10 Years of Allen & Ginter Minis

Allen & Ginter is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.  As a result there are plenty of "buybacks" floating around with the 10th anniversary logo floating around the secondary market.  I've been trying to pursue adding at least 1 mini of the framed commemorative inserts.  Many have fallen in the 99 cent range which is about all I value them at.

Here's 8 of what I have so far.

2007 Chris Duffy
2008 Jason Bay
2009 Ryan Doumit
2010 Zach Duke
2011 Jose Tabata
2012 Joel Hanrahan
2013 Garrett Jones
2014 Ralph Kiner

The Zach Duke is the A&G back while the Hanrahan and Jones are black borders.

The Prince and the Duke

These cards share no similar connections, but I received them on the same day and figured I would show them off in all their royalty.

First up, a TTM from former Pirates catcher and current manager of the Altoona Curve, Tom Prince.

Next up, an artist proof of Zach Duke from 2010 National Chicle

Zach Duke had an incredible season last year reinventing himself in the bullpen for the Brewers. That short brief stint for the 2009 All-Star earned him a big contract with the White Sox. He has been an acceptable reliever, but not as good as his 2014 season.

The artist, Chris Felix bio is on the back of the card.

Opening Day is Back!!!! Game 1 of 2012 Season

To celebrate Opening Day here's a recent card show pickup featuring this year's Opening Day Pirates starter along with an Opening Day starter of yesteryear for the Bucs.

When I bought this card, I was merely looking for a cheap Zach Duke certified auto to finish out my trifecta with.  The fact that it features current Pirate pitcher Erik Bedard is just icing on the cake.  I got this dual auto for $5. 

I actually had a good feeling today that the Pirates would beat Doc and the Phils. 
It started out well for the Pirates getting two consecutive hits to open the game putting runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs and budding superstar Andrew McCutchen at the plate.  Cutch grounded into a double play and the Pirates were unable to get anyone on base until Cutch was plunked by Doc later in the game. 

Bedard pitched well.  He got himself out of jams when needed and gave up only 1 run during his 7 innings of work. 

After 2 hours and 14 minutes on Opening Day the Pirates are 1 game below .500 and will face Cliff Lee and the Phillies on Saturday after getting Good Friday off.  Jeff Karstens will take the mound for the Bucs.

The below Cliff Lee card is for trade.

Zach Duke signs with Astros

Another former Pirate signed with a division rival today when 2009 All-Star Zach Duke signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros.  Duke will also receive an invitation to Spring Training to try to make the rotation.  Duke wasn't a bad pitcher when he broke into the league, but his velocity decreasing over past couple years and lack of a stellar infield defense has really hurt Duke's numbers.  He isn't a power pitcher and only averages 3-4 K/9 over his career, but he is durable and will stay on the mound to save the bullpen.  Duke's biggest problem is his inconsistency on the mound.  Some days, he looks like a strong and solid number 3 pitcher.  Other nights, he looks like he should be throwing batting practice to little leaguers.  Best of luck to you Mr. Duke.

2008 Zach Duke Upper Deck Jersey