The November Contest was a Rousing Success

I really just wanted to use the word "rousing". It's been a dream of mine for a long time and it only took 696 posts to get it done.

Seriously, I was blown away by the response to the November contest. The 9 questions I used for the contest had a total of 73 comments before the contest was posted. The contest resulted in an additional 111 comments, or answers, to the questions. Overall, 49 people posted 184 answers. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be doing a recap of the questions and answers because there were some great responses.

The blog set a new record for hits in one day as well with 522 hits the day I posted the contest. That's not to shabby for a blog that has averaged 114 hits/day over the last 6 months.

I'm about to start typing the names into random.org and I'll be posting a short video of the randomization and the name of the winner later.

Thanks for participating!

I haven't forgotten you

If you and I are in the middle of a trade and you're waiting on me, I haven't forgotten you. I plan on a trip to the post office at some point this week. If you're Emerald City Diamond Gems, I'm still searching for cards to add to your prize package.

I've been dealing with a little water issue the last few days. Namely, a water heater that decided enough was enough. When no one was home. For 9 hours. Can you say slosh? I can. If you're holding a group break (Wicked) and wondering why no one wants the Rangers, that's why. I've been pricing water heaters and well, guess what I'm getting the kids for Christmas? That's right, warm showers.

Anyway, that and a myriad of other issues (who doesn't have those right?) have led to a lot of baseball related stuff getting pushed to the backburner.

Stay tuned for a November contest update.

Box Break Question

I've only been around the blogosphere a little over a year. I participate in a group break now and then and I understand how they work. I can watch the video and see what cards come out of the break and everything makes sense.


I don't watch a lot of random box breaks on Youtube, but I will occasionally check out a break if there is an opportunity to get in on a box break from another blogger. That gives me some idea of what to expect out of a product I may not have ever opened myself.


What I don't understand are the videos where some guy is apparently opening a whole box or boxes for someone else. Why do some people order boxes only to let some other person open the box? A huge part of the thrill of buying packs/boxes is opening the packs myself. I can't imagine ordering a box of cards only to watch a video of someone else having all my fun!

Does anyone have any idea why this happens?

One Last Time

This will be the last reminder for the November Contest. The response has been amazing.

I'm currently traveling out of town, so I'll leave the contest open until Sunday night at which point I'll do the randomization for a winner.

Thanks!

It's a Wash

Ron Washington signed a new two year deal to skipper the Texas Rangers through the 2012 season. I thought this would be a good time to have a little Washington throwdown. We'll do a few comparisons and see whether George or Ron comes out on top.

First up, let's go with best card.

Here is a 2009 Topps American Heritage George Washington. A very nice card, even if George does have rosy cheeks. I'm particularly impressed with his title as General of the Armies of the United States.

I know Ron has a number of nice cards from his playing days, but we're focusing on his days as the Rangers mangaer. This is his 2009 Topps card. It's not bad and I actually like the photo.

Edge: George

The second category is honesty.

Little George demonstrated his honesty when confronted about a chopped cherry tree. I cannot tell a lie was his reply. Unfortunately, this story has never been confirmed as true.

Ron came clean about his use of cocaine (after being tested) early last season. We'll give him the benefit of the doubt and the continued hope that it never happens again.

Edge: Ron

The third caterogry is mercy.

George didn't give the Redcoats any mercy during the Revolutionary War.

Ron was at the mercy of Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan after the cocaine issue. They stuck by him and he has proven to be quite a manager.

Edge: George

The fourth category is firsts.

George was a unanimous selection as the first President of the United States. That's very cool.



Ron took the Texas Rangers to their first World Series. Ever. That's even cooler.


Edge: Ron

The fifth category is money

George is on the dollar and Ron just inked a new two year contract for lots of dollars.

Edge: George...hey, he's ON the dollar.

The sixth category is "kids".

Historians think George was sterile and he didn't have any children of his own.



Ron has "Little Ron". Ok, he's not Ron's child, but he couldn't deny him. I thought it was funny that the Rangers, at their thank you rally Wedneday, introduced Ron Washington and out runs "Little Ron".

Edge: Ron

Lastly, the category of stamps. This is the tiebreaker since its all even after six categories.

George has been on a number of stamps issued by the USPS. That's pretty cool if you ask me.




Ron put his "stamp" on the Rangers. They became a running team. The led the A.L. in sac bunts with 53. They also paced the majors in going from first to third on singles, doing it 122 times. That's 22 times more any other team in the majors. Throw in over 120 steals and striking out less than 1000 times for the first time since 2000 and you've got a Ron Washington team.

Edge: Ron

There you have it. In the Wash vs. Wash comparison, we have Ron winning 4-3.

Congrats Ron and here's hoping you win the A.L Manager manager of the year award!

Would someone buy me out...please!

I see the Rangers opted to give Vladimir Guerrero a $1 million buyout on Wednesday. I should have such terrible luck.




Vlad hit .300 with 29 homers and 115 RBIs last season. His postseason numbers weren't good, but he was a key part of the reason the Rangers won the A.L. West. He's 35 and I think he's got something left to offer. Rangers GM Jon Daniels said he had already spoken to Vlad and his agent. I wouldn't mind seeing him in Rangers blue again in 2011.

Do you think he re-signs with Texas or finds another home next season?

Consider this today's reminder about the November contest. Quite a few people got multiple entries yesterday so get in if you're so inclined.

Another '56 play at the plate

I know it may not seem like it lately, but I don't only talk Rangers. I also collect play at the plate cards.

You may also recall I have had a bit of a crush on the Topps Million Card Giveaway promotion. I can admit in hindsight that I fell for it in an unhealthy way. I used to log in throughout the day trying to make trades. Now I still log in each night, but that's normally to decline about 40 trades and make the occasional offer.

Last week, I finally made an offer that was good enough to obtain one of the 1956 play at the plate cards I've been drooling over.





I recently posted about my desire to get this 1956 Bill Sarni play at the plate card. I wanted it for 3 reasons. First, it's vintage. Second, it's a play at the plate. Last, and certainly not least, I'm convinced it features a steal of home by Jackie Robinson. Why do I think that? Well, I suspected it when I made my post. I was convinced when I read this post by Night Owl. He found a game that fits the action on the card and it was indeed Jackie Robinson involved in the play. You should check out Night Owl's description of the play.



I'm not going to recap Bill Sarni's career. I did a very brief write-up in that original post.

This is one of 45 cards in my MCG portfolio. I'm still trying to make one last trade for another '56 patp card and then I'll request shipment of the cards.

I'm looking forward to the feel of this cardboard greatness in my hand.

By the way, I noticed today that I had 102 followers. That's cool. It's only about 101 more than I thought I would ever get.