2019 NBCD Pack #2

Let's pick up where I left off in yesterday's post with my 2nd pack of 2019 Topps National Baseball Card Day cards. I shared my thoughts on the set as well as my exclusive Vlad Jr card in the previous post, so this one will be recapping what I got in the 2nd free pack of cards.

#6 Javier Baez

I haven't seen every card from this 30-card set quite yet, but Javier Baez is making a stellar case for my favorite of the bunch. The combination of the Cubs home uniform and the ivy in the background is so classic that it truly will never get old.

I mentioned this yesterday as well, but I'm very pleased with the 2019 NBCD design. Even if they're just promotional cards, the set and photographs must complement one another, something that Topps didn't do well in 2017 and 2018.

#11 Miguel Cabrera

He may not be the superstar he once was, I never mind pulling cards of Miguel Cabrera, especially if the pack is free. The 11-time All-Star's stats don't lie; he's going to end up in Cooperstown when all is said and done.

The 2012 AL Triple Crown award winner is currently sitting at 474 career home runs. At one point, it seemed more than likely that he'd make it to the 500 home run club, but injuries set him back in 2018, and he only has 9 dingers so far this year.

At 36 years old, Miggy is cutting it close. I'm going to keep an eye on him to see if he can reach the 500 home run mark.

#17 Jose Berrios

I've barely paid any attention to the Minnesota Twins in 2019 despite them being one of the strongest teams in the American League. I'm not quite sure what's behind all of their success, but I'm guessing that ace Jose Berrios has a lot to do with it. 

The 25-year old pitcher made the All-Star team for the 2nd consecutive season this year, and his 3.37 ERA is 8th among AL starters. He, along with fellow starter Jake Odorizzi, seem to be helping this team out a lot.

#26 Paul Goldschmidt

I was baffled when 1st baseman Paul Goldschmidt signed an extension with the Cardinals over the offseason despite not playing a single game for St. Louis at the time. Though his home run and RBI game is still going strong, Goldy's .256 batting average is by far the worst out of any full season of the 31-year old's career.

On the bright side, he has 5 seasons in St. Louis after this year (if I remember correctly), so he'll have plenty of time to get back on track and become the player he was in Arizona. Who knows? Maybe he'll end up in Cooperstown as well.

#10 Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado, one of the most talented all-around players in baseball, also signed an extension before the start of the 2019 MLB season. The superstar 3rd baseman is staying in Colorado for another 8 years and is set to earn $260 million.

With superstars re-upping with their current teams left and right, I'll be interested to see what guys like Kris Bryant and Mookie Betts do once their contracts expire in the next couple of years.