 A.J. Pierzynski has become a 1988 Nolan Ryan
• 1977 Rod Gilbreath has become a 1975 Dave Hilton
• 1974 Freddie Patek has become a 1971 Ollie Brown
• 1979 Jim Norris has become a 1976 Vada Pinson
• 2006 Andy Marte has become a 2002 Greg Vaughn
• 2009 Ervin Santana has become no one.  Nobody wants him!!  Someone hit me up for a 2008 Topps!

I almost did break the rules, though.  Apparently a 1988 Nolan Ryan is a hot item to some.  I've had offers of vintage 60s goodness for that card and had to turn it down.  Sometimes I hate that I follow the rules...

Drop a comment if you want to help out or just to wish me luck!

May 17th - 2011 MLB Tuesday Tournament Update

I'm going to keep this short and sweet because I was notified today that RIF (Reduction in Force) letters will be mailed in two weeks.  I'm sure minds are already made up, but I do not want to tempt fate.  Posts may be scarce(r) over the next month or so until the legislature balances their budget on the backs of those who serve the public, who in turn voted them in, so they could let us go, then we can vote them back out.  Rinse and repeat.

The only thing I want in my mailbox on June 1st is the last nine 2011 Series One cards I need, not a Dear John letter.

 

Diamond Mining - Part III - HOFers a'Plenty

I figure it is about time to update my Diamond Giveaway adventure, as I finally broke an almost week-long drought.  I woke up this morning and saw that I had a new card in my collection.

When I last left you, I was sitting on a 1999 Johnny Damon.  About a week ago, I thought I'd try and parlay that card from a possible HOFer into a sure thing HOFer.  I was not disappointed.  Mr. Looks like Jesus, Throws like Mary was resurrected into one of the best pitchers to ever grace the mound.  Mike Maddux's brother, Greg Maddux.  

I then was able to find an obvious Braves fan, who took my 98 Maddux and gave me my favorite player of all time, Tony Gwynn.  Sweeeeeeeeeeeet.  If I didn't already have that card, I may have balked at my project, but that 97 Gwynn was upgraded to a 96 Gwynn.  Even sweeter, except I can't stand the skewed face photo* on a 96 Topps.  * Insert numerous blog links to those who despise 96 Topps :-)

I sat on this 96 Topps card for almost one week.  No one would bite on my offer for a 95 Ripken or Gwynn, so I had to swallow my pride and go for a "lesser" HOFer.  As if a lesser HOFer is even possible?  That 96 Gwynn was immediately snapped up for a 95 Molitor.  Another awesome hitter.

So there I stand.  I've gone from a 2002 Pierzynski to a 1995 Molitor.  I've reach my first goal rather easily, and that is to have a HOFer, which in my mind is crucial to going anywhere in this Diamond Mining Adventure.  However, now I stand on the precipice of Junk.  I'm not looking forward to the next few trades because I fear they will be painful.  I can't wait to see what 1990 gem I land with all its dot matrix psychedelic glory.  All I know is that going from 86/87 Topps to 85 Topps is going to suck.  I fear I'll get hosed on that one.

Anyways, here's the visual breakdown of the trades so far:

 

Night Owl's Money Pit Exercise

Just read Night Owl's post about how much money we spend on cards each year.  He invited his readers to relive their experiences/horrors and recount how much money we've spent on cards.  I won't go into details for every year except for 2001.  

2001, a Card Odyssey.  This was my first year away from school.  I had graduated from my Masters Program and was now gainfully employed.  My salary was not much, but was light years ahead of the pittance I had received in graduate school.  With the increase in expendable income and a free subscription to AOL, I went on a tear.

I budgeted myself $1,000 for the year, and I was going to tackle as many sets as possible.  With at least three card shows that year at the local fairgrounds, plus my new found ability to snipe auctions on eBay (I'd literally set my alarm to win 2:00 a.m. auctions - remember, this was before you could preset bids), I finished more sets than I thought possible.  In 2001, I finished 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, and put a good hurting on 1972 and 1971.  That's right, I finished 13 Topps sets in one year.  Granted, I had a head start from my childhood and previous attempts, but DAMN!

I kept detailed records of every card I bought that year.  I went $32.35 over budget, but managed to haul in 9,479 cards.  In 2002, my interests waned, but I got 19,395 cards for $223.35.  I just realized I bought 743 1971 Topps in 2002.  Can someone say double trade bait?

Anyways, here's the detailed damage from 2001.  Considering I spend about $30 a year on cards now, I could not imagine doing what I did in 2001 again.  And yes, feel free to chuckle at the purchases of 88 Score, 91 Donruss, etc.

Item Description	Year	Cards	Per Card	Price	Budget
					$1,000.00
2001 Topps Series 1 Pack	2001	15	$0.14	$2.05	$997.95
2000 Topps Series 1 Set	2000	239	$0.07	$16.95	$981.00
2000 Topps Series 2 Set	2000	239	$0.07	$16.95	$964.05
1975 Topps George Brett	1975	1	$26.00	$26.00	$938.05
1975 Topps Nolan Ryan	1975	1	$12.95	$12.95	$925.10
1979 Topps George Brett	1979	1	$5.50	$5.50	$919.60
2001 Topps Series 1 Pack	2001	15	$0.14	$2.05	$917.55
1990 Fleer Set	1990	660	$0.00	$3.00	$914.55
1991 Donruss Set	1991	792	$0.00	$3.00	$911.55
1992 Donruss Set	1992	792	$0.00	$3.00	$908.55
1978 Topps	1978	11	$0.10	$1.10	$907.45
1955 Newhouser	1955	1	$2.00	$2.00	$905.45
1975 Fisk	1975	1	$5.00	$5.00	$900.45
1975 RBI Leaders	1975	1	$2.00	$2.00	$898.45
1975 SO Leaders	1975	1	$3.00	$3.00	$895.45
1978 Winfield	1978	1	$2.00	$2.00	$893.45
1979 Carlton	1979	1	$1.00	$1.00	$892.45
1979 Whitaker RC	1979	1	$1.00	$1.00	$891.45
1979 Palmer	1979	1	$2.00	$2.00	$889.45
1979 Rose	1979	1	$3.00	$3.00	$886.45
1980 Murray	1980	1	$2.00	$2.00	$884.45
1981 Yaz	1981	1	$1.00	$1.00	$883.45
1982 Schmidt	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$882.45
1982 Seaver AS	1982	1	$0.50	$0.50	$881.95
1982 Murrary	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$880.95
1983 Ripken	1983	1	$5.00	$5.00	$875.95
1985 Ripken	1985	1	$1.00	$1.00	$874.95
1960 Runnels	1960	1	$1.00	$1.00	$873.95
1960 Averill	1960	1	$1.00	$1.00	$872.95
1964 Runnels	1964	1	$1.00	$1.00	$871.95
1965 Kuenn	1965	1	$1.00	$1.00	$870.95
1966 Uecker	1966	1	$1.00	$1.00	$869.95
1969 Oliver RC	1969	1	$1.00	$1.00	$868.95
1972 Perry	1972	1	$0.50	$0.50	$868.45
1972 Grich	1972	1	$0.50	$0.50	$867.95
1973 Stars Lot	1973	10	$0.50	$5.00	$862.95
1975 Checklist lot	1975	5	$0.80	$4.00	$858.95
1982 Lot	1982	4	$0.56	$2.25	$856.70
1983 Rose	1983	1	$0.75	$0.75	$855.95
1978 Topps (60 Cards)	1978	60	$0.05	$3.00	$852.95
1977 Topps (501 Cards)	1977	501	$0.04	$22.00	$830.95
1974 Topps (511 Cards)	1974	511	$0.12	$60.00	$770.95
1974 Star Cards	1974	7	$1.07	$7.50	$763.45
1974 Cards + Stars	1974	31	$0.16	$5.00	$758.45
1980 Topps + Stars	1980	9	$0.17	$1.50	$756.95
1979 Topps + Stars	1979	5	$0.20	$1.00	$755.95
1978 Topps + Stars	1978	39	$0.13	$5.00	$750.95
1976 Topps Lot	1976	520	$0.06	$30.00	$720.95
1973 Topps Lot	1973	275	$0.07	$20.00	$700.95
1974 Topps	1974	1	$0.12	$0.12	$700.83
1976 Topps	1976	17	$0.12	$2.00	$698.83
1977 Topps	1977	16	$0.12	$1.88	$696.95
1976 Topps	1976	9	$0.38	$3.44	$693.51
1974 Topps	1974	46	$0.38	$17.56	$675.95
1974 Fisk	1974	1	$3.50	$3.50	$672.45
1981 Ryan	1981	1	$3.50	$3.50	$668.95
1974 Kaline	1974	1	$3.00	$3.00	$665.95
1983 Schmidt	1983	1	$1.00	$1.00	$664.95
83 Yount	1983	1	$1.00	$1.00	$663.95
82 Brett	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$662.95
82 Brett IN Action	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$661.95
82 Schmidt IA	1982	1	$1.00	$1.00	$660.95
1977 Carew	1977	1	$2.00	$2.00	$658.95
1978 Rose RB	1978	1	$1.00	$1.00	$657.95
1961 Santo	1961	1	$1.00	$1.00	$656.95
1988 Score Set	1988	660	$0.00	$2.00	$654.95
1974 Mike Schmidt	1974	1	$8.01	$8.01	$646.94
1974 Dave Winfield	1974	1	$7.00	$7.00	$639.94
1977 Carlton Fisk	1977	1	$1.50	$1.50	$638.44
1976 Fisk	1976	1	$1.50	$1.50	$636.94
1982 Rose	1982	1	$2.00	$2.00	$634.94
1978 - Robinson RB / Yaz / Munson / Fidrych / Gossage	1978	5	$1.20	$6.00	$628.94
1974 Hank Aaron Specials	1974	4	$2.13	$8.50	$620.44
1976 Nolan Ryan	1976	1	$7.51	$7.51	$612.93
1977 Dawson Rookie	1977	1	$4.50	$4.50	$608.43
1978 Eddie Murray RC	1978	1	$10.50	$10.50	$597.93
1974 Ryan	1974	1	$11.10	$11.10	$586.83
1976 Jackson	1976	1	$5.25	$5.25	$581.58
1976 Aaron	1976	1	$4.25	$4.25	$577.33
1976 Aaron RB	1976	1	$3.00	$3.00	$574.33
1974 Topps Lot (Rose/Cepeda/Stargell)	1974	10	$0.80	$8.00	$566.33
1974 Harmon Killebrew	1974	1	$2.49	$2.49	$563.84
1976 Topps Lot (60)	1976	60	$0.19	$11.43	$552.41
1974 Topps Lot (3)	1974	3	$0.19	$0.57	$551.84
1980 Topps Lot	1980	3	$0.04	$0.12	$551.72
1982 Topps Lot	1982	2	$0.04	$0.08	$551.64
1974 Star Lot (Seaver/WS/Marichal)	1974	3	$1.67	$5.00	$546.64
1977 Carter	1977	1	$1.43	$1.43	$545.21
1976 Yount	1976	1	$4.00	$4.00	$541.21
1974 Lot (Aaron#2 & Munson)	1976	2	$1.43	$2.86	$538.35
1976 Lot (Leaders/Carter, etc.)	1976	11	$1.43	$15.71	$522.64
1975 (Clemente MVP & Checklist)	1975	2	$1.00	$2.00	$520.64
1974 Aparicio	1974	1	$1.20	$1.20	$519.44
1974 HR Leaders	1974	1	$2.00	$2.00	$517.44
1977 Winfield	1977	1	$1.95	$1.95	$515.49
1977 Yount	1977	1	$3.45	$3.45	$512.04
1974 Lot	1974	17	$0.30	$5.05	$506.99
1976 Lot	1976	6	$0.30	$1.78	$505.21
1977 Lot	1977	97	$0.30	$28.80	$476.42
1979 Lot	1979	1	$0.29	$0.29	$476.12
1980 Lot	1980	3	$0.30	$0.89	$475.23
1981 Lot	1981	16	$0.30	$4.75	$470.48
1982 Lot	1982	5	$0.30	$1.48	$469.00
1983 Lot	1983	11	$0.30	$3.27	$465.73
1985 Lot	1985	4	$0.30	$1.19	$464.54
1974 Parker RC	1974	1	$2.50	$2.50	$462.04
1974 Batting Leaders	1974	1	$3.25	$3.25	$458.79
1974 RBI Leaders	1974	1	$1.70	$1.70	$457.09
1974 2B AS	1974	1	$3.25	$3.25	$453.84
1977 Rose	1977	1	$6.76	$6.76	$447.08
1974 Griffey RC	1974	1	$4.03	$4.03	$443.05
1976 Ecekersley RC	1976	1	$5.45	$5.45	$437.60
1974 Brock	1974	1	$3.00	$3.00	$434.60
1974 Aaron	1974	1	$10.51	$10.51	$424.09
1983 Ryan SV	1983	1	$2.91	$2.91	$421.18
1974 Carlton	1974	1	$3.00	$3.00	$418.18
1973 Lot	1973	100	$0.09	$8.74	$409.44
1973 Lot	1973	327	$0.17	$54.95	$354.49
August 18th Card Show	1973-1977	34	$1.96	$66.50	$287.99
1980 Henderson RC	1980	1	$8.00	$8.00	$279.99
1981 Cards	1981	34	$0.13	$4.25	$275.74
1973 Topps Lot	1973	46	$0.30	$14.00	$261.74
1987 Traded Set	1987	132	$0.03	$4.50	$257.24
1973 Rose	1973	1	$6.00	$6.00	$251.24
1973 SO Leaders	1973	1	$2.50	$2.50	$248.74
Lot from Fair Grounds	1976-1993	1693	$0.01	$10.00	$238.74
1973 Aaron	1973	1	$6.26	$6.26	$232.48
1973 Carew	1973	1	$2.99	$2.99	$229.49
1973 Ryan	1973	1	$6.49	$6.49	$223.00
1973 Clemente	1973	1	$8.85	$8.85	$214.15
1973 Johnson's	1973	2	$1.60	$3.20	$210.95
1973 Leaders	1973	3	$2.38	$7.15	$203.80
1973 Mays	1973	1	$9.76	$9.76	$194.04
1973 Stargell & Seaver	1973	2	$1.83	$3.65	$190.39
1978 Molitor RC	1978	1	$13.01	$13.01	$177.38
1973 Lot	1973	71	$0.52	$37.25	$140.13
1973 Schmidt	1973	1	$38.01	$38.01	$102.12
1973 AT HR Leaders	1973	1	$6.26	$6.26	$95.86
1973 Topps Lot	1973	46	$0.60	$27.50	$68.36
1972 Topps Lot	1972	353	$0.18	$62.00	$6.36
Jim Boutons	1965-1967	3	$2.00	$6.00	$0.36
1973 Cy Young	1973	1	$2.00	$2.00	-$1.64
1972 Aaron	1972	1	$7.75	$7.75	-$9.39
1972 Killebrew & Robinson (Frank)	1972	2	$1.50	$3.00	-$12.39
1972 Willie Mays	1972	1	$8.21	$8.21	-$20.60
1972 Yaz's	1972	2	$1.88	$3.75	-$24.35
2001 Topps Set (Gift)	2001	791	$0.00	$0.00	-$24.35
1973 Checklist	1973	1	$8.00	$8.00	-$32.35
Total		9479	$0.11	$1,032.35