I'm sure this goes for everyone, but as the years go by, Christmas presents have gotten less and less exciting. Now, I appreciate every single gift I tear into, but there's only so much emotion that can be displayed over new boxer shorts and fresh packs of wife-beaters. For the past few years, the wife spiced things up, by gifting me some "designer" socks - Nike Jumpman... thanks, babe. But this December, some folks really figured it out... multiple gift cards for eBay, a retail box of 2011 Allen & Ginter, a Lids gift card, and some Forever Stamps, (feeding my TTM obsession). Thanks folks.... these are the things that scratch me right where I itch.
I busted all the A&G packs immediately... divulging a base-set V-Mart and Porcello as the only Detroiters in the box. A Xavier Nady Relics (swatch) was the "big hit" of the break - Good Times.
I sat on the Lids gift card for a minute... hitting three different locations, before finding a Tiger (home) cap, that fit and looked just right.
As a kind of new year's resolution, I had planned on shaving down the majority of (frivolous) items on my eBay "Watch List". I'm now happy to say, that I am no longer watching many of these items... thanks to thoughtful family members, a grip of guilt-free cardboard is currently in transit to my residence.
During his time with the Tigers, Neifi hit a disappointing .186 in 54 games ('06-'07).
I love adding unnecessary cards (with exceptional attributes), showcasing insignificant players to my collection. There's always an exaggerated buzz surrounding mid-season acquisitions. So while his performance as a Tiger was forgettable, his time there wasn't. Unfortunately, manufacturers weren't so wanton regarding other Tigers who made trade deadline cameos. What I would give for a Jarrod Washburn certified auto, or a Matt Stairs jumbo patch featuring the "D"... it's fun to dream.