A Complete 180

Last night, it was all about the repack.  Today, I got a delivery I have been super-excited about all weekend. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to buy a case of something.  And I did -- it's the ho-hum 2013 Series 2 Topps base set, which Dave & Adam's Card World had on sale at below half price.  At the same time as I ordered that, my wife encouraged me to get a second one.

Twist my arm.

But I didn't get a second case.  Instead, I went with four hobby boxes of Bowman.  And, I watched anxiously over the weekend as everyone went into full hysteria mode to open these packs and find the hits.  I was not as lucky as William at Foul Bunt, meaning I have not pulled a Jose Abreu -- not yet, at least -- but I wanted to share a couple of quick things from just the first box.

The first few packs went by quickly.  There were a few nice cards which I'll share when I get done with all the packs, but then I saw something shiny and very, very red:

I looked on eBay, and this card is running somewhere around $30 on one active auction with some Buy-It-Nows around $50 or $60.  Not bad.  Not complaining.

The Bowman hobby boxes promise one autograph per box.  So, when I got to the next card, I have to admit -- I was feeling a bit disappointed in Bowman.

It's an autograph of a pitcher who was in rookie league last year (and don't forget the mantra: TINSTAAPP....there is no such thing as a pitching prospect) and it's numbered 30 of 500.  I mean, it's an autograph, but I really was hoping for, well, more.

Ask, and ye shall receive.

The fourth last pack of the box was a hot one.

It's a chip off the Great One...

A Black Wave Brewer Prospect!

A Cuban Defector Black Wave!

Okay, he's alright.  Nothing special...

A Silver Wave Cardinal numbered 11 of 25? Yes please.

There's more?  Oh yes.  Much more.

Maikel Franco of the Phillies, Black Wave, numbered 16 of 50.  That one hit $225 yesterday on eBay.  And that's where this one is going...but wow, what a hot pack!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some gold to chase.