Monday, November 8, 2021

The All-Time Red Sox/Braves Lineup

Back in 2018 when the Red Sox and Dodgers were battling in the World Series, I thought it would be fun to construct a basic lineup of players that have donned both uniforms. It was a fun enough exercise that when the Washington Nationals won the following year, I did it again. (Not only did I do the Nationals, I even did a separate lineup for their old franchise, the Expos!) Doing another Dodgers lineup wasn't appealing last year (Adding Mookie Betts would have been the only change), and I never got around to doing any other team. With the season now over it seems like the perfect time to do a lineup of players who have donned the uniforms for both the Red Sox and Braves!

First of all, a disclaimer: I stuck with just the Atlanta years in my search. As much as I would love to add Babe Ruth and Cy Young to this list, it just didn't seem right to have Boston Braves with Boston Red Sox. 

Catcher: Jarrod Saltalamacchia

2007 Topps Allen & Ginter
#189 Jarrod Saltalamacchia (RC)

2013 Topps #301 Jarrod Saltalamacchia
 
The longest last name in Major League history started his career as a first round pick for the Braves, and eventually he became a member of the 2013 World Champion Red Sox team.

1st Baseman: Nick Esasky

1990 Upper Deck #758 Nick Esasky

1989 Topps Traded #T29 Nick Esasky

Esasky is a prime example of a star burning bright before burning out. In his one season with the Red Sox, he had a career year and even received some down-ballot MVP votes. He parlayed that great season into a nice contract with the Braves. Unfortunately, he only lasted 9 games, forced to retire because of a bout of vertigo.

2nd Baseman: Mark Lemke

1990 Topps #451 Mark Lemke


1998 Pacific Online #118 Mark Lemke
 
Mark Lemke was a constant lineup presence during the Braves 90's dynasty. He spent his last season in Boston, where a concussion prematurely ended his career.

Shortstop: Edgar Rentaria

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights
#UH231 Edgar Rentaria


2005 Bowman Heritage
#15 Edgar Rentaria
 
Signed after the 2004 season to a 4 year contract, Rentaria struggled in Boston both offensively and defensively. He lasted one year before being traded to Atlanta and regaining his All-Star level of play.

3rd Baseman: Pablo Sandoval

2021 Topps Update
#US313 Pablo Sandoval


2015 Topps #650 Pablo Sandoval
 
Continuing with big contract free agents who struggled in Boston and quickly wore out there welcome, the "Kung Fu Panda" is most remembered by Red Sox fans for getting caught liking Instagram photos during a game. He'll be awarded his 4th World Series ring after the Braves victory, even though he didn't finish the season with them.

Left Fielder: Jonny Gomes

2015 Topps Heritage #572 Jonny Gomes


2014 Topps #149 Jonny Gomes
World Series Game 4 (WS)
 
Jonny makes his second appearance in my lists, having made the team for the all-time Nationals/Red Sox lineup. A World Series hero for the Red Sox, he played half a season for the Braves.

Center Fielder: Otis Nixon

1992 Donruss #33 Otis Nixon (HL)


1994 Flair #265 Otis Nixon
 
The Braves' single season stolen base leader spent one nondescript year playing for the Red Sox.

Right Fielder: J.D. Drew

2004 Donruss Studio #21 J.D. Drew


2007 Upper Deck
World Series Champions Boston Red Sox
#MM3 J.D. Drew (MM)
 
J.D. Drew is also a former lineup member, having made the Dodgers/Red Sox lineup, although to be fair if I were updating that list now, he'd probably get booted for Mookie Betts.

Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz

1990 Upper Deck #84 John Smoltz (CL)


2009 Topps #355 John Smoltz

We finally have a Hall of Fame player! Although to be fair his half season in Boston won't be remembered quite as fondly as his Braves tenure.

Closer: Craig Kimbrel

2012 Topps Update
#US268 Craig Kimbrel (AS)


2019 Stadium Club #270 Craig Kimbrel
 
Kimbrel was a star for the Braves, and a star for the Red Sox, making 7 All-Star appearances in the 8 years he spent between the two teams. A few more solid years as a closer and we might have another Hall of Famer  here.

Designated Hitter/Pinch Hitter: Orlando Cepeda

1970 Topps #555 Orlando Cepeda



1974 Topps #83 Orlando Cepeda

I was tempted to make this Hall of Famer the first baseman of my list, but he never played that position for Boston, becoming their first ever designated hitter!
 
For two storied franchises, I'm surprised this lineup didn't pack more of a punch. Just a couple of Hall Of Famers, a few All-Stars - I think Kimbrel was the only guy who was at his peak playing for both teams.

Friday, November 5, 2021

Top 3 Tribute: Jerry Remy

I wanted to take a moment to honor a Red Sox icon. Remy passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. As a former player and broadcaster, he was beloved by Red Sox fans, even being "elected" as the President of Red Sox Nation. Personally, I was able to listen to him call games through by MLB subscription, and he was a joy to listen to. He was often insightful, witty, and unlike a lot of broadcasters he actually added to the overall enjoyment of the game. I present to you my 3 favorite Jerry Remy cards that I own:

1978 Topps #478

 
Even though he's depicted as an Angel on this card, the 1978 season was his first as a member of the Red Sox. He endeared himself to the Fenway Faithful immediately, making the All-Star team for the only time in his career.

1981 Topps #549

 
Last year, or maybe the year before, I remember watching a game on TV and listening to Jerry and his broadcast partner Dave O'Brien talk about this card and how funny it was. Remy obviously was not expecting to have his picture taken here!

1985 Topps #761

 
The "RemDawg" retired in 1986 after missing the 1985 season due to injury, essentially making this his sunset card. Afterwards, he went on to become an award winning broadcaster and member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

I also highly recommend his book Watching Baseball: Discovering The Game Within The Game. It's a very insightful book and you'll enjoy it if you enjoy the nuances of the game as it's being played.
 

RIP Jerry Remy - you will be missed!

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Repack Haiku #228 (Carney Lansford)

A play at home plate
Shelved him with torn ligament
Opened door for Boggs
 
1989 Donruss #243 Carney Lansford
 
A 1982 injury gave the Red Sox an opportunity to get a good look at a young Wade Boggs. They like what they saw and traded Lansford to Oakland the following off-season. Lansford became an All-Star and a "glue guy" for the Oakland A's late 80's dynasty, so it worked out well for both teams.

Oh, and congrats to the Atlanta Braves for their World Series victory last night!

Monday, November 1, 2021

Blog Trade: Cards From Rancho Murieta, CA

I was recently contacted by a fellow collector named Dave, who happened to have a few cards off of my So Close page. I found a few of his PC guys to send him, and we made the trade:
 

 
Owning these 6 cards mean that I am just one card away from completing the 1992 O-Pee-Chee Premier set!  Tony Gwynn alludes me for now, but I may have a potential trade for him soon!
 
Favorite Card:  Despite my preference for action shots, how can you not appreciate the career of Jim Abbott?

Thanks for the trade, Dave!

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Repack Haiku #227 (Roberto Alomar)

Number retired
Was a first for the Blue Jays
Will they reissue?
 
1992 Topps #225 Roberto Alomar

 
His #12 was the first number ever retired by the Blue Jays organization. However, after essentially being banned from baseball due to sexual misconduct, the Blue Jays have distanced themselves from the Hall of Famer. They've already taken down his banner, but it remains to be seen if any other Toronto Blue Jay will wear that #12 again...

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

2021 World Series Tale Of The Tape

 
The World Series starts tonight, and I'm dubbing this one the "Battle Of The Villains!" Now I know what you're thinking: The villainous Astros narrative is pretty well established, but the Braves? How are they villains?  Well, they're not to us baseball fans, but the MLB definitely considers the state of Georgia evil. Regardless of who wins, it's going to be an awkward trophy presentation for Rob Manfred. Now, for most baseball fans like me, chances are your team isn't one of the two left standing. Who do you vote for when your team isn't playing? Personally, I base it on a few different factors. Let's see how the two teams stack up:
 

Former Red Sox Players

Astros: Marwin Gonzalez
Braves: Jonathan Lucroy, Pablo Sandoval
 
If I can't root for my team, I can at least root for guys who used to be on my team. Unfortunately, there's not much to go on here. Gonzalez started the year with the Red Sox, didn't hit at all, and eventually got released. He's not on the Astros' postseason roster.  Lucroy and Sandoval had their tenure with the Braves end before the season did. (In fact, Sandoval was sent to Cleveland in exchange for NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario!) No former Red Sox on the great stage this year!

Advantage: None!
 

Shenandoah Valley Baseball League Alumni

Astros: none
Braves: none
 
For the first time since I started doing these, we don't have any former players from my local summer league involved. Oh well, maybe next year.

Advantage: None!
 

University of Virginia Cavaliers Alumni

Astros: none
Braves: none
 
Go Wa-hoos! Living a short drive from Charlottesville, I've gone to a few UVa baseball games. Once again, neither team earns an advantage because they don't employ any past Cavaliers. (However, a special shout out to Chris Taylor and his 3-HR game in the NLCS!)

Advantage: None!
 

Championship Drought

Astros: 3 years
Braves: 25 years

Finally! Someone earns a point!

 
Advantage: Braves
 

Personal Connection

My dad isn't a big baseball fan, but he has said he's always liked the Braves. I can probably chalk that up to TBS being the only real source for MLB games growing up. Also, I have a picture of my dad and I standing at Hank Aaron's locker from our only trip to the Hall of Fame.

Advantage: Braves
 

Spring Training Adventures

I've seen both teams play during my trips to Spring Training, but the Astros are the only team that I got a signed ball from.



Advantage: Astros

Bias Against The Team That Eliminated The Red Sox From The Postseason

What? I'm not bitter, but it's a little soon to be turning around and rooting for the Astros...

Advantage: Braves

Final Talley: Braves 3, Astros 1
 
Not going to lie, there isn't a whole lot for me to get excited about this year. I'll probably listen to it in the background while I'm doing other things, but then again, baseball does have that way of pulling you into the excitement.
 

See what I did there? ;)

Go Braves!

Friday, October 22, 2021

Starting 9: Cards From The Basball Card Store

These past few month, I haven't been blogging as much as I usually do - 11 posts each in August and September, the lowest total for any month since 2018. A big part of that is that I haven't been getting many new cards. The retail well has pretty much dried up locally, and when I find cards I'm finding that I'd rather not spend my money on sets I don't really want, like Bowman or Chrome. (The jacked up prices make it much easier to say "no"!) 

Locally, things are weak, but the amount of cards coming in has picked up a lot. Thanks to some online shopping and some incredibly generous packages from some bloggers, I have a ton of cards that I'm going through and cataloging. With various things going on between work and home, it's taken me forever to do so. 

Fortunately, I'm getting caught up. I'm ready to show off my most recent order from the Baseball Card Store. I picked up a nice round 100 cards, a healthy mix of set needs, Red Sox cards, and cards I just felt were worthwhile. Showing all 100 cards would make for too long a post, so I'm just going show off my 9 favorites. Why 9? To paraphrase from the MLB Network Show "Prime 9" - 9 innings, 9 players on the field! 


9. 2007 Topps 

#116 Tim Wakefield


 
I don't know why, but the red background cracks me up. It just screams Senior Class portrait.

8. 2010 Topps Update - Peak Performance 

#PP-124 Daniel Nava


 
I've always been a big fan of Nava's journey to the Majors. This card highlights his historic first hit.

7. 1992 Conlon TSN 

#559 Al Schacht (NN)


 
Speaking of great stories,  "The Clown Prince Of Baseball" would make an excellent movie.

6. 2012 Topps - 1987 Topps Minis 

#TM-23 Dustin Pedroia


 
I know a lot of people think the design is overused, and it is, but I still love the 1987 Topps wood-grain in all of its forms.

5. 2005 Upper Deck ESPN 

#13 Davis Ortiz


 
This was a cool find. I never heard of this set before, and jumped at a chance to have a card of Big Papi wearing an All-Star game uniform.

4. 2001 Fleer Boston Red Sox 100th Anniversary 

#92 Luis Tiant (BB)


 
One of these days I'll complete this set. I'm a long ways off, but for now I have another great card of Luis Tiant!

3. 2019 Topps Big League 

#331 Brock Holt

 

One of my favorite cards from 2019, the photograph is amazing on many levels.

2. 2013 Panini Prizm - USA Baseball 

#USA1 Dustin Pedroia


 
Panini Prizm packs a punch with a pre-professional Pedey!

1. 2008 Upper Deck #433 Jason Varitek


 
This card has been on my radar for awhile now, and when Night Owl featured it over the summer, I knew I had to finally track down a copy. 
 
As always, baseballcardstore.ca is an excellent place to get cheap cards! 



Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Repack Haiku #227 (Lance Parrish)

Could make argument:
One of eighties best catchers?
More awards than Fisk
 
1992 Fleer #66 Lance Parrish

 
Parrish is an interesting study of stats vs. awards. Compared to his contemporaries Carlton Fisk and Gary Carter, he fell well short of their statistical achievements. However, he was an 8-time all star who won 3 Gold Gloves (more than Fisk, same as Carter) and 6 Silver Slugger awards (more than both Fisk and Carter). Even on the statistical side, he ended his career with the exact same number of home runs as Carter did. He was also the cleanup hitter for one of the most dominate teams of the era, the World Champion 1984 Tigers. Yet while Fisk and Carter are immortalized in the Hall of Fame, Parrish got only 9 votes in his one and only appearance on the 2001 ballot. I'm not saying he was snubbed for the Hall, but he should have easily reached the 5% minimum.

Monday, October 18, 2021

Time Travel Trading Update #58


 
There are some cards that I feel confident will go quickly. One of those cards was a 1968 Topps AL RBI Leaders card featuring 3 Hall of Famers. I received that card 3 years ago and needless to say it wasn't the fast mover I thought it would be. Since the card featured Carl Yastrzemski, I was tempted many times to pull it and add it to my collection. But I kept it here, in Time Travel Trading purgatory,  and it was finally one of a half dozen cards snagged by Jeff (Wax Pack Wonders).  In return, we get another vintage Hall Of Famer and the first rub off tattoo in the trade.

Consistency, thy name is Brendan (The View From The Third Floor). Brendan made his first trade with me in January and has claimed cards on every update. He officially becomes the second member of the 10-trade club, and Brendan's generosity is in full force with this one. In exchange for a single card, he sent all this as a return package:

Anyone like minis?

The other member of the 10-Trade Club is obviously Bo (Baseball Cards Come To Life), who broke new ground this time by becoming the inaugural member of the 20-Trade club! In addition to the swap, we both ended up sending along a little extra kindness (Thanks for knocking another card off my So Close page Bo!)

That Wayne Gross is an 1978 O-Pee-Chee, if you couldn't tell from the back!

I do have one more trade pending, but that will have to wait until next month's update. As always, these cards are all available in exchange for an older card! You can claim your cards below, or through the TCDB (Kep75). Let's make some trades!

The Time Travel Trade Stack:

 
2020 Topps Allen & Ginter - Mini Behemoths Beneath
#MGB-17 Giant Clam
 
2020 Sage Hit - Rookie Autographs Black (football)
#A17 Harrison Bryant (AU)
 
2017-1018 Pocket Schedule
Carolina Hurricanes

2017 Bowman
#12 Trea Turner
 
2015-16 Upper Deck (hockey)
#185 Alex Ovechkin
 
2014 Topps - 1963 Mini (football)
#213 Jimmy Garoppolo
#226 Zach Mettenberger

2014 Topps Chrome Mini (football)
#203 C.J. Mosley

2014 Topps Valor - Strength (football)
#52 Richard Sherman (SN499)  
 
2012 Topps - 1987 Topps Minis
#TM-38 Chase Utley

2012 Topps Update - 1987 Topps Minis
#TM-149 Giancarlo Stanton
  
2010 Bowman - Prospects Black
#BP51 Chase D'Arnaud
#BP56 Rolando Gomez

2010 Bowman Chrome
#13 Brian Roberts
#122 Hanley Ramirez

2010 Bowman Chrome - Prospects
#BCP178 Nathan Adcock
#BCP186 Jhan Marinez
 
2010 Topps (football)
#341 Peyton Manning (AP)
 
2009-10 Panini Season Update - Christmas Cards Materials
#22 Jeff Pendergraph (MEM, SN499) 
 
2001 Fleer Greats Of The Game
#77 Lester Lockett 
 
2000 Pacific Crown Royale (football)
#40 Marvin Harrison

1998 Score
#68 Scott Rolen
 
1997 Fleer Goudey (football)
#91 Rashaan Salaam
#114 Jim Everett
#123 Jason Dunn 
 
1996 Fleer Update
#U238 Tim Salmon (ENC) 

1993 Leaf
#271 Jay Buhner

1993 Classic Draft Picks (basketball)
#33 Will Flemons
#67 Bennie Seltzer
 
1992 Score - 90's Impact Players
#46 Ruben Sierra
#63 Marquis Grissom
#65 Ron Gant 
 
1992 Pro Line Portraits (football)
#414 Bill Cowher (CO, RC) 
 
1991 Stadium Club

1991 Upper Deck
#778 Dave Righetti
 

1990 Fleer
#271 Roger Clemens
 
1989 Score
#495 Larry Parrish
 
 
 
 
1986 Topps - Glossy All-Stars
#9 Carlton Fisk #21 LaMarr Hoyt 

1986 Topps Major League Leaders Minis
#65 Tony Gwynn
 
 
 
1984 Donruss

1984 Fleer
 
1984 O-Pee-Chee
#83 Richie Zisk

1983 Topps
#70 Steve Carlton
 
1983 Topps (football)

1982 Donruss
#NNO Checklist 545-653
 
1982 O-Pee-Chee
#254 Jorge Bell (RC)
#275 Bob Watson 

1982 O-Pee-Chee E.T. The Extraterrestrial (non-sport)
#15 Among Elliott's Toys

1982 Topps
#125 Danny Ainge
 
1982 Topps (football) 
 
#118 Kevin Porter 
#129 Ray Williams (RC)
 
1978 O-Pee-Chee
 
1977 Topps
 
1977 Topps (football)
#350 Bill Bergey (AP)
 
1976 Funky Sales Corp Funky Facts Baseball
#2 In A Trance
#3 Fans Vs Players
#5 Baseballeese

1976 Topps
#70 Roy Smalley/Roy Smalley Jr. (FS)
 
 
 
1973 Topps
#102 Rudy May
#52 Harmon Killebrew (IA)
#53 Bud Harrelson
#237 Cesar Cedeno (RC) 

1970 Brooke Bond North American Wildlife In Danger (non-sport)
#32 Polar Bear

1970 Topps
#3 Darrell Chaney
#390 Willie Davis  
#457 Rico Petrocelli (AS)

1969 Topps
#66 Orioles Rookies
 

1966 Topps
#46 Howie Koplitz
#47 J.C. Martin 
#260 Bob Shaw
#575 Earl Wilson
 
1966 Topps - Rub Offs
#NNO Jimmie Hall 
 
 
1964 Topps - Coins
#7 Frank Malzone
 
1963 Topps

1962 Topps

1961 Fleer Baseball Greats
#56 Dolf Luque

1961 Topps
 
1960 Topps
#61 Eddie Kasko 
 
1960 Topps (football)
#28 Jim Ray Smith 
#380 Charley Maxwell  

1958 Topps Zorro (non-sport)
#83 Rude Awakening

1957 Topps
#68 Ray Crone
#284 Ike Delock

1956 Topps Flags of the World (non-sport)
#70 Jordan

1955 Topps
#45 Hank Sauer
 
1954 Topps
#238 Al Aber

1954 Bowman
#73 Don Mueller

1954 Bowman Power For Peace (non-sport)
#91 USS Coral Sea (CVB43)

1953 Topps

1938 Church & Dwight Useful Birds Of America Tenth Series (J9-6) (non-sport)
#2 Black-throated Green Warbler

1937-38  Diamond Matchbooks Tan 6 (hockey)
#NNO Glenn Brydson
 
1935 Church & Dwight Useful Birds of America Eighth Series (J9-4) (non-sport)
#10 California Jay

1933 Church & Dwight Useful Birds of America Fifth Series (J9-1) (non-sport)
#5 Indigo Bunting 

1922 Church & Dwight Useful Birds Of America Third Series (J7) (non-sport)
#7 Prothonotary Warbler

1915 Church & Dwight Useful Birds Of America First Series(J5) (non-sport)
#1 Quail
 
1890 N245 Sweet Caporal Actors & Actresses (non-sport)
#NNO Frankie Raymond

The Time Travel Trading Project is simple in concept. I started out with a random pack of 2018 Topps Series 1 baseball cards. My aim was to trade every card in that pack for something older. Each card I receive in turn is then made available for trade, with the goal to get the oldest card I can get.

Number of trades completed: 122 (1 pending!)
Unique trading partners: 53

Number of cards mailed out: 456
Year of oldest card mailed out: 1910-11

Number of cards received: 733
Year of oldest card received: 1890