The 2001 Topps Archives packs hold 8 cards each, in contrast, the 2002 Topps Gold Label packs have exactly half that number of cards per pack. With that being said, it doesn't take much for a Gold Label pack to be a complete bust (4 crappy cards) nor does it take much for a Gold Label pack to be spectacular for a given team (more than 1 card of that team out of the 4). Luckily, the first pack of the box is a spectacular pack for one team - and it is a team that wasn't initially claimed which is kind of fun for whoever ends up with it once the trading is finalized!
2002 Topps Gold Label:
Pack 1:
54. Jim Edmonds - Cardinals
82. Roy Oswalt - Astros
89. Michael Hill - Astros
191. John (Not Alex) Rodriguez - Yankees
It was an Astros hot pack!
As for John Rodriguez, I've never heard of him. According to the card back, he was in AA in 2001 where he hit 22 homeruns. I'm guessing that life at AAA got a bit harder for him since I don't recall that name making the big league roster ever.
2002 Topps Gold Label:
Pack 1:
54. Jim Edmonds - Cardinals
82. Roy Oswalt - Astros
89. Michael Hill - Astros
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| The backs of the Gold Label cards are fairly nice (even if I prefer full statistics). |
191. John (Not Alex) Rodriguez - Yankees
It was an Astros hot pack!
As for John Rodriguez, I've never heard of him. According to the card back, he was in AA in 2001 where he hit 22 homeruns. I'm guessing that life at AAA got a bit harder for him since I don't recall that name making the big league roster ever.
I BR'ed Rodriguez...he was actually pretty damn good. Saw 388 plate appearances with the 05-06 Cardinals, and was on the Cardinals roster (even had one at bat) in the World Series that they won. Batted a respectable .298/.378/.434, which is actually good for an OPS+ of 110, aka above average. He was designated for assignment in 07 though when Cesar Izturis was acquired, probably because he doesn't hit for much power as a left fielder.
ReplyDeleteSince then he has been in the minors, most recently with Veracruz of the Mexican League. Still hitting pretty well...so I'm kind of surprised he never got another shot. Poor dude.
Interesting! I can't believe that I don't remember him if he played for the Cardinals for a couple of years...it seems like the Reds and Cardinals play about 8 billion games each year (and only some result in fights). Even so, with decent numbers you have to wonder if he's just been forgotten - heck, maybe some scout will read this post, check out Rodriguez, and then sign him to a new big league club. He can thank us.
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