I Want All of the Serial Numbered Cardinals, Ever

I may have failed to mention this as loudly and frequently as possible, but I do really like serial numbered cards. I go out of my way to avoid listing them on my want list because chasing many of those things is a sucker's game. And besides, I want them all. Each card is unique because it's stamped with a unique number, so it really means that I could get 12 Chris Carpenter 2010 Topps Gold cards and still feel like I haven't ticked a box somewhere.

Speaking of which, I recently received some serial-numbered goodies and other assorted Cardinal wonders from Play at the Plate. It was, by my count, the 296th package I've received from his corner of the great state of Texas. This very low numbered Chris Carpenter parallel already has shot way up the list of my favorite Carp cards. I realize that no one outside of the Cardinal fanbase (and probably some friends and family back in New Hampshire) like this guy, but he's one of the best Cardinal right-handed starters of all-time. Unfortunately, he'll be placed alongside the likes of Willie McGee rather than Ozzie Smith when his career is evaluated, and that's too bad. Stupid injuries.

There's a joke here, but I am not sure I have it in me.

Yes, Topps has been doing this colored retail parallel thing for awhile. If I recall, it started with the 2011 Update series, but it seems like people only started caring about them with this year's set's release.

Here's a trio of Jose Alberto Pujols. This is another retail Target exclusive insert, something that they're not really doing anymore. They did some wacky things with the Chasing History insert set, but as far as I know there's nothing exclusive to a particular store's packs.

There's a really weird stat on the back of this card, stating that, as of 2010, Pujols had a 2% chance of hitting 900 HRs in his career. Okay...

Just when I thought I'd seen all of what 2007 Fleer Ultra had to offer, PATP went and dropped this card on me. I'm not big about the print and the weird logo shield covering up the player, but I like the framed look.

It'll be interesting to see if Shelby Miller nails down a rotation spot this season. I honestly have no clue how the competition will play out.

Finally, it was a surprise (a nice one!) to see this autographed Matt Adams card. Adams didn't quite dazzle in his debut stint last season with the Cards, but I think he'll have a chance to contribute this season if things fall into place.