Indi-relics from Padrographs

I recently contacted Rod at Padrographs regarding a couple of auto cards I had that he may have wanted. I sent him a Bowman's Best Kouzmanoff auto (sorry, Sooz) and an Adrian Gonzalez auto from this year's Goudey.

I wasn't expecting what I got in return. I am WAY happy with them. Thanks, Rod.

First, a few 2009 cards. The Bowman reminds me more of the famed 1971 Topps set than the infamous O-Pee-Chee set that is just being released as I write this. As much as that is a disappointment, the Bowman looks very nice. So nice that, in fact, Joshua, my #2, is collecting the set. (It also helps that he won the raffle at this month's Trade Days and received a box of '09 Bowman!) That's Victor Martinez spotting the ball, which he is doing a much better job of this year than last. He was hovering around .400 a month into the season, but is now down to .340-something, good for second in the league.

The obverse has only the 2008 stat line, though. That's just lazy, Bowman. And the Bowman Briefing could be reduced or eliminated to upsize the stats. Better luck next time.

Next up are two versions of the 2009 Upper Deck product. I have one word to say about the base cards.

BLECH!!!!!

I think the photography is not very good this year, and the design is even worse. These are extremely boring cards. Even the Award Winners insert card is so boring that even Grady can't save it!

Then Rod hit a home run with the next card: a Splendid Splinter Home Run Club bat relic card of Jim Thome who hit 52 in 2002 for the Indians. Too bad they couldn't show him in his Indians uniform. Laziness rules in the hobby these days. But this card is very cool, despite the mistake.

And lastly, an awesome card of Early Wynn from Flair Greats A Cut of History. The relics from these old-timers uniforms amaze me that these guys would play all summer in the heat and humidity in these heavy woolen uniforms. Not like today's wimps who have to have breathable pajamas. Give me a good ole' wool uni with stirrups, high socks, button-down jersey, and woolen cap to top it off. Those were real men.

Don't you just hate that Indians logo? It's so bad, it's good!