A Claimed Marlin!

A while back I busted a box of 2015 Donruss and pulled a Jeff Conine auto. Normally pulling a Marlin other than Giancarlo Stanton means the card will be relegated to a box and never be seen again.

This is where all my Marlins go

Thankfully my buddy Nolan stepped up and said he would like to trade for the Conine auto. Nolan is a Pirate guy like me, but I didn't ask questions. Someone wanted a Marlin card! Probably would have been a good day to play the Powerball.

Here is what I received in return from Nolan.

55 Topps is not a bad way to start a package. Thies only saw action in the major leagues for two seasons both with the Pirates.

 How about some 52 Topps! Clyde McCullough had a long career with the Cubs and Pirates as a backup catcher.

I don't mind manu-relics. My main complaint with them is that Topps counts them as a "hit" when you purchase a box. No such thing as bad Clemente card!

 Series 1 had several unique uniform choices for players including Bautista as a Pirate. This card commemorates his first homerun.

Starling looked like he might be an intriguing prospect early on in his professional career, but as is the case many times the quality of the AA hitters got the best of him.

Alex Dickerson was a 3rd round pick in 2011, but was traded at the beginning of the 2014 season for Jaff Decker. Did you get Dickerson to sign the card in Altoona, Nolan?

d'Arnaud was a pretty hot prospect for the Pirates in 2011. He made his debut that same year against the Red Sox and hit a key triple. After it was all said an done the Pirates felt like he had no command of the strike zone and gave up on him.

Thanks so much for the cards Nolan. The vintage was a nice surprise! Look forward to our next deal.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!