Mini Stacks

I have a love/hate relationship with minis.  I feel like a should acquire them for my player collections, but generally I would rather just have a full size version of the same card.  

These minis from 2014 Topps fit that description.  I enjoy the design of these die-cut cards, but I would enjoy full size versions of these cards more.  The Kershaw in particular looks great.  The gray text of Dodgers even matches the away jersey Kershaw is wearing and you get Kershaw in his throwing motion. The Glavine is fine but the yellow border is kind of blinding and doesn't fit with the Braves colors.  He's also staring right at the camera.

Speaking of Kershaw, I need to add more cards of the best pitcher in baseball to my collection.  He has been so dominant this year it's almost an automatic win when he goes out there.  I purchased MLB.tv through the end of the season, and a large part of it is just to watch Kershaw pitch every 5th game.  Last night against the Padres Kershaw went into the 6th inning without a hit before giving up a hit to the opposing pitcher, Tyson Ross.  When the crowd comes to the game hoping for a no-hitter, you know something special is happening.  A future post on Kershaw is coming.  Back to minis...

I did a double-take when I received a stack of cards from JustCommons without looking at a picture of the cards before buying.  I purchased a copy of Cal's 2013 Topps Mini and 2014 Topps Archives.  I was a bit confused as at first glance I thought I'd received a mini and full size version of the same card.

Same design used, two separate sets, different photo.  At least they are from different years, and the card from 2013 is an insert set.

I know I've read some posts on other blogs about minis recently.  How do you feel about minis from recent sets?  Do you collect them because you feel obligated to fit them into your collection, or do you collect them because you really like them?

Cut to the Chase

I'm always on the lookout for insert sets that catch my eye, especially ones that contain cards of my favorite players, and insert sets that remind me of set designs from the late 90s and early 2000s. Cut to the Chase from 2013 Topps is one of those sets.  

In general I am not a fan of die-cut cards, but in this case I'll overlook it for the blend of colors in the background.  When I first saw a card from this set on another card blog (I'm sorry I can't remember which), I thought it would have been an insert from a Chrome or Finest product.  These type of insert sets are a big draw for me to open packs from the base Topps set.  I'm a sucker for pretty inserts and I would even take a nice insert over a ho-hum relic out of a pack in a lot of cases.  The written description on the back of this Machado card starts with the title 'Thrill of the chase', and is how many get enjoyment out of our great hobby.

Now that I have the Machado in my possession... must find the Ripken!  And why isn't Clayton Kershaw in this set? Would love to have an insert from this set in Dodger blue.  He could be chasing... I dunno... either of his CY Young awards? Pick one! Somebody please tell me I missed his name on the checklist.

While I go grumble some more about Kershaw being omitted from this set, please feel free to enjoy 'Cut to the Chase' from one of my favorite bands, Rush.