Missing and Presumed Dead

If you have seen the owner of these feet, please contact the Tampa Bay Rays at 1800-NOTDEVIL.

Alex Rodriguez's Shattered Love Life Is For Sale On Ebay

So, what would you do if you have a ball signed by A-rod and Cyndi Rodriguez (former)? Why, you have it authenticated and put up on eBay, of course! Arod's former doorman had this ball signed by the slugger one day, and because the economy is tight, he has decided to post it for sale.

Quote from Derek Jeter, "You bitch! I thought you said you were done with her!"

Really, the price is awful, and I am not sure who would actually want a ball signed by Arod AND his ex-wife. Thats just dumb. The funniest thing about this auction? JSA authenticated Cyndi's auto too. Thats called "over doing it," folks. Besides, who would fake that anyways?

A Skill Position Value Study

I have always wanted to compile a "best of" list for position players in Football so I could easily see the way that I wanted to approach a product. I never got around to it, so I will do my best to do top 5 or so picks for worth in the hobby. I am not going to factor in this year's rookies, but some of them would probably make this list. I factored in my OWN opinions of worth of jersey cards, worth of auto cards, and worth in general, as well as staying power and HOF status. This is ONLY for living signers, so people like Unitas and Payton are not on this list.

Quarterback

1. Tom Brady

Cards for Brady these days are few and far between when it comes to autos. His jersey cards are still pretty common, but that doesn’t affect his price. His knee injury this year dropped prices on high end stuff, but his normals are the same. Manning's Contenders have eclipsed Brady's in price, but the everyday stuff for him has not.

2. Brett Favre

Is this any surprise to anyone? No, the guy hits every category at the top and is definitely among the best ever. He is still playing, and his cards are still rising, shockingly.

3. Joe Montana

He is thought of as the greatest and his autos reflect that. The jersey patches at 2 colors are quite expensive because the jersey itself was only two colors. He will continue to stay on this list forever.

4. Steve Young

Steve Young is immensly popular for both manufacturers and collectors. He was a visible guy and it didn’t hurt that he took over one of the best teams in history. He is near the top in many categories, and I expect that he will reach top value in most lists.

5. John Elway

Elway is the quintessential fan favorite pick. He didn’t win a super bowl until his last few years, and yet he is still one of the best ever. He signs a lot for DLP, but not many others, so his cards tend to be pretty expensive.

6. Dan Marino

Marino is on this list because his cards are normally in the 80-100 dollar range for autos, and his jersey cards also sell pretty well. He signs the most of anyone on this list, so his position is a little lower.

Running Back

1. Emmitt Smith

His cards cost so much money that even manufacturers are having a tough time producing them. He may not be the best in grammaticosity, but his playingness was the best of the brightfulness. He passed Payton in just about everything on the field, but for cards thats pretty tough when you are still alive.

2. Barry Sanders

The epitome of role models for a future RB has some great stuff to pick up. His cards still command a huge price, even though many current RBs are taking away some of the spotlight. Barry is one of my favorites because he was a small guy that did big things. A lot of current guys base their style on him, so you gotta believe he was one of the best ever.

3. Adrian Peterson

My favorite player, aside, this guy's cards continue to be hugely priced, despite the 2nd year drop off that every player has in card value. Try finding an auto jersey for less than 100. Even the SAGE stuff sells. That is fucking crazy.

4. LaDanian Tomlinson

Tomlinson has a bunch of records and shouldn’t be more than halfway done with his career. He was the top guy before Peterson came along, and he still gets a ton for auto jerseys. His RCs are in the stratosphere, so he has to be on this list.

5. Jim Brown

Jim Brown's stuff has become pretty common, but he is still a top pull. I think if he had done a little more in his career, he could have eclipsed even Payton in value. Brown is a polarizing figure, and from what I have heard he is also a jerk, so that could hurt value.

Wide Receiver

1. Jerry Rice

All WR cards are worth close to nothing, except him. I am really surprised that WRs take the brunt of the hobby hate, but its true that they are the most conceded people on the field most times. Rice was against all of that, and will forever be the games best until someone finds a way to change the position.

2. Michael Irvin

Even though the guy is everything I hate, he played for the cowboys and churned out great season after great season. He doesn’t sign all that much, but he does have a lot of jersey stuff, especially with DLP.

3.Terell Owens

Owens and Moss havent signed anything in a very long time, but that doesn’t mean their older stuff isnt super expensive. I would say Owens would be worth as much as Rice if he didn’t have so many problems, but even that is a tough sell. I guess you just have to have that me first attitude to get somewhere as a WR in this game.

4. Hines Ward

Pittsburgh fans are rabid, and his cards reflect that. He isnt the best in the game, but he is one of them. He signs more than most guys, and that has actually helped his value.

5. Randy Moss

Moss is an ass, but he is on the Pats and is the record holder for TDs in a season. He may not sign, but his stuff is still up there. Its all Vikings or Raiders, so that is a turn off for most NE fans, so you can expect his first pats auto to be REALLY expensive.

My dad always said that QBs are the only ones worth any money in the long run, and I think he is right. The only thing is that modern players do have a lot more durability, so maybe that will help shift things. I know that Emmitt and Jerry are worth as much as anyone, and that helps. But, overall, if you want long term value, take the field generals.

Value Bumps: Week 7

This was the Running Back week of champions. Either you did your job to everyone's wildest expectations, or you died trying. I had a fun time this week, but I think we finally get a picture of the elite and the chumps for the year.

Chris Johnson

If ROY was decided today, he is it - hands fucking down. He had a huge-mungous week, and helped his boys continue the undefeated surprise. Granted, it was against the Chiefs, but the overall body of work has been impressive on a VERY surprisingly good Titans team.

BUMP: UP

LenDale White

White has found a niche with the Titans as well, as he is their version of Marion Barber from 2007. If Johnson is the Lightning, he is the fucking Rhinoceros, Thunder is weak. He had a huge game too, and even broke off an 80 yarder. Wow, TD leader indeed.

BUMP: UP

Derek Anderson

After a great fucking season last year, he has had a shitstain season this year. I wasnt expecting much, but it seems like the computers were as they drafted him for me as the QB for all my fantasy teams. BITCHES. Either way, dump his crap and start buying Quinn at rock bottom prices.

BUMP: DOWN

Reggie Bush

He is injured again? Man, this golden draft class is getting a golden shower. After last week's big bump, he is heading in the wrong direction again. Its really too bad, as I know A LOT of people are still sitting, albeit stupidly, on his stuff. Can we please give up on him value wise now, im exhausted with him.

BUMP: DOWN

Ben Roethlisberger

What a great season he is having. He may actually live up to some of the value he has built up just for being the Steeler's QB. I say that with a 5-1 team and no more New England, he could go far with the Chargers being crap.

BUMP: UP

Darren McFadden

He gets a bye week to heal up, he gets a nice test of ability, and comes up way short. Of course, they won, but his value continues to drop. I said he wouldnt accomplish much at the beginning of the year, and it looks closer and closer to being true. If you bought in high, you are going to really feel it if he fucks himself even more. Yet, people are missing the point - its never a good idea to enter at the top level and hope for the best.

BUMP: DOWN

Clinton Portis

This guy is FINALLY turning it on for the skins. Huge week for him, and he is the frontrunner of all the RBs for the year. Too bad he is doing it in the toughest division in football. He will start getting his bump this week, and if he continues, it could be big.

BUMP: UP

Possible Bumps for Next Week:

Jonathan Stewart: If he can put up a big game versus AZ, expect big things.
Clinton Portis: Detroit? Cmon.
The Entire NY Jets Team: You better win, or things are going to get ugly
Chris Johnson: Playing Indy on Monday night? Nice place for a show!
Matty Ice: If Ryan wins against Philly, his values will spike considerably

Vikings Recap: Week 7

Bottom line is that if you score more than 30 points you should win that game. However, if you turn the ball over 25 times, you should lose the game. Basically, the second part was true and the Vikings lost in another strange game. Hopefully they can use the upcoming bye week to straighten things out.

Offense

Im glad the offense played well enough to score 41 points. That is seriously the highest total in the last 3 years, and most of it came ON the offensive side of the ball. For the first time in a while, I wasnt scared during 3rd and 7's and it seemed like they had it down. There was a problem though, the other side of the ball and special teams fucked them in the ass.

Special Teams

Another game thrown away by special teams. Sadly it wasnt even punt/kick returns by Hester or missed tackles. It was bonehead fucking douchebag plays that cost us a big win IN Chicago. Charles Gordon should not be returning punts, I say that every time he goes out there. Charles Gordon shouldnt even be playing, let alone returning punts. Secondly, Chris Kluwe and the Long Snapper should be running laps today.

Adrian Peterson

As Marshawn Lynch would say, "Beast Mode G I swah tat homes runz flah ditty flah on tem biz's." Either way, he had his best game of the year against a defense that hadnt allowed a 100 yard rusher all year. Thats right, fuck them biz's. The 54 yarder was crazy awesome, and I hope for our sake that there are many more to come.

Gus Frerotte

He looked *AWFUL* yesterday. 4 interceptions, sacks, and just a bunch of crap in a purple jersey. We actually had a chance on the last drive, but he decided to throw it deep instead of taking the 1:00 plus and marching down the field. We know that it can happen, so DO IT.

Defense

I dont know where the defense went. Granted, for some fucking stupid ass reason, Childress continued to give them a short field to start with during the first half because of the squib kicking, but that was no excuse. It was like they didnt think they had to play because the offense was scoring on every drive. The Marty Booker TD was so childish looking that I wanted to yell at Sharper, "MAYBE IT WAS GOOD WE DRAFTED A SAFETY, BECAUSE YOU SUCK TODAY!"

Visanthe Shiancoe

I guess he finally got the point that not catching balls will cost you your job. Considering this is a basic concept for every receiver, he should be subjected to water boarding.

Childress

Fire him now. You wont lose anything.

Overall, it was a fun game to watch, and we came close to winning. But considering that there is no way to make it anywhere when you throw it away, its time to replan the offense and shore up the holes in the defense. Special Teams needs to be hatcheted and started from scratch. Chris Walsh, WILL YOU PLEASE COME BACK???

Donruss Threads Baseball Team Assignments

I am about to put the order in on the boxes tonight. The product is set to release Wednesday and should ship out to me either Wednesday or Thursday. I estimate the break will be on Monday the 27th or Tuesday the 28th. I will keep you all updated.



stats_on_the_back-Athletics, Rockies
White Sox Cards-Twins, Giants, Nationals, Reds
arfmax-Royals, Tigers, Cubs, Pirates
cardboard addiction-Marlins, Mets, Braves, Orioles
houstoncollector-Angels, Padres, Red Sox, White Sox
gellman-Yankees, Mariners
motherscratcher-Blue Jays, Rangers, Brewers, Astros
heartbreakingcards-Indians, Rays
Captain Canuck-Cardinals, Diamondbacks
psad21-Dodgers, Phillies

SCU Video Blog 2

First Look: 2008 SP Authentic FB

ITS HERE! ITS HERE! We finally get our first look at SP Authentic, and I must say it looks fucking great. Everything looks snazzy as fucking hell, and I am really excited for it. They went with horizontal formatting again for the RC Patch autos, and I am a big proponent of that. They also keep the white background (YES!) and reshape the patch window to look a lot better than the thing from last year.

Also, we get a preview of the By The Letters and I assure you they will be amazing as usual. I am praying for a Peterson one, and I hope that they dont mess with a good thing when it comes to these.

Lastly the RC Leatherheads look unusual in terms of the contents of the photos, but the idea is pretty cool. It again looks like all of the autos will be on card and this could be a frontrunner for product of the year.

Get the rest of the information I published on SP Authentic from my interview with Gregg, maybe we can get some other cool previews now that its public.

OMINOUSLY NOT PICTURED: RETRO ROOKIE PATCH AUTOS

Donruss Threads Baseball **FILLED**

Well the World Series is right around the corner and while I don't collect baseball myself, I recognize that many readers of SCU do collect baseball cards. So what better way to celebrate the upcoming World Series then to do a group break of the soon to be released (comes out Wednesday October 22nd) Donruss Threads!







Product Details:
24 packs per box; 5 cards per pack
4 Autograph or Memorabilia cards per box (at least 2 autos)
1 Green Century Proof
1 Century Stars
1 Century Legends
1 Diamond King

Break Details:
(1) 2 Boxes of Donruss Threads
(2) $14 a slot (15 slots available)
(3) A slot gets you two random teams (videotaped and assigned via random.org)
(4) Payments Sent via paypal to: justin.halbersma@gmail.com
(5) You will be added once payment is received (please include username and address info with payment)
(6) All Cards will be sent (even commons)
(7) Autos and Memorilia cards will be distributed by the following rules
(a) The Jersey worn by the player on the card (like Pete Rose in a Reds uni even though the swatch may be from Phillies)
(b) College Cards and Donruss Americana Cards will be distributed randomly via random.org (video taped)
(c) If there happens to be some players in Brooklyn Dodgers unis, etc. The team name is where they will go (for instance
Brooklyn Dodgers = LA Dodgers)

As usual break will be taped and posted here and on youtube with scans of nice looking cards also posted on here. I will not be participating in this break, so spread the word and hopefully this fills up fast. I will be pre-ordering these boxes to makes sure we have them on the way.

1. stats_on_the_back (paid)
2. White Sox Cards (paid)
3. White Sox Cards (paid)
4. arfmax (paid)
5. arfmax (paid)
6. Cardboard Addiction (paid)
7. Cardboard Addiction (paid)
8. houstoncollector (paid)
9. houstoncollector (paid)
10. gellman (paid)
11. motherscratcher (paid)
12. motherscratcher (paid)
13. heartbreakingcards (paid)
14. Captain Canuck (paid)
15. Psad21 (paid)