Sox Or No Sox: 2-16-19

Back by unpopular demand, it's America's unreasonable game, Sox Or No Sox.

The rules are simple. We take one unopened pack of baseball cards that was randomly selected by yours truly. We then go through the pack card by card looking for those elusive White Sox cards.

Along the way, there are two tricky and abundant traps to look out for. The first trap is the Cubs card. While hailing from Chicago, it is definitely not a Chicago White Sox card. The second trap is the Red Sox card. While technically a Sox card, it is vastly different than a White Sox card. Both traps are not necessarily bad things, but they get in the way of the games true goal: to find White Sox cards.

1/2 point is awarded for each card in the pack. 1 point is deducted from the score for each trap card. 1/2 point is taken away for each pointless mirror card. 1 point is given for any parallel. 2 points are awarded for each relic or autographed card (only 1 point awarded for a relic or autographed trap card). 2 points are given for each White Sox card.

Our player in tonight's game is a 2019 Topps Series One pack. The pack contains 14 cards and features TWO Yankees on the wrapper. I don't know how to interpret that. It might be good or it might be bad. Let's begin.

 #1: Michael Kopech - 49 - Chicago White Sox

Right off the bat. First out of the pack. A WHITE SOX CARD!!!!!!!!!

 #2: Chad Bettis - 74 - Colorado Rockies

He's a cancer survivor. How cool!

 #3: Pedro Strop - 142- Chicago Cubs

NOOOOO!!!!! A TRAP CARD!!!!!

 #4: Rafael Devers - 228 - Boston Red Sox

TWO TRAP CARDS IN A ROW!!!!! BEGONE WITH YOU EVIL TRAP CARDS!!!!

 #5: Justus Sheffield - 306 - New York Yankees

Is it really, just us?

 #6: Washington Nationals - 341 - Washington Nationals

Harper had 100 RBI. Scherzer had 300 strikeouts. Nice round numbers.

 #7: Don Mattingly - GLG-3 - New York Yankees

I loved watching Don Mattingly growing up. Nice subset.


Halfway through and there's tons of excitement. There's been a White Sox card and two trap cards so far! We still have a whole other half of a pack to go! Can you stand the suspense?! Can you take any more?! Hold on to your seats. This could get ugly!

Let's return to the action!

 #8: Topps Now Trout/Pujols/Ohtani - TN-9 - Los Angels Angels

What exactly is the NOW factor in a card like this?

 #9: Hector Rondon - 91 - Houston Astros

Former Cub. CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR!!!!!! YOU'RE NOT TRAPPING ME THAT EASILY!!!!!

 #10: Yoenis Cespedes - 128 - New York Mets

A Cespedes for the rest of us! Sorry. Not sorry.

 #11: Josh Bell - 208 - Pittsburgh Pirates

Josh's rate of doubles and walks improved, while his long balls went down.

 #12: Joe Musgrove - 104 - Pittsburgh Pirates

Joe was drafted by the Blue Jays.

 #13: Buster Posey - 157 - San Francisco Giants

He's hip. He's hip. Sorry. Not sorry.

#14: Robinson Cano - 313 - Seattle Mariners

Robinson has been in the big leagues for 14 seasons! Wow!


One White Sox card = 2 points. Two trap cards = -2 points. 11 non-trap cards = 5 1/2 points.

Final score: 5 1/2 points

One White Sox card of a very promising rookie in this game, but there's always the excitement of the chase for more next time on Sox Or No Sox. And remember, never lean your head into a Randy Johnson fastball. It's for the birds. Goodnight everyone!

Sox Or No Sox: 2-3-14

Back by unpopular demand, it's America's unfashionable game, Sox Or No Sox.

The rules are simple. We take one unopened pack of baseball cards that was randomly selected by yours truly. We then go through the pack card by card looking for those elusive White Sox cards.

Along the way, there are two tricky and abundant traps to look out for. The first trap is the Cubs card. While hailing from Chicago, it is definitely not a Chicago White Sox card. The second trap is the Red Sox card. While technically a Sox card, it is vastly different than a White Sox card. Both traps are not necessarily bad things, but they get in the way of the games true goal: to find White Sox cards.

1/2 point is awarded for each card in the pack. 1 point is deducted from the score for each trap card. 1/2 point is taken away for each pointless mirror card. 1 point is given for any parallel. 2 points are awarded for each relic or autographed card (only 1 point awarded for a relic or autographed trap card). 2 points are given for each White Sox card.

Our player in tonight's game is a 2013 Panini Prizm Perennial Draft Picks pack. The pack contains 4 cards and features Kris Bryant, the Chicago Cubs first round pick (2nd overall) in the 2013 draft, on the wrapper. It's a very good thing that this wrapper doesn't count as a card. This could be a bad omen. Let's begin.

#1: Anthony DeSclafani - 6 - Miami Marlins
He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 draft by Toronto. He is currently in the Miami organization in AA. This does not set my heart aflutter.

#2: Stuart Turner - 64 - Minnesota Twins
One year under his belt and he's already in AA. Not too shabby for someone who won the Johnny Bench award in college.

Halfway through the pack. We've seen no Sox cards and two AA players of various skill levels. The tally so far... 1 point. 2 cards left to go. Let’s see if we can get a White Sox card!

#3: Clint Coulter - 14 - Milwaukee Brewers
First round (27th overall) of the 2012 draft. Hasn't made it out of rookie class A.

#4: Jacob May - 71 - Chicago White Sox
Could it be? Yes! A White Sox card!!! He was drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft and made it to class A Kannapolis.

On White Sox card for two points and three non-trap cards for 1/2 point each. Not too shabby for a four card pack.

Final score: 3 1/2 points

One White Sox card in this game, but there's always the thrill of the hunt for more next time on Sox Or No Sox. And remember, always remove the donuts before stepping up to the plate. Goodnight everyone!

Sox Or No Sox: 10-11-10

Let's play America's missing for awhile game, Sox Or No Sox.

The rules are simple. We take one unopened pack of baseball cards that was randomly selected by yours truly. We then go through the pack card by card looking for those elusive White Sox cards.

Along the way, there are two tricky and abundant traps to look out for. The first trap is the Cubs card. While hailing from Chicago, it is definitely not a Chicago White Sox card. The second trap is the Red Sox card. While technically a Sox card, it is vastly different than a White Sox card. Both traps are not necessarily bad things, but they get in the way of the games true goal: to find White Sox cards.

1/2 point is awarded for each card in the pack. 1 point is deducted from the score for each trap card. 1/2 point is taken away for each pointless mirror card. 1 point is given for any parallel. 2 points are awarded for each relic or autographed card (only 1 point awarded for a relic or autographed trap card). 2 points are given for each White Sox card.

Our player in tonight's game is a 2010 Topps Chrome pack. The pack contains 4 cards and features Tim Lincecum on the wrapper. Very cool. Let's begin.

#1: Marco Scutaro - 15 - Boston Red Sox
Off to a wonderful start here. Minus one point!

#2: Tommy Hanson – 8 – Atlanta Braves
An X-Fractor! Plus 1 point!
Halfway through the pack. Scutaro... um yeah. Shiny, shiny Braves player. No Sox cards, one trap, nobody even close to Chicago. 2 cards left to go. Let’s see if we can get a White Sox card!

#3: Adam Jones – 10 – Baltimore Orioles
A very good player on a pretty poor team. Hopefully the Orioles will start to get better, along with my fortunes.

#4: Ken Griffey Jr. – 28 – Seattle Mariners
The Griffey era is sadly over.

OK, our pack opening is complete. This pack was so-so. At least an elusive X-Fractor managed to sneak in! There was a former White Sox player, albeit for just slightly over two months. As much as I like to think that Marco Scutaro shouldn't belong in an abbreviated set like this, here he is mocking me and taking away a point.

So, that’s ½ point for each card in the pack, -1 for the Red Sox card, +1 for the X-Fractor card.

Final score: 2 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox: 3-4-08 - WSC Edition

Let's play America’s favorite pack opening game, Sox Or No Sox.

The following pack was donated by John from the UK.

The rules are simple. We take one unopened pack of baseball cards that was randomly selected by yours truly. We then go through the pack card by card looking for those hard to find White Sox cards.

Our player in tonight's game is a 2003 UD Victory pack. The pack contains 6 cards and features a certain infamous ex-White Sox player on the package in that other Chicago uniform. Let's begin.

#1: Hank Blalock – 96 - Rangers
A card featuring the team from one of my newest links!

#2: Todd Helton – 34 - Rockies
A career Rockies man.

#3: Jorge Posada - 60 - Yankees
Jorge sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of more high profile Yankees.

Not that much to the pack. No trap cards. No White Sox cards. Some decent players though. 3 cards left to go. Let’s see if we can get a White Sox card!

#4: Rafael Palmeiro – 95 - Rangers
I used to like him. I used to root for him. Now he’s just another statistic. It’s a shame.

#5: Greg Maddux – Winning Formula – 197 - Braves
Trade bait for dayf? Nice simple card with a pretty wild back. The back looks like it’s moving. Some kind of spooky hologram haze surrounds Greg Maddux.

#6: Nick Johnson (Green Parallel) – 61 - Yankees
A green parallel? OK.

OK, our pack opening is complete. Very interesting pack. No trap cards and no White Sox cards. It also came with an instruction card? Very mundane, but that’s OK sometimes.

So, that’s ½ point for each card in the pack.

Final score: 3 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox WSC Edition: 1-30-08

Welcome to another White Sox Cards edition of Sox Or No Sox!

We've getting closer as we make our way through the blaster box, we have yet to encounter any White Sox cards in the packs themselves, just in the bonus cellophane pack. There has to something in here, right?

Today we have the ninth and tenth of ten packs of 2007 Topps Series 2. This is it. The last two packs from the box. Can we find some White Sox cards? Let’s hope so! There are 6 cards in each pack. You know how to play, let’s begin!

#1: Brian Bannister - 587 – Royals
His dad was on the White Sox!

#2: Ted Lilly - 456 – Cubs
Damn trap card!

#3: Steve Trachsel – 558 – Orioles
A former Cub.

#4: So Taguchi - Gold Card 1545/2007 – 428 - Cardinals
I like go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-old!

#5: Francisco Rodriguez – 422 – Angels
He led the league in saves in 2005 and 2006.

#6: Brian Giles – 349 – Padres
He led the league in walks in 2005.

We’re through the first mini pack and no White Sox cards. Some pretty decent pitchers and a gold card. Not too shabby. I’m still holding out hope for the last pack. OK. Ready.

#7: Andy Cannizaro - 627 – Yankees
He singled in his first MLB at-bat.

#8: Florida Marlins - 592 – Marlins
It’s nice to see a team come together.

#9: Esteban Loaiza – 518 – Athletics
A former White Sox. Why do the card companies taunt me?

#10: Bob Geren – 614 – Athletics
Another manager card. OK. Two Athletics in a row. OK.

#11: Jim Thome – Hit Parade – HP19 – White Sox
Holy crap! A White Sox card! An insert White Sox card! One that I actually need too. This card rocks! Shiny and reflective. Sweet!

#12: Shawn Green – 346 - Mets
That’s cool I guess. I’m still stoked about the Thome insert!

Sweet! A pretty decent two packs. I guess they saved the best for last. ½ point for each card. –1 point for the Cubs trap card. +2 for the Thome insert.

Final score: 7 points

1 White Sox card in this game! See you next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox WSC Edition: 1-29-08

Welcome to another White Sox Cards edition of Sox Or No Sox!

We’ve getting closer as we make our way through the blaster box, we have yet to encounter any White Sox cards in the packs themselves. Could our luck be improving?

Today we have the seventh and eighth of ten packs of 2007 Topps Series 2. Can we find some White Sox cards? Let’s hope so! There are 6 cards in each pack. You know how to play, let’s begin!

#1: Alex Gordon - 634 – Royals
That’s a great way to start the pack!

#2: Chris Shelton - 479 – Tigers
That was a wonderful start … for one season, which seems like a thousand years ago.

#3: Erik Bedard – 533 – Orioles
I’m starting to wonder if he’ll ever be traded.

#4: Jason Kendall – 548 - Athletics
Wasn’t he on the Cubs last year?

#5: Nick Swisher – Generation Now – GN390 – Athletics
A mirror trap card. Great. And it’s of a current White Sox player. Will the taunting ever cease?

#6: Checklist – 1 of 3
At least these don’t count against my card total.

#7: Jason LaRue – 577 – Royals
Another Royal. He was the only catcher in the NL with 12 or more homers each year from 2001 to 2005. At least he’s consistent.

We’re through the first mini pack and no White Sox cards. A sweet rookie card, a pitcher on the trading block, a few Royals and a mirror trap card. OK, what’s next?

#8: Chris Stewart - 567 – Rangers
A former White Sox prospect. Hmmm, I smell taunting from the baseball Gods.

#9: Jon Lieber - 535 – Phillies
The former and current Cub. Is that a disease?

#10: Kenny Rogers – 511 – Tigers
Why do I have a taste for chicken? I think I’d better hide my camera though. They definitely had to take his picture from afar while he was distracted.

#11: Ronny Paulino – 381 – Pirates
Three years in Altoona? Isn’t that Mr. Belvedere’s purgatory?

#12: Alex Cora – 565 – Red Sox
A trap card of the younger brother of a former White Sox player and current coach.

#13: Matt Diaz – 395 - Braves
At least the Braves are a major step up from the Devil Rays and Royals.

Not that bad. But not good either. ½ point for each card. –1 point for the Swisher trap card. That hurts, but he’s not on the White Sox on the card. –1 for the Red Sox trap card of the brother of a White Sox player.

Final score: 4 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Gone To The Dark Side

Well, I made my first post for A Pack A Day. I've decided to keep playing Sox Or No Sox over there. I have officially gone to the Dark Side, according to Mario. Although there will be no Tales From The Darkside, I'll continue with Sox Or No Sox on both sites. I just think of A Pack A Day as going national. I haven't gone over anyone's helmet.

Now, you may be thinking that the lack of posts has something to do with my joining the roster over there. Far from it. The last two days have been a logistical nightmare. First of all, I'm helping out my friend, Steve, with his bowling team. His entire team quit on him, so he asked nicely (begged) for me to help him. So, I've taken my 111 average (as of last night), which seems to climb every week, over to help him. This has been going on for about two months.

Since the Super Bowl is next Sunday, no one wants to bowl that Sunday night. I could care less, since football is not my main interest. Besides, it would be on at the bowling alley anyway. So, it's not like anyone would be missing anything. In addition to 1 practice game and 3 regular games, most of us bowled 3 additional games last night, instead of bowling it during the week. You'd think my body would be tired and achy after 7 games, but surprisingly, it's fine. It's my sinuses that have been bothering me.

I love Chicago weather this time of year. Up, down and all around. Today was freezing rain and high winds with a fluctuating temperature. Needless to say, I've been battling a headache all day.

On the White Sox front, I was pleased to see David Aardsma land on the Red Sox for minor league right-handed pitchers Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich. Funny, I always thought that Aardsma would fit in on the Pirates. Then again, maybe that's just Ed Farmer.

Sox Or No Sox WSC Edition: 1-28-08

Welcome to the White Sox Cards edition of Sox Or No Sox!

We’ve been close as we make our way through the blaster box, we have yet to encounter any White Sox cards in the packs themselves. Could that change today?

Today we have the fifth and sixth of ten packs of 2007 Topps Series 2. Can we find some White Sox cards? Let’s hope so! There are 6 cards in each pack. You know how to play, let’s begin!

#1: Juan Morillo - 647 – Rockies
He’s got a top-shelf arm according to Clint Hurdle.

#2: Kevin Millar - 408 – Orioles
A Kevin who’s on the Orioles. It boggles the mind.

#3: Shin-Soo Choo – 343 – Indians
All aboard for the Shin-Soo Choo express!

#4: Jim Leyland – 610 - Tigers
Jim's looking like a hungry vampire in this shot. “Hi there, don’t you look tasty!”
#5: Brian McCann – 335 – Braves
A kindred sounding board in Jeff Francoeur? More vampires?

#6: Jhonny Peralta – 465 – Indians
A ncie Idnian palyer, woh seplls hsi nmae srtange.

We’re through the first mini pack and no White Sox cards. A reverse vampire and more kindred. A train and a player with dyslexia. Interesting mix and a terrible disability.

#7: Fredi Gonzalez - 616 – Marlins
Ooo! A manager card.

#8: David Wells - 471 – Padres
I remember a show about a dog named Boomer. I wonder if that’s where this ex-White Sox player gets his nickname.

#9: Milwaukee Brewers – 454 – Brewers
They made a good run against the Cubs last year. I was in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in September and the bars still had baseball on. It was nice to see.

#10: Xavier Nady – 473 – Pirates
He went 4 for 4 on Opening Day 2006.

#11: Willy Aybar – 586 – Braves
He certainly has a long history in the minors!

#12: Jeff Weaver – 420 - Mariners
Red snapper! Very tasty, Weaver. You’ll take the box! Let’s see what he gets! Nothing! Absolutely nothing! No White Sox cards!

Not that bad. But not that great either. ½ point for each card. Nothing more, nothing less. At least there are no trap cards.

Final score: 6 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox: 1-25-08 Bonus Edition

Welcome to a Special Bad Wax Bonus Edition of Sox Or No Sox!

I won a contest over at Awesomely Bad Wax Packs and received a beautiful pack of bad wax in the mail today.

Today we have a 1988 Pacific trading cards pack of Eight Men Out. Can we find some White Sox cards in a pack based on a movie about the White Sox? I would think so! There are 10 cards in each pack. The rules will be slightly different for this bonus edition. Since we have a pack about the White Sox, each card of a real Sox player will be worth 2 points. Each card of a real non-White Sox player/person will be worth –1 point. Any image from the movie or cards featuring actors from the movie will be worth the point value of a regular pack card, ½ point.

#1: Shoeless Joe Jackson - 110 – White Sox

Holy crap, a White Sox card of a real player! And a card of a legendary player! This is a first.

#2: Pat Moran - 89 – Reds

The manager of the 1919 World Champion Reds. A trap card for this game only.

#3: Ban Johnson – 78 – AL President

He was chosen for the Hall of Fame in 1937. Yet another trap card.

#4: Don Harvey as Charles “Swede” Risberg – 16 – Actor (White Sox)

The first card from the movie itself.

#5: Kid watches Eddie – 59 – Actors (White Sox)

Depicting Game 7, from the movie.

We’re halfway through the pack and one White Sox card, two trap cards and two movie images. Not bad for a pack where the deck is stacked.

#6: Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis - 67 – Actor

John Anderson as Judge Landis.

#7: Kerr wins Game Six - 56 – Actor (White Sox)

Jace Alexander as Dickey Kerr in Game 6.

#8: The fix is on - 39 – Actor (White Sox)

David Strathairn as Eddie Cicotte.

#9: Sign the petition – 65 – Actor

Jesse Vincent as Scooter.

#10: Hugh and Ring confront Kid – 35 – Actor, Director, Sportswriter

Studs Terkel, John Sayles and John Mahoney on the same card. Interesting.

One White Sox card worth 2 points. Two trap cards worth –2 points. Ten cards worth 5 points. I expected a few more actual White Sox players, but I am very pleased with this Bad Wax prize.

Final score: 5 points

One White Sox card in this game, but there's always the pursuit for more next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox 1-25-08

Welcome to another stupendous edition of Sox Or No Sox!

As we make our way through the blaster box, we have yet to encounter any White Sox cards in the packs themselves. Could that change today?

Today we have the third and fourth of ten packs of 2007 Topps Series 2. Can we find some White Sox cards? Let’s hope so! There are 6 cards in each pack. You know how to play, let’s begin!

#1: Takashi Saito - 432 – Dodgers
When Eric Gagne fails, Takashi to the rescue!

#2: Jeff Francoeur - 426 – Braves
FRENCHY!!!!!!

#3: Octavio Dotel – 478 – Royals
A current White Sox! A step in the right direction.

#4: Mickey Mantle - HR insert – MHR387 - Yankees
A mindless mirror insert! Curse you Topps!

#5: Josh Willingham – 405 – Marlins
He played in Kane County! Cool!

#6: Ryan Church – 469 – Nationals
The fifth card in the 400’s. Curious.

We’re through the first mini pack and no White Sox cards. Should I be surprised? A current White Sox player and a mirror. What can we expect from mini pack #2? It’s not looking good.

#7: Juan Perez - 633 – Pirates
At least the card isn’t in the 400’s.

#8: Kenji Johjima - 344 – Mariners
Nice “oh” face Kenji!

#9: Joe DiMaggio - The Streak – JD17 – Yankees
A mirror card of Joltin’ Joe. At least it’s not another Mantle.

#10: Nick Swisher – Generation Now – GN374 – Athletics
Being a current White Sox doesn’t save you from the mirror card of your former team. Home run number 15, for those of you keeping score.

#11: Checklist – 3 of 3
I hate checklist cards in a pack, unless it features a picture of a player. This doesn't.

#12: Torii Hunter – 388 – Twins
A picture of Mr. Broken Promises running. Take the money and run!

#13: Yuniesky Betancourt
The checklist card didn’t count against me!

Not that bad. But not that great either. ½ point for each card. –1 ½ point for the mirror cards.

Final score: 4 ½ points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox: 1-24-07

Welcome to another fabulous edition of Sox Or No Sox!

So far, we have not seen a solitary White Sox card. There was one in the bonus pack of inserts, but none, so far, in the packs.

Today we have the first and second of ten packs of 2007 Topps Series 2. Can we find some White Sox cards? Let’s hope so! There are 6 cards in each pack. You know how to play, let’s begin!

#1: Josh Hamilton - 625 – Reds
He was picked by Tampa Bay in 1999, but he tore the cover off the ball in Spring Training 2007!

#2: Kip Wells - 537 – Cardinals
A former White Sox player! OK, we’re getting warmer!

#3: Joe DiMaggio – Distinguished Service – DS21 – Yankees
An insert card. It’s of Joe DiMaggio, which doesn't hurt. Plus, it’s not one of his mirrored cards.

#4: Kevin Youkilis – 475 – Red Sox
A trap card! This pack is not looking good points-wise!

#5: Jeremy Hermida – 525 – Marlins
Hip and ankle injuries? Sounds like a winner!

#6: Adrian Beltre – 374 – Mariners
Marlins… Mariners… they look alike, they talk alike, at times they even play alike. Adrian’s bat came alive after moving to second in the order? OK, if alive means .268.

We’re through the first mini pack and no White Sox cards. What a shocker! A former White Sox player and a trap card. What can we expect from mini pack #2? More of the same perhaps?

#7: Boof Bonser - 418 – Twins
You gotta love a guy named Boof! Especially when he legally changes his name to Boof. I've heard decent things about him.

#8: Doug Mientkiewicz - 559 – Yankees
He must have loved his parents when he was growing up. Especially when he was learning to spell his name. I’m sure at least once, he tried on Doug Smith, just to see how it sounded. He won the World Series with the Red Sox, yet he’s elated to be on the Yankees.

#9: David Eckstein - 491 – Cardinals
A World Series ring in each league. He must feel special.

#10: Greg Maddux – Trading Places – TP24 – Dodgers/Padres
Who doesn't like Greg Maddux? He usually turns in a solid performance and he looks like Ferris Bueller. Two teams on one card!

#11: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies – Opening Day 2007 – OD9 - D'Backs/Rockies
Another two teams on one card? OK…

#12: Mariano Rivera – 570 – Yankees
Cool, one of the elite closers of the game. Still not a White Sox card.

Not too bad. But not that great either. ½ point for each card. –1 point for the trap card. 3 insert cards, but none of them mirrors.

Final score: 5 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox: 1-20-08

Welcome to another edition of Sox Or No Sox!

So far, we have not seen one single White Sox card. The luck is bound to change soon. I mean, it’s the law of averages, right?

Today we have chosen a very difficult pack, TriStar Prospects Plus. There are only two total White Sox cards in the set and the subsets. We are looking for the elusive Aaron Poreda. He is featured in the base set with one card and in a subset with one autographed card. Can we find him? Let’s hope so! There are 6 cards in the pack. You know how to play, let’s begin!

#1: Ben Revere - 43 – GCL Twins (Twins)
Says here he was named 2007 Kentucky Mr. Baseball and the 2007 Gatorade Kentucky High School Player of the Year. I’m guessing he’s from Kentucky.

#2: Kyle Lotzkar - 13 – GCL Reds (Reds)
He was the second Canadian selected in the 2007 draft, after Phillipe Aumont. It also says he has fluid arm action. Plus, that’s an interesting last name.

#3: Scott Elbert – Protential - PT-SE – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers)
An insert card. It certainly looks different than the rest of the cards. Scott is a southpaw. That means he’ll most likely make a major league roster, even if his stuff isn’t very good. He was also a star running back before he focused on baseball. Sounds like half the picks in every draft with the multi-sport angle.

Halfway through the pack and no White Sox cards. Surprise, surprise. There looks to be some great potential here for major league players, but potential doesn’t always translate into success. No one that I’ve really heard of before, but who knows in a few years. Can we find the White Sox player? I’m guessing that we won’t find an autograph card, so let’s hope we find the base card.

#4: Corey Brown - 23 – Canadians (Athletics)
Corey was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2005. He was one of 11 Oklahoma State players selected in the 2007 draft. Must be something in the water.

#5: Neil Ramirez - 12 – Draft Pick (Rangers)
He was selected 44th overall and has an effortless delivery and good command of his pitches. Sounds like Mark Buehrle, only selected much, much higher.

#6: Brad Suttle - 89 – GCL Yankees (Yankees)
I’ve heard of him for some reason, but I don’t know why. He was a first-team Freshman All-American in 2006.

Interesting card selection. No one that jumped out at me though and no White Sox minor leaguers. No trap cards either, which is nice. No autographs, that hurt. No mirrored inserts. Thank you Tristar! ½ point for each card and nothing else.

Final score: 3 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox: 1-17-08

It’s time to play White Sox Cards only game, Sox Or No Sox.

There will be no review of the rules, but if you care to read up on them, the first two games contain the rules. The rules seem to be changing slightly with each pack opening, but the basics are found in the first two posts. Slight alterations can be found within each game.

Our player in tonight's game is a 2007 UD Masterpieces pack. The pack contains 4 cards and features a nice shot of Cal Ripken Jr. Not too shabby. Let's begin.

#1: Carlton Fisk – 5 – Boston Red Sox
This should be a trap card, but it features a player who’s number is retired as a White Sox player. Automatic nullification. No points rewarded, no points taken away. Fisk is one of my all-time favorite players, so this card is awesome. But the object of this game is not how awesome the cards are, it’s how many White Sox cards we can find. But this card is so cool!

#2: Victor Martinez – 57 – Cleveland Indians
A fantastic card of an Indian player that I like. Still, not a White Sox card.

Halfway through the pack. A Fisk as the first card! Will this be the closest I get to one of the three White Sox cards in this 90 card set? 2 cards left to go. Let’s see if we can get a White Sox card!



#3: Roger Maris – 9 – New York Yankees
A Roger Maris card! That’s another awesome player! 61 in 61. A nice looking card, but still not a White Sox card.

#4: Roberto Clemente – 87 – Pittsburgh Pirates
That’s a super sweet card! Not a White Sox card, but come on, it’s Roberto Clemente!

OK, our pack opening is complete. This pack rocked! It had a trap card, but the trap card was Carlton Fisk. That’s the best trap card I can imagine. The final score will suffer because of the low amount of cards in the pack, but could’ve been a lot worse if that trap card would’ve counted. On further evaluation, I’ve decided to award the finding of a Fisk trap card 1 point. Why? BECAUSE IT’S CARLTON FISK!!! One of my two favorite players from way back in elementary school has to be worth something, even if it is with another team.

So, that’s ½ point for each card in the pack. 1 point for the Fisk.

Final score: 3 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox: 1-13-08

Let's play America's rippingly good game, Sox Or No Sox.

The rules are simple. We take one unopened pack of baseball cards that was randomly selected by yours truly. We then go through the pack card by card looking for those elusive White Sox cards.

Along the way, there are two tricky and abundant traps to look out for. The first trap is the Cubs card. While hailing from Chicago, it is definitely not a Chicago White Sox card. The second trap is the Red Sox card. While technically a Sox card, it is vastly different than a White Sox card. Both traps are not necessarily bad things, but they get in the way of the games true goal: to find White Sox cards.

1/2 point is awarded for each card in the pack. 1 point is deducted from the score for each trap card. 1/2 point is taken away for each pointless mirror card. 2 points are awarded for each relic or autographed card (only 1 point awarded for a relic or autographed trap card). 2 points are given for each White Sox card.

For the benefit of our regular viewers, this will be the last time that the rules are explained before the game.

Our player in tonight's game is a 2007 Bowman Heritage pack. The pack contains 8 cards and features an old school looking wrapper. Very cool. Let's begin.

#1: Shawn Hill – 5 – Washington Nationals
Who? Says here he’s coming back from Tommy John surgery. We’re off to a promising start.

#2: Ryan Zimmerman – 189 – Washington Nationals
A National I’ve actually heard of. Yet, I still can’t sell off his Moments & Milestones cyan printing plate.

#3: Kory Casto (Rainbow) – 203 – Washington Nationals
OK, what the hell?? Three Nationals in a row, including the rainbow card?? There is a conspiracy here! But the rainbow card is shiny and oh so pretty.

#4: Ryan Adams (Prospect) – BHP93 – Baltimore Orioles
Ryan Adams… yeah. The singer/songwriter/baseball player. Born in 1987? I feel old.

Halfway through the pack. What the hell is up with all the Nationals cards?? This would be a perfect pack for the D.C./Maryland area. No Sox cards, no traps, nobody even close to Chicago. 4 cards left to go. Let’s see if we can get a White Sox card!

#5: Kala Kaaihue (Prospect) – BHP5 – Atlanta Braves
A native Hawaiian! That’s interesting. I can’t think of any native Hawaiian baseball players off hand.

#6: Nick Markakis – 196 – Baltimore Orioles
Another Oriole? This pack is sure D.C. friendly! Kevin must be jealous with envy.

#7: Barry Bonds – 200 – San Francisco Giants
AW HELL NO!! WHY?! WHY?! WHY?! This pack is now complete torture! I thought the D.C. area thing was cute, but this really sucks. Do I even want to look at the last card?

#8: Paul Lo Duca – 36 – New York Mets
A Met that was born in Brooklyn and he was named in the Mitchell Report. Fantastic.

OK, our pack opening is complete. This pack sucked big time! It was a semi-decent pack until the sneaky trap card showed up. It was so sneaky, that there wasn’t anything in the rules stating it was a trap card. From now on, any Barry Bonds card will be –2 points.

So, that’s ½ point for each card in the pack, -2 for the Bonds card.

Final score: 2 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.

Sox Or No Sox: 1-12-08

Let's play America's newest game, Sox Or No Sox.

The rules are simple. We take one unopened pack of baseball cards that was randomly selected by yours truly. We then go through the pack card by card looking for those elusive White Sox cards.

Along the way, there are two tricky and abundant traps to look out for. The first trap is the Cubs card. While hailing from Chicago, it is definitely not a Chicago White Sox card. The second trap is the Red Sox card. While technically a Sox card, it is vastly different than a White Sox card. Both traps are not necessarily bad things, but they get in the way of the games true goal: to find White Sox cards.

1/2 point is awarded for each card in the pack. 1 point is deducted from the score for each trap card. 1/2 point is taken away for each pointless mirror card. 2 points are awarded for each relic or autographed card (only 1 point awarded for a relic or autographed trap card). 2 points are given for each White Sox card.

Truth be told, this is just a fun way to incorporate a pack opening on this site and still be about the White Sox.

Our player in tonight's game is a Target edition 2007 Topps Updates & Highlights retail pack. The pack contains 12 cards (10 if there is a relic card) and features a Yankee on the front and is claiming another Yankee as a possible insert. Two Yankee players on the front does not provide good tidings for the White Sox hunt. Let's begin.

#1: Pete Orr – Card #114 – Atlanta Braves
A Canadian Olympic player who is said to be a hard worker.

#2: Marlon Byrd – Card #131 – Texas Rangers
He tripled three times in a four game stretch!

#3: Joe Kennedy – Card #125 – Arizona Diamondbacks
I had Joe pegged for the White Sox bullpen this year. RIP Joe.

#4: Randy Messenger – Card #53 – San Francisco Giants
He used to play for Kane County, which is not too far away from me.

#5: Brad Hennessey – Card #24 – San Francisco Giants
Brad seems to be bouncing from role to role in the bullpen.

#6: Scott Hairston – Card #47 – Arizona Diamondbacks
Scott used to play for South Bend, which is also not that far away from me.

Halfway through the pack, it seems very national league and west coast heavy. No White Sox players yet, but a few players who played minor league baseball close to Chicago. Close doesn't count in this game. The odds are not good for finding a White Sox card. Six cards left to go. This pack does not contain a big relic card, since we would have hit it by now. Let's see if the elusive White Sox cards await discovery in the second half!

#7: Chris Schroder – Card #317 – Washington Nationals
He played for New Orleans in 2005 and 2006. That must have been interesting.

#8: Jason Phillips – Card #120 – Toronto Blue Jays
A Blue Jay backup catcher.

#9: Josh Barfield (Generation Now) – Card #GN575 – San Diego Padres
His 25th double out of 32 came in the first inning of a game at Coors Field.

#10: Joakim Soria – Card #180 – Kansas City Royals
A rookie card coming out of the Mexican League. He looks like he has some potential and I like the name for some reason.

#11: Derrek Lee AS – Card #253 – Chicago Cubs
Aaargghhh!! A Cubs card! One of the traps. At least it's a good Cubs player. And an All-Star card.

#12: J. J. Putz AS – Card #233 – Seattle Mariners
A closer who's reputation is better than he actually is. I keep wanting to say his name one way, but I know that's not how you pronounce it. Guess what, he's an All-Star.

OK, our pack opening is complete. It wasn't the worst pack in the world, but not the best. There was a large penalty for hitting a Cubs card. 1/2 point for each card in the pack, -1 point for hitting the Cubs card and -1/2 point for hitting a mirrored insert.

Final score: 4 1/2 points

No White Sox cards in this game, but there's always next time on Sox Or No Sox.