Entellajince, Something Is Missing...

Thank you to the people who sent me this auction, I love it.

In other news, Boston College just fell 10 spots in the rankings for US News' list of best colleges.




H/T - Jeff, Matt, Gary

A Huge Thank You To Holy Hitter

For those of you who have participated in the SCU Breaks part of this blog, you are very familiar with Holy Hitter as the master of ceremonies. He has done an amazing job, and I am sad to find out that he wont be able to participate now, due to other responsibilities in his life.

Despite his departure, SCU Breaks has become a great way to bust boxes that you normally wouldnt have the chance to, and I am extending a huge thank you to Hitter for helping me out with that part of the site. His quick shipping and organization are nothing short of uncanny, and I could only hope to aspire to his level. Its going to be tough to find someone that will work as hard as he does on these breaks.

Good luck to you in your future endeavors, you are welcome back whenever you want.

SCU Breaks: May Box Busters Edition

Well it was an interesting break. Can't say it was the greatest, but also can't say it was the worst. This month gave us our 3rd ever "1 of 1" auto (and a Viking to boot) so that is good, but no big name autos and marginal star patches abounded.

***SPECIAL NEWS: June Box Buster's Club will be my last break at SCU for a good bit of time. I am switching jobs and will be occupied with my new position taking up most of my time. I hope to participate in the breaks that happen here on SCU but I just don't have time to run them monthly anymore. If you are interested in possibly taking over please contact Gellman.***

The Long And Lonely Road Of A Floundering Industry

When you look around the industry today, there isnt much in the way of optimism and happiness. It seems as though the downward slope that the collectibles trade has been rolling down these last few years has gotten steeper due to the economy. I know that I have felt the crushing vice of the recession on my wallet, I can only imagine a company that has sales numbers to meet in an industry that functions on disposable income.

Either way, I think there is a side that is sounding the "All Is Well!!" alarm, and a side that is bracing for impact. I want to address a few things that I think are going to contribute to the argument for both sides. The most important thing we have to remember here is that though the industry may go in a different direction, I was quickly educated last time I commented on this that the hobby will stick around. This is my perspective on the industry and the contributing bodies.

Things That Will Keep The Industry Alive

1. Customer Service

I put customer service at number one because in the history of this industry, its been the last thing on the minds of the manufacturers. This means that when someone had a problem, they were usually focused on making sure the trains run on time. Im not sure as to the extent this actually happened, but it was the feelings that 80% of the HOBBY had. In fact, most people on the message boards and around the country still have a UD hate boner because they had to wait 16 months for their Freddie Sanchez sweet spot redemption. I think this is one of those things that when you actually sit down and look at things, it has gotten better on some fronts. Topps is still giving you crap autos for your redemptions they wont fill, and that has got to stop.

When the customer service begins to sparkle, the people will buy more. The problem is that it is hugely expensive to maintain that standard, ask Disney, the worldwide leaders. With money already tight, its going to be very tough to focus on that, but I would even suggest taking money away from the bread and butter to help out. Instead of laying off your departments, its time to think about how to stop massaging the danglies of the upper executives that have ruined the company.

2. Transparency

Because there is some major competition for licensing and customer base, the companies have done all that they can to hide what is going on behind the scenes. They want to make sure that they have the jump on everything, and as a result, they refuse to talk about the things we want to know about. If there is a mistake, and trust me, there has been quite a few, rather than explaining the mistake and how they will fix it, the company will take the political approach and give some cop out response about their inability to prevent things from happening. It happens with collation problems, with redemption problems, and most importantly ethical problems like with Beckett.

Brian Gray of Razor, despite his shortcomings, has done everything he can to be transparent, and I love it. He is always available to answer your quesitons, and never gives you the run around. Granted the Razor collector base is smaller than UD and Toppps, but he tries, and that’s what counts. If there is a screw up, he is there to answer to it, and most of the time, he promises to be there to fix it. With everyone else, it seems like mistakes are just swept under the rug. Its time to ditch that idea, and really build on your window to the outside world.

3. Relationships With Actual Collectors

We are your customers, and we no longer have to report through a filter imposed by Beckett's magazine editors or message board mods. We have the ability to sound off as needed, with whatever approach we choose. So, with that, its time to start building relationships before the bad blood boils and spills in your face. Don’t believe that will happen? Fine, but in the last six months, I am guessing that blog and board readership has doubled. I know that I have had close to 150,000 visitors here, and Mario is close to a million. That is a lot of exposure, and you can either use it to your advantage or continue to operate in the 1990s and use Beckett exclusively.

Here is what I mean, most blogs will offer coverage for FREE. I know if the brass want to give me a little attention here at SCU, I will not hesitate to post on it. I wont take any product, so there is no cost to will lose. Im not going to post a Beckett "product review" for anyone, but I will give you an honest opinion, no doubt about it. Yet, despite this fact, the manufacturers continue to run the wrong direction. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying to ditch Beckett (though I have gotten the feeling that many of the companies want to), but I am saying to throw bones to the people who will give you HONEST feedback.

Let me give you an example. A few months ago, I pitched an idea to Gregg Kohn of Upper Deck to get me into the Rookie Premiere in LA. This was in order to get us, the collectors, closer to the event. Because of past problems with media coverage, they and the NFL were hesitant on getting it going, but I persisted. The details of my proposal were not designed to bash event used stuff, but rather to see the Rookies in action, and maybe see if any of them are Chris Cooleys in the making. I promised PG language in my coverage and veto power over what I write. If they find that my coverage damages the event, they could put the kibosh on it. Because I live in LA, there is no reason I couldn’t be there, and probably still will be, but I got the feeling that my presence was not welcome. If the NFL is at the helm of the event, help them to understand the importance of the transparency, and show them that I am not out to put the event in a bad light. Work for the people that feed the families of UD employees through buying product. Maybe I am being naïve about the amount of work it would take to make this happen, but at least show me that you are trying or have tried, rather than ignoring me.

Things That Will Contribute To Destroying the Industry

1. Lack of Quality Control

Mr Judd put it best that if you are dissatisfied with a part of your production, don’t go to them and watch closer, SWITCH VENDORS! Yet, for some stupid f'ing reason, QC never happens. SPA collation sucks for the third year in a row, and bad things are happening at an alarming rate. If it continues to happen, there wont be any people left who still believe that they are getting their money's worth by buying a box or pack. This goes with condition as well, almost more importantly. If the most expensive card you have ever made is full of chips and bad corners, there is no excuse. Just check out that Tiger, it is disgraceful. Topps, if you think that your shit don’t stink either, good riddance. It is positively worse than any of the other companies combined, which means that you have a steeper hill to climb back up. Basically, if its broke, get off your ass and fix it.

2. Beckett

Jay Bee over at the Topps blog seems to think that Beckett is still a good thing for this hobby, and despite all the stuff I have covered on this blog, continues to think that they are still a good buy every other month or whenever you need a date. Obviously, I disagree with every bone in my body, and here is one of the many reasons why. Also, they continue to perpetuate a vision of an industry to the public that hasn’t existed for the last 20 years, or ever, more like it. They present an unrealistic expectation to every person who stupidly thumbs through their magazine. Don’t believe me? Check out the Craigslist Idiots over on Bad Wax, they are the ones that take the Beckett to heart, only because they don’t know any better. People like them are the people that leave the hobby after finding out the lies that are printed in Beckett every single month.

On top of all that, even if you are just reading the magazine for the articles, please don’t think that Beckett has their fingers anywhere close to the pulse of the hobby. I would put them closer to the ass. The reason is this, as I have said a million times, Beckett doesn’t care about the collector, they only care about making money to keep their teen 'zine alive. That’s why the reviews are never honest, the prices arent real, and most importantly the ethics are non-existant. The only people they have a responsibility to is the people who pay for their ads. As a result, millions of people have ridiculous views on cards and their worth, and it has created a bad place that will continue to get worse as Beckett sticks around.

You may think that my vendetta is fueling this, but after reading all the blogs on cards, which do you have a better time reading? I would take any blog over Beckett any day.

3. Originality

I have no idea why, but the manufacturers seem to think that churning out a set is a chore rather than a place to show off what you got. This is where sets like Classics and Elite bring me to wonder why the hell they look so similar to last year. Why not take the time to get a new idea into the fold rather than pooping out the same thing every damn year. Topps is the ABSOLUTE worst on this, as I could tell you exactly how every single one of their sets looks every season. They never f'ing change anything.

Because of this, I would say that more people leave than ever. Why stick around when the next year wont be any different. Yes, we know Madden has been the same for 20 years, but there is no competition for them to better themselves with. Seriously, I am contemplating putting a stop on collecting until things get more interesting. If I am considering that, its time to change it up. Hell, I even think some of the bloggers are doing a better job creating sets than the manufacturers.

Overall, there is much more to this nut that I havent cracked yet (I love food metaphors), but my hand and brain are tired from this crap. Hopefully someone will get the point soon, much like The Sports Card File, which has been a very entertaining read over the last few months. He really seems to know what's going on, maybe he needs to get back into the biz part time… maybe not.

Mauer Is Back, Twins Watchable Again

Yes, Mauer is back, no pun intended, after spending exactly 1 month on the shelf. I cant tell you how happy I am, as finally the Twins are actually watchable again. I love Justin Morneau, dont get me wrong, but for some reason, watching one without the other just doesnt seem right. 

Actually Mauer couldnt have come back at a better time, as the Twins are in the midst of a division series against the near first place Royals. Whoa, hold on, pick your jaw up off the floor, yes the Royals dont suck anymore - yet. 

You know what the great thing is? First at bat: GONE. Yeah, he takes a pitch the other way into the seats, making me feel okay in his returning clout. Mauer goes away with the pitches more than any hitter I have watched on a regular basis, enough to actually give the teams nightmares in their outfield shading. To see him back to business the first time he steps up to the plate makes me a little warm and fuzzy inside.

As of now, Mauer has had 6 hits in his first 8 ABs, and thats gotta make your week. I am hoping this continues.

Team Randomization Assingments

Alright guys, I am going to list the 3 options for time stamps. Comment away at your choice, if you are the first one to comment and are participating in the break you determine which assignment we have. I have to run to the store so I won't be able to approve comments and post up the screen shot along with uploaded video until later tonight. I know the anticipation stinks. Once the team assignments are up you are free to trade until Tuesday evening at 5 p.m. I will be doing the break late that night and will be posting it up so it is available on Wednesday morning. Best of luck. Here are the options:

(1) 2009-05-02 01:54:33 UTC

(2) 2009-05-02 01:55:06 UTC

(3) 2009-05-02 01:55:16 UTC

Choose away. Slot #3 was chosen. After I upload the video I will drop it at the end of this post. Here is the screen shot:





Thomas- Chiefs, Seahawks
Wheeler- Jets, Packers
Bobby- Bears, Browns (-Joe Thomas Single Cards). Panthers
Scubasteve- Steelers, Redskins, Buccaneers, Giants
bearizona- Texans, Any Jay Cutler Cards
Bdavid- Colts
cardman312- 49ers
iamjoecollector- Saints, Titans
HoustonCardCollector- Falcons
psad21- Bills, Raiders
matts- Panthers, Bears (+Joe Thomas Single Cards)
groat- Giants, Chargers, Redskins, Ravens
arfmax- Vikings, Eagles
fatcat4262- Lions
darkship- Cowboys, Broncos (-Jay Cutler Cards), Texans
whitesoxcat- Dolphins, Cardinals
sonic- Patriots, Ravens, Chargers
voluntarheel- Jaguars, Rams
Holy Hitter- Bengals

Today, My Childhood Comes To Life - Version 4.0

Today is going to be awesome. Wolverine hits the box office, and I already have my tickets. Oddly enough, I am actually going watch everyone in the film but the title character. Personally, as a complete and utter dork, I have loved the X-Men since I first started watching the show as a little kid. Then, as I got into comics, X-Men became a huge favorite of mine. How could you not love normal people who get super powers? Its the same reason I love heroes, you put yourself in the universe you are watching.

One of my favorite X-Men has always been Gambit. I loved the style, I loved the mannerisms, and I LOVED his powers. Despite wearing pink and purple, he was just a suave son of a bitch with a badass way to beat the living hell out of you. Obviously, since I could never live up to that, he was my guy. I liked Wolverine, but didnt love him the way my friends did. To them Wolvie was the man, to me he was just an overhyped fan favorite, the Derek Jeter of the X-Men.

As my love for the X-Men grew, people like Deadpool (another personal fave), Blob, Maverick (Agent Zero in the film), and Emma Frost became very familiar to me, and Sabretooth was a villian we all hated from the cartoon. Because of this, I am very excited to see how they are portrayed on screen, especially because I am a big fan of Liev Schrieber and Ryan Reynolds. Too bad Deadpool is getting the hack treatment, hopefully it wont be too bad. What's funny is that I have the entire Wolverine Origin story from when they did it a few years ago in the comics, and I really didnt like it all that much. Hopefully this movie will be much better. It looks that way.

Based on the Movie, Rittenhouse has put out their typical set of movie cards with autos. I am really digging the set, especially this ridiculous Gambit card signed by Taylor Kitsch. If you get it, I will pay you for it.



H/T Trader's cracks

May Box Busters Team Randomization Coming Tonight

Tonight at 9 p.m. central time I will post up the 3 time stamps from the randomization process. The first person from the berak to comment by choosing one of those time stamps will determine which randomization page is used.

I will then fill the post with the screenshot (might take 2 screen shots per page) and the video and trading can commence. Trading can go on from after the teams are determined up until Tuesday at 8 p.m. central time. i will do the break late Tuesday evening and everything should be posted up by Wednesday morning.

Ha-Ha: Selvin Young Cut

If you remember back to the beginning of last year, I wrote a post about the ridiculous prices that people were paying for a Selvin Young SPA RC auto. I mean, the cards were going for close to 150 bucks.

As of yesterday, the Denver Broncos have decided to move in another direction and waive Young after drafting or signing quite a bit of new talent, most notably Knowshon Moreno.

Young will find another job without a problem, but this is where the Peterson effect makes people look like complete fools. Yes, Terell Davis was a 250th round pick, and yes he had an amazing career in Denver, but Selvin Young is not Terell Davis, idiot. See, people will just throw money at any player, in baseball too, that gets a start. Score a TD, and its time to pay out your wallet's limit for an SPA auto.

This example is why my new mantra is "dont be that guy," plain and simple. Otherwise you may end up with a card you paid 150 bucks for that is worth nothing based on a dumb prospecting move that made no sense.