Bowman's Best Durham Bull

Topps has just released the Bowman's Best product, taking the place of the former sticker autograph set known as Bowman Sterling. I have always really enjoyed the Bowman's Best sets and can tell you right now that I have several of the latest version en route to my house.

While the Bowman's Best name has not been it's own set in recent years, Topps has still used the name on a nice looking die-cut insert the last several years in the end of year Bowman Draft product. I know I give Bowman Draft a lot of grief about the airbrushing in the base set, but the Bowman's Best inserts have always been a plus.

Here is my latest card......>

I have also picked up the Michael Wacha card in this set.  I have had my eye on this Shaffer for most of the summer after he was promoted from the Montgomery Biscuits up to the Durham Bulls.  In half a year he almost hit 20 home runs in Triple A earning a promotion up to the Rays.  I would imagine he will be in the mix at first base next year in Tampa.  Here's the back of the card....

The card is numbered to 99.  There is another version of this card, the X-fractor version, but those are pretty hard to find.  Also slightly pricey.  It's been awhile since I have added a Shaffer card to my collection and I plan on trying to keep up with his cards even if he is not in Durham next year.  Still fun to collect the Durham Bulls players even when they have moved on to other places...