Delivery Time! Hot Corner Cards Hooks Me Up!

With the Christmas holiday rapidly approaching, I've decided to do a bit of organizing around the 'ol man cave (so to speak).  As you may have noticed, I've cranked out a bunch of trade posts over the past few days - in fact, today's post is the final trade post that I need to do (at least until some of my more recent trades come in).  As of this post, I'm completely caught up!!

Yeah, that makes me happy too...though it also means I have very little blog fodder until after Christmas (a little birdie has informed me that I'm getting three boxes of baseball cards for Christmas - mostly because I picked 'em out)!

Anyhow, back to the present (speaking of presents).  Today's trade package was a surprise mailing from Patrick over at Hot Corner Cards.  Patrick and I have swapped a few trades in 2013 - he's one of my many new trade partners that I gained this year.  Even better, he's not a Dodger collector (Patrick enjoys the Tigers which means I have someone to dump off my Tigers on now)!  In return, he has someone to dump his Reds on - and that's exactly what he did.

First up, some cards from my want list.  This year I decided to only chase the Reds from the Topps flagship brand (including Updates & Highlights).  Patrick had all but one of the Reds base cards from the Update set to send me which was much appreciated.

I'm not a huge fan of the Update line - in fact, if Topps axed it I'd be perfectly happy.  Updates & Highlights had a purpose before Topps went crazy with the Photoshop...now?  It's useless.  Unfortunately, I can't help myself but to try and collect at least the Reds from the set - so let's take a look.

Three All-Stars:

Chapman, Votto, and Phillips all get the Mets-centric All-Star logo treatment in the set.  I like the fact that the Phillips photo is definitely from the All-Star game (notice Troy Tulowitzki playing shortstop beside Phillips)!

Two Guys (one of whom I wish would still be a Red):

If you think I'm wishing that Paul was still a Red over Choo you are incorrect.

One Rookie:

The rookie card logo still bugs me but I guess I ought to get used to it...I doubt it'll ever go away.  On the other hand, this particular card is quite nice - the running down the line is a photo opportunity that isn't used nearly enough.  Of course, this one looks like Robinson just rolled a little grounder to the third baseman, but whatever...

In addition to the cards that I needed, Patrick also threw in some assorted Reds goodies - I'll only highlight a few of my favorites.

First up, a Turkey Red insert from 2010 Topps.

I went crazy buying Topps' flagship offering in 2010 so I have pretty much the entire thing - inserts included.  Usually when I do that, I end up sick of the cards before I finish the set - but in the case of Turkey Red I still like the set three years later!  And, better yet, I now have a copy for my Reds' binder and my Topps' set binder.

Next up, a Bowman card of Reds' future (current?) ace - Mat Latos.

I don't have much to say about this - it's either an early spring training shot or Photoshopped, I can't quite tell.  However, it's different enough for me to like it!

And finally, a card from 1982 Big League Collectibles.

I have no idea what this set is - the card is just slightly bigger than a "normal" card...but it's pretty cool (and thick too)!

Thanks for the cards Patrick!  And, as always, if anyone else would like to trade, check out my want list and make an offer!