First Impressions - 2019 Topps Gypsy Queen

I know, Gypsy Queen was released almost a month ago! But I caved in and bought a pack so I could give it a proper review. This is one of those 3 packs with some green parallels deals.

#85 Ryan McMahon

The honor of the first card pulled goes to the Rockies' corner infielder. For the most part, I like the graphical layout. The blue ribbon and circles are nicely done. (Maybe the GQ could be a little smaller...) The text however....wow. It's been said how small the print is, and they weren't kidding! Granted, you're not missing much on the front, but I will say this: the minuscule little "started at" tag above the position circle annoys me to no end.

#55 Shohei Ohtani
#214 David Peralta
#300 Aaron Judge
#133 George Springer

Let's talk about the back of the cards. Other than consistency with the  front, there is no logical reason to have the card number so small! My eyesight was never great but this is almost worthy of a magnifying glass. I like the simple trivial write-ups, but the copious amount of empty space leaves me wanting more.

#42 Archie Bradley
#223 Tyler Austin 

Rock those shades and eye-black, Tyler!

#177 Zack Godley
#231 Tyler Skaggs
#97 Austin Meadows
#189 Edwin Encarnacion (blank plate parallel)

Does anyone collect these or find them remotely worthwhile? Missing nameplates have to rank among the worst gimmicks Topps has tried to pull off.

#105 Bryce Harper
#144 Daniel Poncedeleon
#62 Zack Greinke
#283 Danny Jansen
#FTMJM J.D. Martinez (Fortune Teller insert)

I'm not a huge fan of minis, but if I'm going to get one, at least it's a Red Sox card. It'd be interesting to see next year how well these predictions did.

#168 Kevin Pillar
#31 Jake Arrieta

Green Parallels

#172 Ryan Braun
#256 Brian Anderson
#132 Blake Treinen

As you would expect from a green border, the Athletics cards look great!

#80 Ronald Guzman
#31 Jake Arrieta

Overall, it seems about more of the same from Gypsy Queen. I like the design better than last year, but I'm starting to wonder if this brand has run it's course.

Who's #100 Contest

Clues! Who wants clues? Get your clues here! As we inch closer to Haiku #100, each clue narrows the field down! You have these 4 already:

Clue #1: He's a former All-Star.
Clue #2: He was once traded for a former Cy Young Award winner.
Clue #3: He was almost traded for a Hall of Famer.
Clue #4: He was drafted by Texas Rangers.

Now, It would seem almost logical that I'd celebrate a milestone by focusing on my favorite team, wouldn't it? Well, I'm not:

Clue #5: He has never played for the Boston Red Sox.

If you've guessed a Red Sox alum already, now's your chance to try again! Keep the clues coming! Guess correctly here and earn 6 points!