Delay of Game

Early on I learned that the best way for me to keep my incoming trade packages organized is by keeping them sealed until I'm ready to scan.  While this takes some restraint, it helps prevent anarchy on my desk.  Stacks can develop and before you know it Mount Cardmore erupts.

A few days back I got the dreaded did you receive my envelope email from Matt (Bubba's Bangin' Batch of Baseball Bits).  I knew right away I hadn't seen it.  Knowing that my system usually prevents this kind issue I was worried it may have been lost in the mail.  Before writing it off, I also knew that depending on the arrival date it may have shown up at peak Wes madness.  Thankfully the latter was true.

My wife did a little examination of the office area and found them hidden behind our filing cabinet. Wes sends so much mail that it caused my envelopes to collapse.  So my apologies to Matt.  Ultimately I'm just happy he mentioned something as it could have been lodged back their for the foreseeable future.

Let's take a look what was inside after the two month hibernation.

 A few extra months obviously didn't hurt this 51 Bowman.  What a great card.

 When Matt told me he sent me this card I immediately worried that I mixed his trade package up with Wes as he sent this one as well.  Thankfully it was just a coincidence. I don't have many Pens autos in my collection so even if it is a duplicate I'm very happy to add more.

 Failed prospect collecting could keep a Pirate fan busy a long time.  I have a lot of fun adding these type of cards these days.

 I'm pro diecut cards so this is right up my alley.

 Fingers crossed for some more Cervelli cards this year.  He is off to a great start and may earn an All Star birth.

A few years ago I bought a box of T206 and had a blast.  The Giles is my favorite since he has the short lived red bill Pirates hat.

Thanks for the cards Matt!  Sorry for the delay and thanks so much for reaching out.

Thanks for reading!

Bubba, Ginter Master

Matt from Bubba's Bangin' Batch of Baseball Bits has been spreading Ginter love the last couple of weeks. His main focus is adding all things Ginter to his collection, but he must have been overwhelmed with extras. After a quick email exchange I had a bubble mailer full of Pirate goodness. 

This is a nice relic from 2016 Ginter. Super excited to see this fall out of the bundle of cards. Cole is one of my favorite current Buccos to add to the collection.

 It was nice to see Robbie Grossman land on his feet in Minnesota. Great opportunity for him to maybe carve out a role on a rebuilding team.

I've always liked Bowman Platinum.

 Polanco had a great first half last season, but really tailed on in the second half.  Most think the future is still super bright and that he has a super high ceiling.

Now for the main event!  I loved all the black bordered online exclusives so much I scanned them individually.  Here are the 2015's to start things off.

 Rookie!

 Melancon looks more like a history teacher than a shutdown reliever. That nerdy looking teacher is going to get paid this offseason.  Most seem to think 50+ million.  Relievers are getting pricey!

 Josh Harrison is kind of like this teams Manny Sanguillen.  Always smiling and seems to really appreciate his opportunity.

 Horizontal Polanco!

Now for the 2016's.

 Love the Clemente!

 Serious Harrison

These are sharp looking cards Matt.  I really appreciate you thinking of me.  Something about that black border and the black and gold from the Bucco uniforms that make these really pop.

Thanks for reading!