Update

Well like a pussy I chickened out. The people I was planning on going with backed out last minute and I didn't really feel like going alone. Oh well...

Bass Pro Shop Grand Opening: Autographs

Well the Balzac Bass Pro Shop is about to open in 5 days and the list is out for who is going to be there signing autographs.

The three I'm most interested in are:

1) Lanny McDonald
2) Mantracker
3) Bob Izumi

Below is a list of the "Special Guests" showing from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. I'll be there trying to get my 3 autos in 2 hours. We'll see how I do!

Fantasy Team

Jobu needs a refill

Round Pick Player Position
1. (9) Grady Sizemore OF
2. (22) Prince Fielder 1B
3. (39) Justin Morneau 1B
4. (52) Brian Roberts 2B
5. (69) Josh Beckett SP
6. (82) Félix Hernández SP
7. (99) Joba Chamberlain SP,RP
8. (112) Troy Tulowitzki SS
9. (129) Matt Wieters C
10. (142) Edwin Encarnación 3B
11. (159) Brett Myers SP
12. (172) Matt Garza SP
13. (189) Matt Capps RP
14. (202) Adam Lind OF
15. (219) Fernando Rodney RP
16. (232) Jason Giambi 1B
17. (249) Jeremy Hermida OF
18. (262) Ken Griffey Jr. OF
19. (279) Jack Cust OF
20. (292) Matt LaPorta 1B,OF
21. (309) Justin Masterson SP,RP

Still Thinking about picking up Purcey... Overall I'm pretty happy with my picks. Last year was my first try at fantasy anything and I drafted a horrible team not knowing any better, yet through luck and research I was able to take 3rd place! This year I'm hoping to do better!

2 Hobby Boxes of Champs 08/09 Hockey

So I'm away from home and I bought 2 boxes of Champs. I love these cards, they remind me of the Allen & Ginter but for hockey, which being Canadian... I love!

This will be a quick review and tell and I'll edit it more with more detail and add pictures later.

Here are the highlights...

Base Cards: 77/100 (37 doubles)

Mini Cards NHL Players: 66/192 (0 doubles)

Mini Cards Natural History: 16/192 (0 doubles)

Mini Cards Rookie: 6/96 (0 Doubles)

Champs Rookies: 24/100 (0 Doubles)

Mini Autos - Ilya Zubov (OTT), Tobias Stephan (DAL), Guillaume Latendresse (MON), Steve Mason (CBJ)

Mini Threads - Marty Turco - Black - (DAL), Mario Lemieux - black - (PIT)

Overall Thoughts:

I really like this product. It's fun to rip. The Base cards are amazing and the mini's are fun. I'd like to collect all the Natural History, but we'll see after I open my third Hobby Box next month how I feel. Overall an enjoyable product. I'm definately going to finish it up.

Best Hits: The Steve Mason auto and the Mario Lemieux Jersey cards were by far the best hits of the two boxes, and I got one of them in each of the boxes.

I definately recommend this product to anyone who likes the A&G cards and/or Hockey.

It's been a long, long time...

Okay so this month has been crazy between writing my thesis and work. I have so much stuff to post but haven't had the time to post it.

Tomorrow I will be back with a vengeance.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 7

Milwaukee Brewers:

Bill Hall



I love several things about this photo, the retro uniform and the pink arm band in particular! Hall has decent power for a small player, but also has decent speed. He can smash the lefties and can go on home run binges, 15 homeruns in 2008. Hall has never seemed to make a position his own. Hall was also the first player to hit a homerun in the new Busch Stadium!

Yovani Gallardo


I love the scale this card has, the intensity on Gallardo's face. Gallardo has an explosive fastball and when he is on his game is nearly impossible to hit. I will definitely be gunning for him on my fantasy roster, I see big things for him this year and he has the run support, I just hope he can stay healthy!

Toronto Blue Jays:

Aaron Hill

Hill is a hard worker, his solid swing generates line drives with occasional power. He's disciplined at the plate and runs the bases well. Is a sound defender. He is a solid second base option with upside, however, he'll never be a major speedster.

Jesse Litsch

Litsch has a decent sinking fastball, a bulldog mentality and loads of perseverance. Despite his relative youth, he's a crafty right-hander. Beacuse of his size his fastball is mediocre. However, he will be a presence this season on the Jay's pitching staff.


I won't be doing this everyday...but I have another 3 Bonus pictures from my upcoming Nationals, Tigers, and Angels cards... I hope you like them!

Erick Aybar

Speed and contact! And at the SS position!

Cristian Guzman

Guzman has good defensive skills and can have hot batting streaks.

Gary Sheffield

I love the stoic look on Sheffield's face!

All three of the bonus pics today have alternatives, I can't pick, so I'll put up a poll at the end for all the cards that have multiple choices.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 6

Thought I would post these early today! I've really had a lot of fun doing these cards, thank you very much for including me and allowing me to be a part of these Goose Joak Original Cards, Dave!

Milwaukee Brewers:

Craig Counsell

Counsell is particularly known for his unusual batting stance, where he points the bat straight up into the air as high as he can and moves it back and forth in an erratic fashion. He currently has a one year contract with the Brewers.

CC Sabathia


CC was with the Brewers only a short time, but what an impact he made. I have two cards designed in honor of his time with the Brewers. Hopefully someday he'll realize that the Yankee's suck and he misses the Brewers!

Toronto Blue Jays:

Joe Inglett

Inglett, nicknamed "Voodoo Joe", is now a utility player for the Toronto Blue Jays and has played games in at every position besides first, catcher and pitcher.

David Purcey

I have the feeling that this season will be Purcey's breakout. 2008 was his first season in "The Show", and he's only 26. With AJ Burnett gone and Marcum most likely out for the 2009 season, the Jays will depend on Purcey. When he's comfortable he is an intimidating presence on the mound, throwing strikes effectively. However, when he gets off his game his control is off. Purcey is young and this is something experience and time can fix. He will definitely be a presence this season on the Jays pitching staff.



BONUS!!! WHAT BONUS...YES BONUS....











Ervin Santana

These are the extra teams I picked up. I've really enjoyed doing these cards and am glad to help Dave out all that I can. Santana was integral in my first fantasy baseball season!




Lasting Milledge

Lastings had a bad rap with the Mets, but seems to fit in with the Nationals! His cards of 2009 seem to be the best of both Upper Deck and Topps so far. I was hoping to continue that with this colorful, smiling picture of Milledge.




Miguel Cabrera

I was going to start with my favorite Tiger, Ordonez and his flowing locks, however, this Cabrera picture is just too good to pass up. I wanted to share it as soon as possible.

I hope you guys enjoy these cards! For more info go to Goose Joak.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 5

So I was gone for the weekend, and Monday I was a little lazy. Here are four more cards for my contribution to the Goose Joak cards!


Milwaukee Brewers:

Mike Cameron

Cameron went to the Brewers in 2008. He's a defensive player with speed, who can also drive in runs. He also has power potential and run support making him a potent player. In 2008 he played in 120 games, hit 25 home runs and stole 17 bases. If healthy in 2009 it will be interesting to see what he will achieve.

Trevor Hoffman


Hoffman was acquired from the Padres in 2009 with a 1 year contract. While Hoffman might have been at one point the best Closer in the league he's 41 years old and his fastball has slowed down. I have a feeling he'll end up in the set up role sooner than later. While he might still have some left in him, and I pray he does, he's past his prime and I believe the Brewers could have done without him.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Brian Tallet


Before I talk about Tallet I have to say, I hate this baby blue pajama looking uniforms. Tallet has a fastball in the low 90s. He is comfortable with people on base, which is refreshing. However, his talents best lie in being a set up man.

Jose Bautista

Bautista has good power and is a decent runner for a corner player. In 2008 he played in 128 games and hit 15 home runs. He is a good defensive player both at 3rd base and in the outfield. However, his plate discipline leaves something to be desired as he chases far too many balls. I believe that he has potential and am interested to see how he performs this year.

First Ebay Purchases

Okay I'm really excited about this. I sold my Bobby Orr auto card and used the money to purchase a "few" special cards. I won't tell you guys what these cards are, but I will say that I'm blown away by what I got and the prices I got them for. I'll post them as they come in! So excited!

2008 Allen & Ginter Hobby Box Break

Well this is my second ever hobby box, and my first Baseball hobby box! I have now been officially collecting cards for 2 months!, well collecting again... I will post pics hopefully Sunday or Monday...

I love the base set! I think the cards are amazing, I will definitely go back and collect the '06 and '07 of this set!

I got no doubles of the base, 1 double of the states, which was Lastings Milledge.

There were 2 world leaders

#WL2 - Kevin Rudd of Australia
#WL15 - Angela Merkel of Germany



3 black bordered minis

David Wright
Felix Hernandez
Hudson Street



1 Baseball Icon

#BI13 - Lou Gehrig



1 mini NNO

Luke Scott (I hear this is very rare?)

I also got:

NNO - Kosuke Fukudome (I read there are only 50 of these in existence...does anyone know if that's true?)




The Hits:

#AGR-ATK - Adam Kennedy (STL) Jersey (Grey)
#AGR-IR1 - Ivan Rodriguez (DET) Jersey (White)


#AGR-JDD - Johnny Damon (NYY) Bat


#AGA-PW - Pete Weber Auto (out of 190?)



Well overall thoughts...I would buy this set again in a heartbeat. The baseset is amazing, probably my favorite base out there. I enjoy the States cards, but it excludes anyone Canadian so I don't like that. The mini's are fun.

I think ... think....that this was a loaded box. 2 no number cards (supposedly only 50 nno cards are made and finding one is like 1:151 packs and I got 2 and one is Fukudome, whom I do enjoy watching play). A baseball Icon - Lou Gehrig (1:48 packs). I really like the idea of the bat relic. It's Johnny Damon, possibly the only Yankee I can stand...well beside Joba, but that's because of his name. The Weber auto is cool, but disappointing as I don't care about him at all, but it's short printed to 190, so I hope I can use it to trade for something Prince Fielder.

On that note, not one Fielder or Braun base card, mini...anything in the box. That said, I would buy this again. Heck I just might some day soon!

Also no Ancient Icons, a set I would like to collect!

I'm hoping my next break will be either 2 boxes of Champs or if I decide to buy another box of A&G early. I usually only buy 1 box a month. I'm trying to limit my packs as well and just buy cards I need and players I want.

Again I'll post pics later. This was an exciting and wonderful product. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 4

These Goose Joak Cards are really starting to make a buzz around the Internet, and truth is, with what an amazing idea this is...I'm not surprised at all!

Milwaukee Brewers:

Chris Capuano



Capuano missed the entire 2008 season due to Tommy John Surgery. The Brewers resigned him to a minor league contract in 2008. His delivery is deceptive and his fastball can reach the low 90s. He is a good middle man, it will be interesting to see how he pitches in 2009.

Tony Gwynn Jr.


The Brewers recently signed Gwynn (and many others) to a one year contract. He has a sweet left handed swing, is able to find the gaps, runs well, and is very versatile. He is not a power hitter and an outfield position is not an assured thing.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Brandon League


League is a strong pitcher, his slider can reach 100 mph! He also has a strong fastball and change-up, which make him a versatile and potentially dominant pitcher. At the moment he's more of a groundball pitcher than a strikeout artist. However, he is young (25) and has vast potential.

Adam Lind

In 2008 Lind spent the majority of his time in the Jays AAA only to hit .300 and earn a call-up again on June 21, 2008 by new Manager Cito Gaston. His results in 88 games he hit .282, 9 Home Runs, 48 runs with 40 RBI's. He has decent power with a quick, sweet swing. He also has remarkable plate discipline. However, his defensive play leaves something to be desired and seems as though he would be better suited in the DH role.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 3

Another day, another 4 Goose Joak cards. I love this idea, I've even debated printing out some of these cards and sending them down to Spring Training to see if I can get them signed. I have a few players of which I have more than one card for, at the end of all this, I'll post them with a poll and see which is liked better. But for now...

Milwaukee Brewers:


Carlos Villanueva

Villanueva is a workhorse, he is used to being a starting pitcher. However, it seems as though this year he will be a set-up man and possibly the Brewers closer. The closer role seems fitting for him and I personally think it will be his sooner than later, especially with Hoffman being 41 years old. I know the Brewers brought him in as a closer, but I wonder if Hoffman would be better as the set-up man. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, the Brewers back end is looking decent this year with Hoffman, Villanueva and Gagne.


Rickie Weeks

Weeks is a speed man, he has stolen 19, 25, 19 bases in the past 3 years. He also has decent power, as he hit 14 homeruns in 2008. However, I don't believe he is a capable 20-20 player. He is weak defensively making countless errors. In 2008, he had the lowest fielding percentage (.975) and the most errors (15) of all NL second basemen. Nonetheless, it's his offense that keeps him consistently in the line up.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Shaun Marcum

Marcum's breakout season was in 2007 when he went 12-6 with an ERA of 4.13. He is primarily known as a power pitcher, clocking in the low 90s. Watching him pitch in early 2008 was a treat as he went 5-4 with a 2.65 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 98.2 Innings. However, he hurt his elbow and required surgery. Sadly, he will most likely miss the 2009 season because of this.

Lyle Overbay

Overbay is the Blue Jays First Baseman. He is a power hitter, but compared to many of the other first base players in the league he is slightly underwhelming. However, his plate discipline is excellent. He consistently gets on base and produces runs. He is also an excellent defensive player.

A Night In with JJ

Well my wife is out for the night and I have 5 hours to myself. So I've decided to have a JJ Abrams marathon, Alias and Lost. The only thing that would make the night complete would be trading cards from JJ shows like the following...











Defiantly have to try and get my hands on a few boxes or packs of these. JJ and Whedon are my heroes...and having a part of these shows (auto's and used) would be amazing!

Goose Joak Cards, Day 2

Well it's day two and here are four more of my cards for the Goose Joak card set.

Milwaukee Brewers:

JJ Hardy

J.J. Hardy, drafted in 2005 by the Brewers, is a fan favorite. In 2008 he batted .283, with 2 stolen bases, 24 home runs, and 74 RBIs. He is a sound defensive player with a strong arm, however he tends to make too many errors. He is an intense player who goes through hitting streaks and slumps. No matter what, he is always fun to watch!

Corey Hart

Power, speed and tattoos, the three things that Corey Hart is known for on the field. He "hits like Mays and runs like Hays." At 6'6" Hart is the fastest runner on the Brewers team. In 2008 he hit average is .286, with 16 homeruns , 60 RBI's , and 15 stolen bases. It was not Hart's best year, he is likely to rebound in 2009 and be more around a 20-20 player.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Dustin McGowan

McGowan is one of those pitchers that is just fun to watch. Unfortunately what makes him fun to watch also makes him vulnerable, with his high kick delivery making him susceptible to base-stealers. McGowan's fast ball can reach up to 98 mph. In July 2008 he had season ending shoulder surgery. It is projected that McGowan could one day be the Blue Jays ace.

Vernon Wells

Normally I like to talk about the players, and I will...but first I wanted to talk about this photo. Wells is primarily known for his power and his cards usually capture this. I decided to take a different direction and use a picture of him sitting, after being tagged out at home plate. I also try to use photos that are positive for the players, not showing them being tagged out or striking out, however, I thought this was just fun.

In 2008 Wells batted batted .300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs in 108 games, however he missed 58 games in 2008. In an attempt to avoid injury this season Wells hired a personal trainer, lost fat and gained muscle, however, he injured his hamstring during spring training 2009. Hopefully this year will see Wells healthy. When healthy he is capable of 30+ homeruns

Goose Joak Cards...redo

Well a while ago I was talking about the creatively wonderful brainchild of Dave at Goose Joak which was to create our own baseball cards. I love this idea and am very passionate about it! However the past month there have been a number of problems. GIMP, a photo editing program I was attempting to use, was the bain of my existence. I finally gave up on it and got photoshop. I also had a virus wipe out a good chunk of my computer, so many of the cards I created were lost.

Well hopefully like the Phoenix these cards have risen out of the ashes of my doom and will hopefully be even better than before. I think I'm around 50% done my cards right now, including a very special card which I will reveal at the very end of this show and tell. I'll try and show 4 cards every day, 2 Brewers and 2 Blue Jays, and the "special project card" at the very end of it all.

I hope you enjoy!

Milwaukee Brewers:

Prince Fielder:

Prince Fielder is my favorite Baseball player, in the history of baseball, past and present, he is my favorite. Why? Have you seen him hit a ball? He has a sweet swing, it looks so natural. Plus he's named Prince, I'm come freaking on, he is the Prince of Baseball, someday he will be King! In his rookie year this kid hit 28 home-runs, leading the rookie pack. In his second year he hit 50, the youngest ever! 2008 saw Fielder hit .276 batting average, 34 home runs, 102 RBI, 86 runs and 84 walks. The guy is only 24 years old, bound to reach the 50 mark again. In 2008 he became a Vegan, after reading Skinny Bitch. While I could personally never give up meat, I think that it's awesome that he is an advocate for animal rights!

Ryan Braun:


Another young player in Milwaukee that is a pure player of the game. Ryan "The Hebrew Hammer" Braun! With a nickname like that it's no wonder he hit 34 and 37 Home-runs consecutively with 14 and 15 Stolen Bases. Watching him and Fielder play has brought me back to the game. They just enjoy playing, to them they are living the dream and having a blast. I love that. I hope the two of them stay with the Brewers for a very long time to come!

Toronto Blue Jays:

Alex Rios:

Rios has been a conundrum, in 2006 he hit 17 home-runs with 17 stolen bases, in 2007 he hit 24 home-runs with 17 stolen bases and in 2008 he hit 15 home-runs with 32 stolen bases. The question on everyone's mind this season is which Rios will we see? Personally I'd like to see him have a 20-20 year and I think he's more than capable of it. Rios is considered a franchise player for the Jays, but at 28 which is the real Rios?

Roy Halladay:


"Doc" Halladay, the cornerstone of the Jays pitching. A true workhorse. 2008 saw Halladay with 206 k's a career high! Halladay was drafted by the Jays in 1998 and has been with the team ever since. I'd like to see him finish his career there. I enjoy watching him pitch, his arsenal includes a four-seam fastball which he can throw in the mid 90s, a two-seam (sinking) fastball which he throws at 92-94 MPH, a curveball which he throws around 77 MPH, a cutter which he throws at 90-92 MPH, and a changeup. He generally can use any of these pitches in any count, which serves to make him even more effective, and keeps hitters off pace.