tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:47:40 +0000PCRichard HidalgoJavier VazquezeBayMail Dayfantasy baseballRambleBob GibsonRantTwitterfantasy footballoff topicrainbow2008 ToppsCOMCEducationFor Trade or SellHunter PenceTony GwynnTrade Bait93 FinestAFC NorthAFC WestArizona CardinalsBaltimore RavensBeardyBlogger Bat AroundCard KnowledgeCeltcisChicago BearsContestDaily RecapDamn VolcanoesDavid LeeDenver BroncosGreen Bay PackersHouston AstrosJose AltuveMinnesota VikingsNBA FinalsNFC NorthNFC WestNFL PreviewNew DirectionOakland RaidersOriolesPittsburgh SteelersRC CollectionRipkenSPSan Diego ChargersSan Francisco 49ersSt. Louis RamsStantonStrasburgSweet SpotTeam USATopps BlogTradeVideo bloggingWant ListWorst Placeblogrollbraggingchatty cathyfantasy basketballlifequestionrecharge the ol' batteriessoccersoldsportlotswreckThe Below Average Ramblings of a Sports Fanatichttp://balkfour.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)Blogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-5443411928334313395Fri, 24 May 2013 12:04:00 +00002013-05-24T14:04:27.568+02:00Houston AstrosJose AltuveWorst Place Being a fan of the Houston Astros currently means watching one of the worst teams in the history of the game slog through series after series with very little hope of taking two out of three games.....or even one of three. It doesn't mean all things are terrible though. There's actually two handfuls of reasons why it's pretty damn awesome to be a fan of the team. 10. Every game is a fun http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2013/05/10-reasons-why-its-actually-awesome-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-3039431442866136741Mon, 20 May 2013 10:06:00 +00002013-05-21T14:35:28.054+02:00 This is a list of the Houston Astros/Colt .45's that I need from Topps sets starting in 1962 and ending in 2013: 1962: All but 23, 44, 74, 126, 156, 177, 227, 354 1963: All but 24, 45, 77, 99, 53, 189, 204 1964: All but 38, 142, 179, 226, 282, 339 1965: All but 48, 80 1966: All but 21, 174 1967: All but 8, 73, 136, 212, 231, 298, 318, 390 1968: All but 41, 57, 128 1969: All but 360 1970: http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2013/05/houston-astros-topps-team-sets.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-2416235531312974027Sat, 25 Dec 2010 16:39:00 +00002010-12-25T17:39:09.812+01:00Before we get into anything else: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the sandy beaches of Afghanistan, where the Balk Four headquarters are currently operating out of. I hope Santa was very generous this year and brought you everything you wanted (and maybe even a little more ;) ). It's been a few months since I had a post up over here (erm, 4 months) but I have decided to re-open the http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/12/merry-christmas-and-re-opening-of-balk.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-5558220263897504849Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:43:00 +00002010-08-25T01:45:04.576+02:00AFC NorthBaltimore RavensChicago Bearsfantasy footballGreen Bay PackersMinnesota VikingsNFC NorthPittsburgh SteelersBefore I began to write this post, the Vikings experienced season altering news: Sidney Rice is having surgery and will be out for at least the first half of the season. With Percy Harvin having migraine problems, Brett Favre's arsenal has gotten inexperienced very quickly. This affects the NFC North in many ways. NFC North Green Bay Packers - 1st in division - 13-3 Sleeper - Jermichael Finley,http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/08/northern-exposure-nfc-afc-north-preview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-552284249412202217Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:52:00 +00002010-08-25T01:46:57.348+02:00AFC WestArizona CardinalsDenver Broncosfantasy footballNFC WestNFL PreviewOakland RaidersSan Diego ChargersSan Francisco 49ersSt. Louis RamsTo kick start the blog in it's new direction, I plan on previewing all 4 divisions in both conferences over the next four days. I've got a list of sleepers, busts, rookies to watch for and, well, guys you already know about to explore. NFC West San Francisco 49ers - 1st in Division - 10-6 (2010 Expected finish) Sleeper - Alex Smith, QB - With a top flight TE in Vernon Davis and a full season http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/08/west-side-story-afc-nfc-west-preview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-2683940145763607136Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:13:00 +00002010-08-20T05:13:19.904+02:00fantasy baseballfantasy basketballfantasy footballNew DirectionSo, life has been hectic lately. Well, not lately lately, but like, three weeks ago lately. As of the nearer lately, life has been mellow and slow. How does that explain my lack of posts? Easy: lack of motivation, lack of desire and, for about a week plus, lack of internet. Not to mention, I am not all warm and gooey over baseball cards right now (but I am branching out into basketball now too).http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-life-for-blog-takes-it-in-new.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-151761122370727999Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:34:00 +00002010-07-11T00:34:35.760+02:00Javier VazquezPC I come to you this evening, in a semi-sad mood. The man above has left my personal collection. For those of you who do not recognize him, that is New York Yankees Starting Pitcher, Javier Vazquez. Through eBay, I met a fellow JV collector who, it seems, has much deeper pockets and a MUCH better and larger JV collection than I do. I soon realized we had been hurting each other, by affecting the http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/07/saying-farewell-to-collection.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-6893690696077038465Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:01:00 +00002010-07-09T16:01:00.361+02:00David LeeeBayPCThe last year or so, the NBA has slowly, but surely, been pulling me back into enjoying the game. Though it still has plenty of egotistical, me first players, other, team first, unselfish stars were beginning to shine and bring a fresh face to the game (or refreshen the face they had). From Kevin Durant in OKC, Dirk Nowitzki revamping himself in Dallas, Chris Paul in New Orleans or David Lee inhttp://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/07/mail-post-3-start-of-nba-player.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-4191794060284790276Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:51:00 +00002010-07-09T03:51:00.193+02:00eBayPCRC CollectionThis beginning, is something I had been wanting to start for a while and recently decided, hey, what the heck, why not, let's hop right in and get it going. What is this, you ask? Collecting modern and vintage hall of fame rookies (including those who will become hall of famers a la Griffey Jr., Jeter, etc. and those who I think SHOULD be in the hall of fame, like Dale Murphy), primarily of the http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/07/mail-post-2-beginning-ish-of-new-corner.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-6523030843376522929Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:32:00 +00002010-07-08T22:32:00.054+02:00COMCeBayJavier VazquezPCIn what has easily been the largest addition to my personal collections in the recent month, is the additions to my Javier Vazquez collection. I received a large mix of Vazquez and Richard Hidalgo cards from Sportlots recently (all base cards) and I did not keep track of that, but believe I did add about 30 or so Vazquez's to my ever growing collection. The cards I will be showing, though, makehttp://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/07/mail-post-1-newest-additions-to-javier.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-8418720116719267841Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:32:00 +00002010-07-08T20:32:17.454+02:00recharge the ol' batteriesRecently, I stepped back from the keyboard and kind of took a little sabbatical from writing about this great sport (and hobby) of ours. No writing on the blog. Little writing on message boards (and 90% of that writing had to do with off topic stuff). No writing down ideas that pop into my head. Nothing. Why, you may ask? You weren't writing THAT much as it is, you say. Very true, that may be.http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/07/recharging-ol-batteries.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-1111947971503339283Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:23:00 +00002010-06-27T01:23:13.494+02:00fantasy baseballWith little cardboard on my mind (other than starting my 1st ever basketball player collection, i'll save that for a later date), I figured I would update my little blog world with the current state of my fantasy baseball leagues. Only three really matter to me (I am in five), so those are the only three I will talk about. League 1:  Balk Four - Card Bloggers Unite - After meandering in http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/fantasy-baseball-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-6692444605709659177Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:04:00 +00002010-06-23T19:04:15.604+02:00off topicsoccerTeam USA  I know this isn't the first post on the US Men's National soccer team's win over Algeria, which makes them the winner of their group. But, I am to damn excited to care. After a SECOND goal was disallowed (seriously, someone does NOT want the US in this World Cup), it took until extra time before Landon Donovan netted the game winner. The US has far too many missed chances this game, with http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/u-s-u-s-u-s.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-5864783793911158510Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:27:00 +00002010-06-20T21:33:08.312+02:002008 ToppseBayoff topicPCRambleWell, ever since my wife and son flew back to the states my house has been A) way too quiet, B) way too lonely and C) way too boring. So what have I used all this extra time for? Well, cardboard silly. I spent a decent amount of time yesterday and today getting my 2008 Topps Set in order, to find out what holes need to be filled. I also counted EVERY single one of my Houston Astros cards in myhttp://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/random-mich-mash-of-sunday-happenings.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-6013041558976917035Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:34:00 +00002010-06-17T23:32:56.328+02:00eBayJavier VazquezMail DayPCRichard HidalgoIf you get the reference in the title, you probably have watched wrestling at some point in time from 1988 to now. Ol' JR and his ability to hype up any incoming wrestler into the ring. The difference between me and him? I am hyping up my 2nd mail day post out of the last 3 posts I have had, but, seriously, the last two times I have hit up the post office, I have had a combined TWENTY bubble http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/waitwhats-that-thats-maildays-music.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-4243375055556664203Thu, 17 Jun 2010 06:20:00 +00002010-06-17T08:20:37.427+02:00BeardyOriolesPCRambleRipken You didn't think I was seriously going to do an entire post about Bob Bonner, did you? I'm sure one of my fellow bloggers would truly enjoy this rookie (i'm looking at you Beardy) and I am glad to have picked this up relatively cheap off of eBay recently. I was always a huge fan of Ripken growing up. Not just because of the Streak, but just because he played the game the right way. From running http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/bob-bonner-orioles-future-star.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-527855513893815507Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:20:00 +00002010-06-14T23:20:26.832+02:00eBayJavier VazquezMail DayPCrainbowRantRichard HidalgoSo, I missed going to the post office Friday, which resulted in me having TEN, yes, TEN, total envelopes/packages waiting for me, all eBay purchases. The poor part of the day? My wife and son flew back to the states earlier today (about 8 hours ago) and I won't be seeing them in person again until around the end of January/beginning of February. I knew this day would come, but still, it is toughhttp://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/small-highlights-in-rather-poor-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-7208049935409744516Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:51:00 +00002010-06-09T00:51:32.904+02:00CeltcisNBA FinalsRambleStantonStrasburgTwitterWell, if you have been living in a cave, under a rock or on an isolated island the last week or so, I am glad to inform you that Stephen Strasburg, the most hyped rookie of all time, will be making his major league debut today, against the AAAA Pittsburgh Pirates. Not to be forgotten, wunderkid Michael Stanton will now be patrolling the Florida outfield, starting with tonight's game. is http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/nationals-marlins-and-celtics-oh-my.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-5221687866704012219Sat, 05 Jun 2010 21:21:00 +00002010-06-05T23:21:56.215+02:00Javier VazquezPCRambleRantOf course by century, I mean 100 posts, but you get the gist. Two posts ago was my 100th post, which actually came at a much slower rate then I would have thought. Then again, I haven't been able to keep a passion for writing in me. I feel like it has just been a ton of things that have been keeping me back. Stress from my upcoming deployment, stress from my wife not being back in the states http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/06/century-old.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-5702100567045426603Mon, 31 May 2010 16:09:00 +00002010-05-31T18:09:48.821+02:00.....over at BA Benny's Baseball Card Buffet. What, you thought it was for this blog? Well, not yet. I need to formulate a contest first. Look for it in my next post ;)http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/05/100th-post-contest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-3995991451355176809Sun, 30 May 2010 11:23:00 +00002010-05-30T13:23:15.256+02:00COMCeBayJavier VazquezMail DayPCRambleRichard HidalgosportlotsWell, over the past few months I have been able to pick up auto cards of my two main PC guys (Richard Hidalgo & Javier Vazquez) at pretty considerable amounts, so I felt like showing them off. Javier Vazquez First up, I will start with one of the newer auto sets, from 2010 Chicle.  This is an Artist's Autograph, numbered 6/10. I really like two things about the Chicle set: on card http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/05/newest-autos-to-pc-collection.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-6737967663362070530Fri, 28 May 2010 13:32:00 +00002010-05-28T15:32:12.797+02:00Mail DayPCRambleTony GwynnWell, my mother-in-law couldn't think of anything to buy me for my birthday, so she just sent birthday cash instead, which, is never a bad idea for a card collector. So I spent some time diving around eBay, looking for something nice to pick up and settled on an autograph of one of my favorite players of all time (oh, and it has a jersey piece too): Tony Gwynn  I received it in the mail http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/05/favorite-player-of-yore.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-949758029943252552Thu, 27 May 2010 15:06:00 +00002010-05-27T17:06:26.728+02:00Daily RecapSPGonna try a little something new on the blog here: random daily recaps of games I choose from the day before. Ubaldo Jimenez, the Coors Field Wizard, was at it again last night. Though he allowed what is now an uncharacteristic 6 hits, he also struck out 3 and once again allowed no runs, lowering his league leading ERA to 0.88. He also won his league leading 9th game of the season. NL All Star http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/05/ubaldo-fing-jimenez.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-6161939900107868116Mon, 24 May 2010 20:53:00 +00002010-05-25T11:05:57.766+02:0093 FinesteBayEducationWhile I was busy doing a random eBay search, just browsing through the auctions, trying to find things to convince myself to purchase, I stumbled upon what is, in my opinion, the greatest insert set ever, up for sale, all in PSA 9's and 10's. 1993 Topps Finest Refractor Set; All PSA 9's and 10's Now, this may be the ONLY 93 Finest refractor set where all of the cards are graded a PSA 9 or http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/05/parallel-set-that-started-it-all.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3810497453450852300.post-1405417638500369722Mon, 24 May 2010 16:51:00 +00002010-05-24T18:51:57.368+02:00Javier VazquezPCRichard HidalgoSweet SpotAnd the way they fade. This card has been in my collection a few years: As you can tell, the auto has faded TERRIBLY. Now, I don't mind too much, since I got the card for a solid price and it is 25/25, but I bring this up because I recently won my second Sweet Spot auto glove: As you can see with this one, more fading, but not as much. One would think that the fading would happen throughout http://balkfour.blogspot.com/2010/05/sweet-spot-autos.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anthony K.)4