Blue Diamond Aroldis Chapman (Pack Wars II)

The repack box was full of 2011 Topps packs.  At this point in the pack war, there are only three of the 2011 Topps packs remaining (the other three packs include Bowman, O-Pee-Chee, and 2010 Topps).  Let's see how this pack of 2011 Topps stacks up to the competition...but before we do so, I want to invite you to join my first group break of 2013.  Last year, I hosted a bunch of breaks and we did quite well!  I'm anxious to see what goodies we get this time - but I can't open the boxes until more slots are filled.  There are plenty of good teams available still (Dodgers, Indians, Mets, and Giants come to mind immediately).  Check it out and join!

Pack Wars II - Pack 15:
2011 Topps - Series 1 (12 card pack):

This is the fourth 2011 Series 1 pack, the other three packs have scored +14, +15, and -5.  Which way will this pack lean?

42.  Mariano Rivera - Yankees
If a pack wants a good score with me, it would be wise to not lead off with a Yankees card.  -2

259.  Kyle Davies - Royals
There's something that's decidedly non-exciting about opening 2011 packs of Topps.  Sure, there are a boatload of inserts (and maybe that's the problem)...  -1

160.  Josh Tomlin - Indians
We are three for three in terms of cards that don't interest me.  -1

29.  Josh Hamilton - Rangers

Ok, I kind of like Hamilton.  Admittedly, the guy doesn't quite have his head screwed on right...addictions and all that well documented stuff.  However, as a ballplayer he's something else!  +2 points

235.  AL ERA Leaders
A Mariner, Red Sox, and a Ray.  No Yankees = positive points.  +2

Blue Diamond:  6.  Aroldis Chapman - Reds

WOOO!  Just when I was getting bored of the pack - look what shows up!  A brand new (to me) insert of a Reds' player...and not just any Reds player but Aroldis "105 mph" Chapman.  I love it.  +10

Diamond Duos - DD-TR.  Frank Thomas & Manny Ramirez

Does any still need any of these (or any other 2011 Topps cards)?  +1 since I always liked Thomas.

Topps Town.  35.  David Price
I'm fairly certain no one wants this.  -2

278.  Marco Scutaro - Red Sox
Scutaro seems like a player who belongs on the Red Sox.  I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean either.  +0 points

84.  Roger Bernadina - Nationals
The Nationals don't interest me much at all.  I'm almost totally ambivalent towards them  +0.

210.  Brian Wilson - Giants
The Giants angered me last year - and Wilson's antics have angered me ever since he decided that his beard ought to become it's own "character."  -2

239.  Jhoulys Chacin - Rockies

This card came out of the pack damaged (see the lower left corner).  Not happy with that.  -3

Pack total:  4 points

The Chapman insert saved what was otherwise a lackluster pack.  Here's a look at the current standings:

Pack Wars II Current Standings:
+19:  2011 Allen & Ginter (6 card pack #1)
+16:  2011 Topps Series 2 (8 card pack)
+15:  2011 Topps Series 1 (12 card pack #2)
+14:  2011 Topps Series 1 (12 card pack #1)
+14:  2010 Topps Series 2 (12 card pack #1)
+11:  2011 Topps Update (12 card pack #2)
+10:  2008 UD Timeline (6 card pack #1)
+09:  2008 UD Timeline (6 card pack #2)
+07:  2006 Topps Series 2 (6 card pack)
+06:  2011 Topps Update (12 card pack #1)
+05:  2011 Allen & Ginter (6 card pack #2)
+04:  2011 Topps Series 1 (12 card pack #4)
+02:  1989 Fleer (15 card pack)
-05:  2011 Topps Series 1 (12 card pack #3)
-16:  2011 Topps Series 2 (12 card pack #2)