Blaster Box Break: 2019 Topps Holiday

Last week I opened two pharmacy boxes noting that it was unlikely I’d get to tear into any new cards before Christmas. Well, I stopped in Walmart to pick up a few stocking stuffers, and lo and behold they had a couple boxes of Topps Holiday. I grabbed both: one for stocking stuffers and one as an early gift to myself.

Reader, you’ve no doubt seen the design already. I can’t express how much more I like this year’s design to previous versions, which never coaxed me into purchase.

I’ve heard the design described as tacky. Sure, in the same way that ugly Christmas sweaters are tacky. Whether or not they appeal to your sensibilities, there is certainly a market. I am unashamed to say, I am that market.

Having already resigned myself to a relic “hit,” I was hoping for one of the many fun short prints in the set.[Odds: SPs 1:7 packs, Rare 1:20, Super Rare: 1:161] So how’d I do?

Pack 1: Vladimir Guererro Jr. (rookie)

Alright, not a bad start. Nabbing one of the Big 4 rooks in pack one had me feeling nice and festive.

Also: Austin Meadows, Noah Syndergaard, C.C. Sabathia, Griffin Canning (R), Derek Dietrich, Charlie Blackmon, Stephen Strasburg, Tim Beckham, and Corbin Martin (R).

Pack 2: Nolan Arenado (metallic snowflake)

The metallic snowflakes are fine. Arenado is a fine subject. He’s not one of my player collections (yet) but could be. I do seem to pull his cards often.

Also: Anthony Rizzo, Nate Lowe (R), Kirby Yates, Yasmani Grandal, Max Scherzer, Josh Donaldson, Hunter Renfroe, Trevor Bauer, and Xander Bogaerts.

Pack 3: Aaron Judge

Not a particularly strong pack. Judge, I suppose, is the highlight.

Also: Khris Davis, Jon Duplantier, Thairo Estrada (R), Freddie Freeman, Nicky Lopez, Evan Longoria Zack Grienke, Josh Hader, Charlie Morton, and Jorge Soler.

Pack 4: Joc Pederson (relic)

There it is: the blaster’s hit. As expected, it’s a relic. As expected, it’s a player without a lot of appeal (to me). He did have a heck of a HR Derby though – going toe-to-toe with Guerrero – and slugging 68 home runs in a losing effort.

Also: Miguel Sano, Corey Seager, Ryan Pressly, Matt Chapman, DJ LeMahieu, Blake Snell, and Luis Arraez (R).

Pack 5: Felipe Vazquez (metallic snowflake)

Well that’s a real lump of coal. Vazquez’ inclusion in the set is… unfortunate. The Pirates’ All-Star hurler is facing multiple charges stemming from allegations of statutory sexual assault and other crimes.

Also: Tyler O'Neill, Justin Smoak, Shohei Ohtani, Giancarlo Stanton, Brendan Rogers (R), Max Kepler, Max Muncy, Masahiro Tanaka, and Wilson Contreras.

Pack 6: Fernando Tatis Jr. (short print – rookie)

There we go. Notice the garland on the fence in the background. It’s a short print. Tatis Jr. is a very worthy subject. Alright, hit of the break (so far).

Also: Ryne Harper (R), Aaron Nola, Javier Baez, Patrick Corbin, J.D. Hammer (R), Alex Verdugo, David Peralta, Josh Bell, and Jorge Alfaro.

Pack 7: Kevin Cron (metallic snowflake – rookie)

Meh. He does come from baseball stock though: his father, Chris Cron, played for the Angels and White Sox. His brother, C.J. Cron, has played for the Angels, Rays, and Twins. He’s a free agent. The Crons are cousins to former catcher Chad Moeller.

Also: Lorenzo Cain, Taylor Clarke (R), Jeff McNeil (R), Yoan Moncada, Scott Kingery, Joc Perderson, Dee Gordon, Mookie Betts, and Pedro Avila.

Pack 8: Francisco Mejia (metallic snowflake)

A former top prospect and presumptive part of the San Diego Padres future, Mejia just turned 24. He has a cannon for an arm. Could be a good one.

Also: Albert Pujols, Hyun-Jin Ryu, J.T. Realmuto, Luis Castillo, Tommy LaStella, Alex Bregman, Byron Buxton, Nick Anderson, and Eddie Rosario.

Pack 9: Eloy Jimenez (rookie)

Alright three rookies down (with all due to respect to the Senzels and Hiuras of the world) and one to go. 31 home runs as a 22 year old; that’s pretty good. It’s not Pete Alonso good, but good. Speaking of Alonso… on to the last pack.

Also: Clint Frazier, Jake Odorizzi, Mike Yastrzemski (R), Justin Verlander, Manny Machado, Dallas Keuchel, Kyle Schwarber, Aroldis Chapman, and Pablo Sandoval.

Pack 10: George Springer (metallic snowflake)

(Imagine The Price is Right overbid sound effect). Three rookies but no Alonso. Darn. As a Yankees fan, I have a few strong feelings about the Astros these days. Of that lot, Springer is one of the more likeable heels.

Also: Harold Ramirez, Mitch Haniger, Hunter Dozier, Yasiel Puig, Bryan Reynolds (R), Michael Chavis (R), Paul Goldschmidt, Nick Senzel (R), and Hunter Pence.

And that’s that. I’m feeling the Christmas spirit. Bring it on (and with it, more cards).