Night Owl Cards

I received a rare night-card only package from William at Foul Bunt the other day. I really enjoyed going through them now that I have my night card binder ready to go. Instantly, I evaluated each one to see if they would be inducted into binderdom. And instantly I ran into an issue. This very nice-looking 2006 Ovation card of Derrek Lee demonstrates a recurring problem with frankensets: inserts. How does a fine card like this one go in the binder if it has no number on the back? This card is "numbered" CS-DL. That's really the fault of the stupid filing system used for this set, not the fault of the frankenset system. But no matter where the blame lies, I still have to figure out whether I'm putting this card in the binder. While I mull that over, here are a few other cards from William that may or may not make the binder: 1994 Topps Jeff Reed and 1993 Topps Gary Scott. Do they make the binder? No. I can't be sure that they are night cards. F...

Andre Ethier is going to be a Dodger for quite awhile longer. He has reached a five-year extension agreement through 2017, meaning two-thirds of the Dodger outfield is practically worry-free for the next five years. I have to admit that I'm pleasantly surprised. I was pretty much committed to Ethier moving elsewhere after this season. I was always waiting for the other cleat to drop with him. As far as his contract. As far as his performance. I got the impression that I just couldn't trust the numbers. That the run wouldn't last. That he'd be moving on. I've sensed this feeling from other Dodger fans, too. But I think it's time to realize that Ethier is the real deal. Not only does he have a new contract that will keep him in L.A. for a long time, but he also continues to be one of the most productive hitters in the National League. He's been that way all season. He may not have the power that some fans want him to have, but he sure can figure out...

I am on my happy way to a card show today. In fact, I'm probably there right now, hopefully finding something that both my wallet and I like. I've referenced this card show here and here . It's in a small town along the lake. I enjoy the drive there, and it's one of the more pleasant recurring summer moments that I have. The choice of cards isn't the greatest because there is a whole lot of other stuff being sold at the same time (I often wonder if when I am elderly whether I will transform into one of the many postcard collectors I see at the show, pulling up a folding metal chair, and leafing through "Having a Great Time" and "Wish You Were Here."). But I am not picky and I always find something. But there is nothing better than going to a card show and knowing that there are cards that you will not have to buy at the show. The cards have been checked off already, and you can explain to your wallet that " see? I don't need T...