2006 Topps Factory set
Though they have not piqued my interest in recent years because inside they usually contain the base brand cards you see everywhere, but Topps always comes out with their special factory sets. What makes these unique is merely the full-color packaging [available in several variations] and typically a sampling from an exclusive bonus set [typically of the rookies/prospect/draft picks variety].

For the first time, I picked up a 2006 Topps factory set at Target [$59.99] - I've never bought a Topps factory set before and had to impulsively get this year's set because of the 'Target bonus,' which is a Mickey Mantle worn relic card [featuring his 1952 Topps card]. The caveat is that the swatch used to make the card wasn't taken from an official MLB game worn uniform, cap, pants or bat that Mantle used.

Instead what Topps apparently did was cut up clothing that Mantle apparently wore off the field.

I don't really think it is a great way to have a 'worn relic card' of Mantle, but at least you get a full factory set of 2006 Topps [which usually retails for about $50], along with the Mantle for only about $10 more.

Who is to say that these cards will be hard to find or be particularly valuable - but it is 'Mantle' and it is 'worn.'

Featured Pickup
I picked this card up about several weeks ago for about $0.35.

I thought Matthews had a pretty good season with one great catch. Unfortunately the Angels will expecting this guy to hold down centerfield in Anaheim for the next five seasons at a rate of $10 million a year.

I don't like this signing because it seems like a desperate stab to sign a guy who for a while was the epitome of a journeyman. You hope for a lot of things to happen, that Matthews is a late bloomer.

The reality is that Matthews may not be anything more than what he has shown over the course of his career, besides his career year this past season.