Pack Attack: 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter Retail (x2)

Topps Allen & Ginter has been one of my favorite products over the past few years and 2009 marks the first time I attempt to put the entire set together. After three hobby boxes I am still about 50 cards short so I have been picking up blasters and loose packs at Target and Shopko. Probably not the best idea, because retail packs only contain 4 base cards (+1 mini and 1 National Pride), but who can say no to A & G? Here are the results of my latest excursion to Shopko:

Pack 1:

Andrew Miller-63
Carlos Pena-264
John Danks-261

Brett Gardner mini-295

Rich Harden Game Used Pants Relic! Not a bad pull at all from a retail pack, as this relic even came from the relatively scarce Group A (1:250 packs). Harden possesses electric stuff but has been inconsistent for the Cubs this season despite staying healthy, making many wish for his injury prone days when Rich was nearly unhittable. He did have a solid start against the Reds today, pitching 6 innings, allowing 1 run and striking out 8 to pick up the win, and his fantasy owners hope this means Harden is turning the corner. I'm not a Cubs or Harden fan so if you are interested, let me know and we can work out a trade.

Pack 2:

Delmon Young SP-318

Michael Cuddyer-86

Jair Jurjenns-271

Mark Buehrle (of perfect game fame)-42

Skandenberg National Heroes Mini-NH33 (1:12 packs)

Yadier Molina National Pride-NP74

Overall, not too shabby for a couple of retail packs. A few cards to add to my set and a game-used Rich Harden makes this a worthwhile trip to Shopko. More packs to come soon!