[dbroockerd]

I understand exactly what you are going through. A couple of years back, I decided to only pursue my Tony Gwynn and Eddie Murray collections through their playing years (up through 2001 and 1997 respectively). This eliminated over half of what I would need and set a finite list of cards to go after.

Considering the vast number of serial numbered/parallel/1/1/1/1/1 garbage that is out there, doing the same for your Thomas collection would still make your task virtually impossible, even with unlimited resources.

I know given my limited funds, that getting my Gwynn needs even under 500 cards will be extremely difficult at best.

Your idea of limiting your collection like you plan on sounds like a sound goal. Remember we can then follow your exploits as you count down your needs like we do with Chrisa19978 and his Jeters.

my .02

I agree Chris has a great way of going after cards. He is what lead me to this way of thinking.