What's better than a trade package?

How about an unexpected package?

Shellie over at The Middle Child sent one of those unexpected packages a few days ago. It had a little bit of the new and the not so new.

First up is this 1997 Topps Finest Hurlers John Burkett.

Burkett was barely servicable during his time in Texas posting a 32-35 record during 3+ seasons. He didn't live up to the reputation he'd earned with the Giants.

Next up is one of my favorite all-time Rangers. This is a 1998 UD Collector's Choice Starquest 2 Star blah blah blah.... The important thing is it's a Rusty I didn't have already!

Here's a mini Rich Harden from this year's version of A&G. It's an ad back. I know, you care. I can feel it. I had this great pun all ready to go using Harden's last name. I just don't feel it.

How about a nice 2010 Heritage SP? How about a Hank Blalock? That's right, it's one of those bright white back things that Topps uses to trick up sets. I feel bad for Hank. He got released by the Rays back in early July and I didn't find anything about him landing with another team.

This is one of my first 2010 Topps 206 cards. It's poorly scanned, big shocker, but it's the bronze parallel of Vlad Guerrero.

This is my second 2010 Topps 206 card. Apparently Elvis is very happy to be on a bronze parallel. Well, at least someone is happy about these things. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to get the Rangers versions, I just don't see the point in these things. I should have some more of these coming from a couple of group breaks and that's it.

Shellie, thanks so much for the surprise package. I'll get you back!