Shiny Happy People II

It was a good round yesterday, and since I hadn't purchased many new cards lately, I figured I would go for round two of Chrome vs. Optic.

There were a couple things new to me since last time, This insert was not in the last in any form. I think the pic might be *gasp* photoshopped.

The retail specific Pink refractors - Johnny Cueto is one of my favorite current players.

And the purple prizms from Optic - I have a confession. There are some players that I collect under the radar. They aren't really advertised by me as player collections, but I will always set them aside and keep them out of the trade pile. Ian Happ was one of last year's top prospects that I added to that category, a "super secret PC" guy.

Javy Baez is another super secret PC guy, don't worry, they aren't all Cubs!

Polanco and Frazier are repeats from the purple parallels earlier in this pack.

besides having the MLB license, the other unique to Topps element are horizontal cards.

Donruss carries on the tradition of Rated Rookies and Diamond Kings.

The two standard prizms/refractors from these packs... 

Another new insert for these packs - Hunter is another super secret PC Guy!

The only "hit" from either day - this Rio Ruiz autograph is numbered to /150.

So, who won the pack wars, Optic or Chrome? Pretend that Optic hasn't been disqualified for not having a license.

Shiny Happy People

The Playoffs are just a month away, most of the card products have now hit the selves. We're right in the thick of gimmick season, so that means Topps Chrome and Donruss Optic.

Target had hanging packs of both Chrome and Optic for the first time in my neighborhood, after weeks of the card aisle being bone dry. Both companies had special retail packs.

For Topps Chrome, there were 3 special pink refractors in the hanging multi-pack.

Donruss offered even one more card, 4 purple refractors in their hanging pack.

The 4 best base cards from Topps. Miffed that Schmipf is rocking the rookie cup here but not on his Series 2 base card. Am I going to have half regular, half chrome in my rookie cup binder? Maybe.

Best 4 base cards from Optic. Gary Sanchez is the least offensive, since you probably wouldn't see any logos on a catcher in full gear anyway. The team colors are closer to being accurate than in years past, so that's an improvement. Donruss still mixes in retired players in their base set.

Regular old refractor - Holliday's base card came in the same pack out of 5 cards.

Regular old "Prizm," Nolan was a unique card in the hanging pack.

My vote for best card in the Optic pack 

And hey look, this big galoot.

Just One (Hobby) Pack of Topps Chrome

At the Card Shop on Monday, I purchased a hobby pack of Topps Chrome. Happy to get a Twin!

The cards are pretty much the same story as in past years. Shiny, same photos as flagship...

This card is pretty cool looking with a refractor glow on top of the chrome shine.

All of the inserts had a refractor effect added - it wasn't all that interesting on this card...

Future Stars are back again - Giolito was part of the return to Chicago for Adam Eaton. These look nice. Always fun to rip a new pack!