The Joy of the PWE

This post will actually be the first time in months that I'm caught up with trade packages.  While I always like having trade packages to show off, my hope now is to begin the process of getting some stuff out in the mail.  As far as I know I will be home every weekend in June so that should allow ample time.

The cards below are courtesy of Sport Card Collectors .  It took he and I awhile to start trading, but it seems now we are getting into a nice rhythm.  If I remember correctly I'll be able to shoot some stuff right back so the blind trade shouldn't lose much momentum.

 A nice /50 parallel of Josh Harrison gets things going.  This card even offers a nice cameo of Jordy Mercer in the background.  I would have bet money that Harrison would have been dealt in the offseason.  Thankfully the Pirates held pat and it allowed them to have a deeper roster.  Still wouldn't be surprised if he is gone by the trade deadline if the Pirates fall out of wild card contention.

Heritage parallels are always welcomed.  I've noticed the prospecting collectors are starting to swallow up all the autos and low numbered parallels at premium prices.  

 Spring training shot! Also, Harrison has quality beard game.

 Sixto was a very short term Pirate back in 1985.  I'm sure my Brewer friends remember him more fondly.  I'm glad I could rediscover this card.

 The Low-Run start inserts were a little odd in that they often picked games/seasons that happened way before the card was produced.  This is a 2016 Bowmans Best and on the back the card mentions 2012.  Either way I always like Bowmans Best as it offers a nice cheap alternative to the Chrome craziness.

The Pirates were in a tough spot with Cole.  If it wasn't for Verlander he would probably the surefire top Cy Young candidate.  I'm happy he is doing well, but just wish he could have done it with the Pirates.

Thanks for the cards SCC!  You will be getting something back shortly.

Thanks for reading!

Mystery

This will go down as a breaking the ice trade, but I've been familiar with the blog known as Sport Card Collectors for a long time.  One thing I don't know is the name of the person running Sport Card Collectors.  Maybe that is his/her name....The return address even said SCC.  You my friend are a cardboard enigma....albeit a very generous one! Maybe we can make this a formal introduction.  My name is Matt and I totally dig the cards you sent.  

Check these out.  

Along with rediscovering Topps, I needed to rediscover Marvell Wynne.  The early to mid 80's was a transitional time for the Buccos as the 79 World Series team dissolved.  After glancing at baseball Reference it would seem that Wynne had a nondescript but in terms of length decent career. Most of his career was spent as a reserve outfielder that would be seen as replacement level in today's game.  Over his 8 years he accumulated around -3WAR...ouch. 

 I've been trying to accumulate some Baz cards as he is already starting to receive some prospect buzz after being selected by the Pirates in last years draft.  Thanks to SCC I'm off to a running start.

Keller has replaced Austin Meadows as the Pirates top prospect and one of the higher ranked right handed pitchers in all of baseball.

Will Craig has had a rough go of it so far professionally.  Lack of power and poor defense has plagued his first couple of years in professional ball.  While you can always regain your prospect status it will be a big year for the former first round pick.

 Minis! With the loss of Gerrit Cole, a lot of pressure to perform at a high level will be on Taillon.

 Another guy that I've seen play a good bit in Morgantown! If Newman has a nice start in AAA this year he could easily overtake Jordy Mercer's job in Pittsburgh.

The grand finale of the PWE was this awesome Taillon parallel from Gallery.  One of the first (and only)high end boxes I ever purchased was one of the early 2000's version of this set.  Always been a fan of portrait oriented sets.

Thanks for the cards SCC.  Are you actually Rodney Hampton?.....That would be cool.  Thanks for thinking of me and I'll try to find some cards that fit your collection in the near future.

Thanks for reading!