2011 Topps Lineage Case Review: Box #3

As you know, I bought a case of 2011 Topps Lineage thinking it would be an awesome product.  Thus far, I've opened the first two boxes for a group break (see the group break posts for a pack-by-pack breakdown).

Anyhow, I thought it might be fun to open the rest of the boxes, one at a time, a review them on their own merits.  I won't be reviewing the first two because I've already packed up most of the cards (and said all I felt like I could or needed to say about the cards during the individual pack posts of the group break).

Although there are four checklists, each box only comes with two.  That's annoying!

Anyhow, here's the third box out of the case - a quick review!  Also, since we pulled an awesome Reds relic in the group break, I promised the next relic would go to someone in the group break.  I won't say anything more about other than it's a nice card that I think will make someone pretty happy...you'll have to read on to see it (or cheat and scroll down)!

2011 Topps Lineage:
Case Review:
Box 3:

Base cards:  157 / 200  (78.5%)

In what seems like a rare feat these days, a single box of Topps Lineage will net you over 75% of the base set.  There were no duplicate base cards in the box, another nice thing for set collectors.  Furthermore, in yet another rare twist, none of the base cards are short printed!

Box topper:  1

Each box comes with one box topper, a Topps Giant card.  There are relic versions out there but this box did not contain one.  Instead, I got TG9.  Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers.  Other than the Joey Votto Topps Giants box topper, I don't have any interest in the set (though the cards are nice).  This one is available for trade.  Speaking of trades, I'll have a full list of my Lineage cards available once I have all the boxes busted and organized, I'm going to have a LOT of (hopefully) good stuff to offer!

Diamond parallels:  6

The Diamond parallels look exactly like the parallels from the Topps flagship set (though I actually the Lineage card fronts better).  If I hadn't gone so crazy trying to collect the flagship parallels, I would probably go for this set.  However, I think I'm only going to collect the Reds so these are all for trade.

Platinum Annivesary:  6

For some reason, Topps thought it would be a good idea to have two parallel sets with the exact same insertion odds.  Neither is rarer than the other, and together, it's a bit of a parallel overload (but we aren't done with the parallels quite yet)!  I think Topps would have been better off using only the Platinum Anniversary cards and ditching the diamond parallels altogether.  They need to differentiate between their sets a bit better, that's probably a factor in the luke-warm reception to the set.

1975 Minis:  6

The 1975 minis are the third (common) parallel set - and the last of the parallels from this box.  Judging from remarks across the blogs and message boards, Topps did well with this particular insert.  It appears that a lot of people are going to try for the full set, and while I would like to, I know I don't have the time or resources - so I'll only be chasing the Reds.  All my non-Reds are for trade!

Now that the parallels are out of the way, let's look at the rest of the inserts:

Topps Venezuelan:  2 / 25 (8%)

I don't care that the Topps Venezuelan cards are a throwback to an old type of card for Topps, I hate these cards.  The fronts are exactly the same as the base, the card stock is the same, and the back is the same (albeit in a different language).  Big whoop.  Of all the cards in the box, these are my least favorite - I'd rather have two more base cards that this waste of cardboard.

2011 Rookies:  4 / 19 (or is it 20?)  (21% or else 20%)

Each of the 2011 Rookie inserts are numbered on the back X out of 20.  Yet, the checklist only lists 19 different cards for the insert set.  Since none of my cards were #20, I have no idea if that card exists or not.  Either way, these are a much better example of an insert set based on Topps history - at least the backs are orginal as well.  I could do without the yellow ribbon at the bottom though.  And, for the record, how many people picture a pudgy looking Asian guy when hearing the name Hank Conger?   I guess that's his way of fitting in since his real name (according to Baseball Reference) is Hyun Choi Conger.  I've got a simple name myself, but I think it's pretty crappy that people have to change their given name just to fit in here in America.  Heck, the poor guy was born in Washington state - he should be able to go by Hyun Choi if wants to!

Topps Stand-Ups:  2 / 25 (8%)

At this point, we are getting to the inserts that more and more people seem to enjoy.  First up (pun intended), the Topps Stand-Ups.  I think Topps should do something like this in their flagship set (or maybe in Opening Day) each year - perhaps alternating with the Bobblehead cards that Upper Deck did one year in their Collector's Choice series in the late 90s.  They are simple, fun, and interactive - kudos Topps.

Topps 3D:  2 / 25 (8%)

These might be the first 3D cards where I actually think there is a decent 3D effect going on!  The checklist is also pretty strong (though Kendrys Morales isn't an inspiring choice of a card to land).  I could see myself chasing this set.  

Cloth Stickers:  2 / 50 (4%)

Ok, riddle me this.  Why are the cloth sticker inserts seeded at the same rate as the Stand-Ups and 3D cards and yet the set is twice the size of either of the aforementioned sets?  This particular set will take a lot of patience to complete - and it'll be even more difficult if people actually use these cards as stickers (thus reducing the number of cards out there to trade for)!

Each box of Topps Lineage promises three hits.  One is a relic, one is an on card autograph, and the third is an auto (presumably a sticker autograph).

Autographs:

Sticker Autograph:  
52A-FR.  Fernando Rodney

The 1952 cards are basically replicas of the design but with modern players.  As for the sticker, well, the less said about sticker autos, the better.  However, it is a nice looking card (regardless of how over played the '52 design is now).

On Card Autograph:
RA-DH.  Daniel Hudson

It's great that Topps listened to the customer and made a big effort to make half the autographs on card.  Unfortunately, not all the on card autos are "winners."   Actually, Hudson is a pretty decent pitcher who has a winning record this year with the D-backs.  Like the Rodney auto, this one is also available for trade.

And finally, the relic (which is going out in the group break since I pulled a Reds relic):

75R-JH.  Jason Heyward - Braves

Yeah, I think this is a nice relic for the group break addition, don't you?  I was pumped when I opened the box and pulled a relic of a good, exciting young player.  It's a lot better than many of the relics on the checklist - and this card ends up being the final card of the group break!

Conclusion:

As for the box itself, I would give it a solid B.  Excellent collation, the exact distribution of cards as per the wrapper, and a nice relic.  The autos were a bit lacking (at least for me), but even so there was a nice mix of teams amongst the inserts and hits.  Stay tuned to my blog for more box breaks, I've got 7 more to go (though they won't all get a post this long or I'll go crazy)!