2013 Topps Series Two

I'm not exactly sure why, but the Topps design for their flagship set has struck a chord with me. I should dislike it because of the strong resemblance to some recent Bowman designs. I can't put my finger on what, but I like it. In fact, I like it so much, that I started collecting the entire set, not just the White Sox cards. That says a lot about the design. I haven't been inspired to collect an entire set of MLB players since 2008 Topps Heritage. I'm still trying to complete that and the set collecting experience today (with all the short prints and whatnot) leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I am four or five cards from completing the first series and now the second series is unleashed upon the public. Touché. Time to pick up the last few cards of the previous installment and move on to the new series.

The White Sox have eleven cards in this set.

395 - Alexei Ramirez

437 - Dayan Viciedo

458 - Jake Peavy

474 - Brian Omogrosso

478 - Gavin Floyd

526 - Tyler Flowers

580 - Jordan Danks

583 - Alejandro de Aza

586 - Jose Quintana

620 - Hector Santiago

647 - Adam Dunn 

A good mix of players permeates this latest series. Veterans like Peavy, Floyd, and Dunn co-mingle with newer players like Omogrosso, Quintana, and Danks. Not a bad player selection at all. I'll never get a complete roster out of a flagship series release, but I don't expect to either. A good mix is what I expect and Topps has delivered.

WSC Birth Years: Brett Myers

Card #127 - Brett Myers

Born: August 17, 1980

The Sox picked up Brett in a trade with the Houston Astros on July 21, 2012. The ChiSox were in the thick of the pennant race and needed to bolster their bullpen. Myers had lights out closer stuff, but Chicago used him in more of a setup role, unless rookie Addison Reed would falter in the closer position.

Brett was solid in his role, going 3-4 with a 3.12 ERA to go along with thirty hits and twenty-one strikeouts in thirty-five games. After the 2012 season, Myers had a desire to return to starting. The Sox had no room in their starting rotation for Brett, so he was not re-signed. Myers signed with the division rival Cleveland Indians for the 2013 season.

WSC Birth Years: Hector Gimenez - In Action

Card #126 - Hector Gimenez (In Action)

Born: September 28, 1982

A bonus card from the 1982 set.

WSC Birth Years: Hector Gimenez

Card #125 - Hector Gimenez

Born: September 28, 1982

Hector is the next in a long line of backup catchers for the White Sox, who have hung on successfully in Chicago after bouncing around other organizations. Gimenez made his debut with the Houston Astros in 2006. He made two pinch hitting appearances. Hector next appeared in seven games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011.

Gimemez signed a minor league contract with the ChiSox in 2012. He was called up as a third string catcher in late 2012, appearing in five games. Hector then won the backup catcher position, behind Tyler Flowers in 2013.