[jaredhuizenga]

Surprise, surprise ... we're in the midst of a blizzard in Minnesota. So, while on my way home early from work I stopped off at Target to buy some food and happened upon the freshly stocked 2016 Topps.

So, as I usually do I picked up a blaster, 2 hangers and a $5 jumbo pack to see how it goes.

I'll called it a mixed experience. I love the look of the base cards, but the inserts are kinda blah. Also, out of all of that I only managed one gold, two rainbows and zero variations. But even more disappointing than that is that I didn't land a single Miguel Sano ... that was what I was really hoping for to be completely honest - a gold, rainbow, even a base. So, the base cards are top-notch, most of the inserts pretty boring. That means I'm probably really going to like Opening Day.

Here's the highlights.

[DrMitchJ]

I'm not so sure that I like the base cards this year. (I probably say that every year )
They look like Stadium Club cards with the 'full bleed" no borders.
Again with the Medallion cards!?!? Why Topps, Why?
I like the Perspectives inserts! Pretty cool.
Well, Jared ... At least you got a Buxton insert card. I'm sure there'll be Sano cards aplenty!
Thanks for the preview!

[rjcj2017]

OK, since we're nitpicking ... sorry, but Topps needs to get rid of the retired players.

I would much rather they go a little deeper into the current rosters and expand the base set rather than feed us the umpteenth Brooks Robinson/Warren Spahn/Rod Carew inserts that nobody wants to collect, buy or trade for.

Also ... I know they held Schwarber and Conforto back from 2015 Update so that they could headline 2016 Series 1, but the rookie card logo and the trophy cup make them look a little busy.

Heck, why not throw the "Future Stars" banner across them while they're at it?

[aprirr]

I think they look pretty nice and would love a shot at any Lucroys or that Nolan Ryan insert if trading, Thanks!

[wibs13]

You got the Cuddyer Pressed Into Service Card! Looks like you did well for a Twins fan, despite no Sano

[jaredhuizenga]

You got the Cuddyer Pressed Into Service Card! Looks like you did well for a Twins fan, despite no Sano

I don't know ... I got the Buxton, Carew and Cuddyer, but the only other Twins I got were a Boyer and 2 Perkins. If that was from the blaster I'd be pumped. For $45, not so much.

The Buxton is a pretty sweet photo though.

[908]

i got a base sano so far

[jaredhuizenga]

i got a base sano so far

So far I've overpaid slightly on Ebay for the Sano auto and the Sano team pin. Should've skipped the box and gone that route from the jump. lol

But, I really, really like the look of the base cards this year. And I'm not sure why. Maybe it's that the photos are actually good for a change.

[bamyanks]

[quote='rjcj2017' pid='2597578' dateline='1454520022']
OK, since we're nitpicking ... sorry, but Topps needs to get rid of the retired players.

I would much rather they go a little deeper into the current rosters and expand the base set rather than feed us the umpteenth Brooks Robinson/Warren Spahn/Rod Carew inserts that nobody wants to collect, buy or trade for.


Hate to say this, but I know several people around where I live that DO collect the retired players. Besides the Yanks retired players, I do Brooks and Spahn. I'd even buy, but it seems like everyone thinks they have a gold mine. Send me a list of who you have and let's work out a deal.

[uvaspina]

I think the photography is noticeably better than in years past. Some really cool photos.