Monday, January 9, 2012

Letting someone else take the hit

You know if you buy a new car, the second you drive it off the lot, it loses value.
If you buy a used car in good shape, then you can avoid taking the big hit on value and get more bang for your buck.

The same principle applies to cards. I recently spent $20 on a lot of cards from a seller on the Blowout forum. It's the same amount we spend on blasters all the time. It's the same amount I spent on what I once termed "the best blaster ever".

Unlike that blaster, this "blaster" I purchased was all about the shiny. Many of you purchased 2011 Topps Chrome blasters or packs. You might get one or two colored refractors. Take a gander at what I got for the same price as a blaster.





2010 Bowman Chrome Kellin Deglan auto--This would be a nice hit for a blaster, especially since it was a guy from my team. Don't worry, I'm not a prospector and Bowman Chrome is NOT why I bought this lot. It gets better.





2010 Topps 206 Ian Kinsler Blue Refractor #104/199--Yes, Ian looks a little silly, but it's an beautiful card and everyone knows blue refractors were made for the Rangers...and Dodgers...and???





2010 Topps Chrome Michael Young Gold Refractor #31/50. How many blasters did I buy wishing to pull something like this? I don't know and I'm glad you don't either.





2010 Topps Chrome Michael Young Blue Refractor #94/199. It's the start of a beautiful rainbow. Yes, that's the 2nd time I've used the word beautiful in this post. Make that the 3rd time.






2011 Topps Wrapper Redemption Ian Kinsler--That's not Chrome, but it's sparkly and it's my first and only wrapper redemption card.




2011 Gypsy Queen Ian Kinsler Sepia Mini #38/99--Ok, I know it's not shiny, but it's still a great addition to my collection.





I just had to show the back. Well, I didn't have to, but I scanned it, so you get to see it.





2011 Topps Chrome Brian McCann Black Refractor #49/100--No, it's not a Ranger and yes Captain Canuck, it is going in my catcher binder next to the gold one. I hid my catcher binder since I knew you were looking for it.





2011 Topps Chrome Elvis Andrus Blue Refractor #40/99--One of my favorite cards of 2011, it shows Elvis turning a double play against the Giants in the 2010 World Series.





2011 Topps Chrome Ian Kinsler Black Refractor #46/100--Another of my favorite cards from 2011 because of the angle of the photo, the swing and I think that's Joe Mauer behind the plate.

I got all that for $20, but wait there's more! Sorry, I was going for the cheesy informercial affect there...

The lot also included some future trade bait. I won't say what they are specifically, but the lot had:

1 2011 Topps Chrome Black Refractor #/100
1 2011 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor #/99
4 2011 Topps Chrome Sepia Refractors #/99
2 2011 Topps Chrome Red Refractors #/25

Overall, I'd say that is a pretty good haul for $20. This is what I was referring to in my post earlier today when I said spending money on opening packs was a waste. I could never expect to get this lot of cards from a $20 blaster, but I picked it up for the same price after some guy took a bath on what must have been a case. I'll definitely be using the Blowout forums and other avenues to buy singles/lots that fit my collecting habits, but fear not dear reader.

I'm a sucker for busting my own packs, so I should still have plenty to trade. Heck, that's one of the best parts of having a blog anyway.

10 comments:

  1. Nice score! And TWO red refractors is ridiculous.

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  2. Indeed, a value-wise purchase. Nice hits.

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  3. I've been in the car business for nearly 40 years.I definitely see the connection.

    Great buy !

    There wouldn't be any Tribe cards in that trade bait would there !?
    I have a pile started for you.

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  4. This is exactly the reason I quit buying packs.

    When you are looking at "other avenues try out this guy:

    http://mmmrhubarb.wordpress.com/2011/12/22/santas-helper-has-a-name-goyboy/

    I picked up 171 Red Sox I didn't have for $25. He has more stuff than listed on his site. Just e-mial him.

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  5. Nice pick ups. I've pretty much gone to buying singles only myself. I just usually feel like I've wasted my money when opening packs. I still get excited when I find a pack of something new to rip open, but as soon as I'm done, I'm usually kicking myself. It's kinda like being a Cowboys fan. All excited when the season starts, and then not so much by the end!

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  6. Congratulations! This is one helluva haul. I'm a firm believe of picking up singles and building my own personal blaster box.

    I know some will say "there's no fun in that", but that's the beauty of our hobby. There is no right or wrong way.

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  7. I agree that you got a steal of a deal with that "blaster" right there. One of my goals was to spend much less on packs and I hope I can stick to it. The way I'm easing my mind is knowing for the price of a box I can buy a nice Bagwell auto or at least put it towards a really nice Bagwell auto.

    If there's any Astros trade bait in that blaster I've still got that Sterling Ogando for you lol.

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  8. Dude got the short end of the stick there. I never bother checking the forums because I've never seen sweet deals like this on there! Excellent work on your part finding this! -Andy

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  9. Greg--The red refractors are stars, but I'll be able to trade them!

    DHoff-Thanks!

    Captain- :)

    Baseball Dad-No tribers in that lot, but I think the next lot I have coming might have a couple.

    Adam-I checked him out, he has some great deals. Thanks!

    Big D-Do you and the boys have any 11 Chrome Rangers? I was in so many breaks, I have plenty of dupes.

    Fuji--you said it, there's no right or wrong way as long as you're happy.

    Trey, no Astros in that one, but I have one coming in the next lot. I'll let you know when I get it and we can finish up that trade.

    Andy--Thanks!

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