I finally found one

I have been searching high and low for a 2011 Topps team set. The Target's and WalMart's around here can't seem to get them in stock. I could find the AL and NL All-Star sets, but no Mariners. While at the Mariners team store yesterday to buy tickets for next Saturday's Yankee game I found them.

While the 17 card sets have the players that we've all seen in series 1, I'm think it's safe to assume we will be seeing these seven cards as part of series2:

What would a year be with out Topps doing their usual lousy job of airbrushing guys into new uniforms. Why can't they send photographers down to spring training and get some photos at spring games?

I would rather that than these things. Jack Cust's uniform looks kind of close, but Olivo's is bad news. Why does Brendan Ryan's road grey uniform have a number on the front, and why does he still have on red sunglasses??

I like the thought of the last card being a team shot or a stadium picture. Why is it then, that we see the Cleveland Indians on the field for the stadium card and not the hometown 9?

While I feel you fell short in production on these Topps, I bought them and they will go into the binder as I try to continue to work on the Super Set of all Mariner base cards. I only need about 550 more cards to polish this bad boy off.

Airbrush me please...

As we all know, Topps has a habit of airbrush guys on to new teams before they play for those teams. This year's Mariners are no exception. With GM Jack Zduriencik makes many moves in the off-season Topps had to keep up with all the new players. First, the one player that has been with the Mariners, Adam Moore:

Series 1 card #33, and team set #SEA17. The team set is on top, and series 1 on the bottom

Even the side photo on the back is different.

Next is our new second baseman Chone Figgins. On the left series 1 #141, and on the right team set #SEA16. Just a simple airbrush change of the uniforms.

Now we have our pitcher that everyone is waiting to see, Cliff Lee. His cards are the same as Figgins, simple uni change. On the left #SEA15, and on the right series 1 #132.

Our temperamental left fielder was the subject of the not so hidden Abe Lincoln this year. He also had his uniform airbrushed to look like he has played for the M's. On the top is series 1 card #306, and on the bottom is #SEA4.

The last player that has a card in series 1 that was airbrushed is catcher Josh Bard. Josh is currently with AAA Tacoma, so I'm not totally sure what Topps was thinking on him. I guess they thought he was going to be the starting catcher? On the left #SEA6, and on the right series 1 #63. Just another simple uni change.

Last card we have that is different is first baseman Casey Kotchman. This card I don't like at all! If you look in the background you can see his Red Sox teammates from last year, and the Mainers road grays look awful. Casey is scheduled to appear in series 2 with card #634. I'm assuming they will be using a picture from spring training to make it look real, or will he still be on a Red Sox card?? This is the card from the team set #SEA8.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the differences, and look for the changes to your team's Topps cards this year for some fun.