Optical Illusion

2017 Donruss Optic Ivan Nova Autograph

Not the nicest looking card you will find, but it's Ivan Nova's first certified auto as a Bucco. Kuddos to Panini for branching out their Pirate checklists in 2017.  I've been able to snag this Nova and a David Freese auto in a two week span.  Topps continues to rehash the same veteran Buccos over and over.  I get having big rookies in every set, but maybe after the 50th Starling Marte auto we could try someone else.......just a thought.  

Nova has come back to earth his last 10 starts, but his overall body of work has been solid when you consider the bargain contract the Pirates gave (3yr 26mil).  Relievers have been getting those type of deals so the Buccos have to be happy to get some cheap innings.  

I have my fingers crossed that Francisco Cervelli and Felipe Rivero get an auto soon! 

SuperNova Plate

I've always had a love/hate relationship with printing plates. While they are a unique collectible, the looks of them leave something to be desired.  So in turn I've always collected them, but on  strict budget.  I also try to keep it to short term Buccos or guys that don't get a lot of auto/relic love.

2016 Topps Update Ivan Nova Yellow Printing Plate 

A perfect fit to my self imposed printing plate rules is this recent acquisition of a Ivan Nova plate. Nova came over to the Pirates last year at the trade deadline and has been absolutely fantastic. In the offseason the Pirates gave him a 3 year contract and he picked up right where he left off.  At one point this year he had more complete games than walks! As of right now it is looking like one of the better bargain free agent buys.

Topps Update is always one of my favorite sets each year because its where you will find all the recently traded players featured in their new duds.  Some of my favorite cards in my collection are low numbered parallels of short term Pirates like Derrek Lee and the second go around of Aramis Ramirez.

The above Nova cost me about $10 which is at the top of my budget for these plates, but still worth in my opinion.

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The Boring Side of NOW

Here is where I get a little more critical of Topps NOW.  Overall I really like the concept, but sometimes the delivery leaves something to be desired.  To me this concept should really capture the moment. This photo used to commemorate a very efficient "Maddux" complete game by Ivan Nova is just so boring. It might as well be his 2017 flagship base card.

I think I like the flagship card better.  I know Topps is handcuffed by what Getty gives them, but come on.  Maybe a shot of him and the catcher shaking hands.  How about him fist pumping coming off the mound.....Seriously, anything would be better than what they chose.

I guess the joke is on me since I still bought the card.

Novacain

The Pirates rotation at the start of the season.

1. Gerrit Cole
2. Francisco Liriano
3. Jon Niese
4. Jeff Locke
5. Juan Nicasio

The Pirates rotation after the trade deadline.

1. Gerrit Cole
2. Jameson Taillon
3. Chad Kuhl
4. Ivan Nova
5. Ryan Vogelsong.

I'll give the Pirates credit, it takes some nerve to change 80% of your rotation in the middle of the season. Thankfully, the Pirates were stocked with AAA pitchers and traded for Ivan Nova to help eat some innings for the younger guys. Nova will likely be gone at the end of the year via free agency, but the Pirates are probably pretty happy with the results from the trade. 

About 30 minutes ago Nova just pitched his 4th complete game of his career! Interesting side note is that the catchers for those first 3 were Chris Stewart who is currently with the Pirates.  Francisco Cervelli caught todays game, but also played with Nova during his Yankees tenure. The Pirates like former Yankees. 

2011 Bowman Chrome Ivan Nova Magenta Printing Plate

Right after the Pirates traded for Nova I started looking for a card to add.  This plate popped up with a BIN price of $10. That seemed pretty decent so I purchased it. 

With the slew of AAA ready arms I don't suspect the Pirates will make a play to keep Nova.  Free agent pitchers are getting crazy amounts of money on the open market. Nova has age on his side so some team might pay to get the 2013 version of Nova. I don't think I would want the Pirates to gamble on that. 

Thanks for reading!