Enigma
12-09-2008, 04:22 AM
First and foremost, I'd like to thank our wonderful sponsor, Topps, for providing us with this box to review.
http://www.blowoutcards.com/images/baseball/2008bowmandraftBB.jpg
Product Description
24 packs per box
7 cards per pack
MSRP: $64.99-$69.99
Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Baseball gives collectors two of their favorite brands in one product - Bowman AND Bowman Chrome! This year, Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Baseball features more than 110 Topps Exclusive Bowman and Bowman Chrome Prospect Cards and proudly introduces Bowman Chrome Autographed Rookie Cards!
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- 2 Brands in 1 Pack - Bowman and Bowman Chrome!
- NEW! Bowman Chrome Autographed Rookie Cards!
- One Bowman Chrome Autographed Prospect Card Per Box!
- 110 Exclusive Prospect Cards Found Only in Bowman!
Each Pack Contains:
- 2 Bowman Cards
- 2 Bowman Chrome Cards
- 2 Prospect Cards
- 1 Bowman Parallel Card
PRODUCT BREAKDOWN
AUTOGRAPHED CARDS - 1 PER BOX!
NEW! Bowman Chrome Rookies(5)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Refractor - Seq. #'d to 99.
Bowman Chrome Prospects(40)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 150.
- X-Fractor - Seq. #'d to 225.
- Refractor - Seq. #"d to 500.
BASE CARDS
- Bowman(55) - 2 per pack.
- Bowman Chrome(55) - 1 per pack.
PARALLEL CARDS - 2 PER BOX!
Bowman(55)
- Red - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Blue - Seq. #'d to 499.
- Gold
Bowman Chrome Refractors(55)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- X-Fractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- Refractor
DRAFT PICKS & PROSPECTS CARDS - 2 PER PACK!
Bowman Prospects(110)
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 499.
- Gold Refractor
Bowman Chrome Prospects(110)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- X-Fractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- Refractor
BOX LOADER - HOBBY EXCLUSIVE! 1 PER BOX!
Bowman Scouting Report
COMBINED INSERTION RATE FOR AUTOGRAPHS - INSERTED 1 PER BOX!
WHAT WE PULLED
Bowman DP Base (47/55) - 85.4%
Dupes - 0
Bowman Prospects (48/110) - 43.6%
Dupes - 0
Bowman Chrome (16/55) - 29.1%
Dupes - 0
Bowman Prospects Chrome (28/110) - 25.4%
Dupes - 0
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00005.jpg
There are two sets offered in Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects, Bowman Draft and Bowman Chrome. Bowman Draft offers a base set consisting of 55 cards and an additional Prospects subset consisting of 110 cards. The base have a black border with a green outline. The outline has areas to give the appearance light is shining on it. This is displayed in light green. At the bottom, there is the team name and the player's name. Directly above is a facsimilie of the player autograph in a translucent block. The picture is a bright, action photo displaying the player on the field. In the top left is the Bowman logo with the letters in green and the top right houses the Rookie Card logo.
The Prospects subset has a white border. The photo is surrounded in light blue with a series of blue and white lines on the side. The top and bottom joins the two sides with a light blue curvature. The border bends inward at the top and bottom as well. At the bottom, the player's name is listed with their position directly above in a small circle. A facsimile of the player's auto is printed in a white field. At the top, the player's team logo is displayed in a small circle. The player photo is blended into the card and the pictures/poses seems to be from a practice. The picture itself fades into the white field housing the faux auto. In the top right corner, it states 1st Bowman Card.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00007.jpg
The Bowman Chrome version of both cards utilizes the same pictures as the Draft & Prospects cards. The main difference being the card is covered with a chrome covering. The covering creates a darker background for the photo. However, it creates a shine when viewing the card. Additionally, it gives off a mirroring effect when viewed as well.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00006.jpg
The base parallel for the sets is done in Gold. It's the exact same as the regular card except the border and the auto facsimile is gold. These are seeded at 1 per pack.
Gold Draft Picks (8): Michael Aubrey, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Carlos Gonzalez, Matt Harrison, Daryl Thompson, Bryan LaHair, Nick Stavinoha
Gold Prospects (16): Nate Schierholtz, Jesus Delgado, Polin Trinidad, Pablo Sandoval, Will Inman, Elvis Andrus, Scott Campbell, Lou Marson, Luke Hughes, Bryan Anderson, Ramiro Pena, Casey Weathers, Clayton Richard, Wilkin Ramirez, Ryan Mattheus, Chris Valaika
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00008.jpg
Other base parallels are the following:
Blue /499
Red /1 (Hobby Only)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
We were able to pull a blue parallel. Much like the gold, it is just like the base card except it's bordered in blue.
Blue Prospects /499 (1) - Kevin Dubler
The Chrome version has numerous parallels. They are as follows:
Refractor
X-fractor /199
Blue /199
Gold /50
Orange /25
Red /1 (Hobby Only)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
Superfractor /1 (Hobby Only)
The base refractor on the Chrome creates a rainbow effect. The foil tends to carry a pinkish hue when looked upon in the light. The X-fractor carries a checkerboard pattern on the foil. When viewed closely, the checkerboards create a pinwheel effect.
Base Refractor Chrome (2) - Nick Evans, Matt Harrison
X-fractor Chrome Prospects /199 (1) - Brandon Crawford
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00009.jpg
There are 45 players who have an auto in this set. Five can be found from the Chrome base set and the other 40 from the Chrome Prospects. The cards themselves are the exact same that you would in the regular sets. The auto is written on-card with the words, Certified Autograph Issue, displayed in opaque letterling. The autos have many parallel versions as follows:
Bowman Chrome -
Refractor /99
Gold Refractor /50
Orange Refractor /25
Red Refractor /5 (Hobby Only)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
Superfractor /1 (Hobby Only)
Bowman Chrome Prospects -
Refractor /500
X-fractor /225
Blue Refractor /150
Gold Refractor /50
Orange Refractor /25
Red Refractor /5 (Hobby Obly)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
Superfractor /1 (Hobby Only)
Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto /500 (1) - Evan Frederickson
Final Ratings (Out of 5):
Base set: 4.75/5
Fun: 4.5/5
Overall design: 5/5
Value: 4.25/5
Re-buy: 4.5/5
Overall: 23/25 (92%)
Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects is one of the most anticipated baseball sets of the year. Once again, it delivers and in a big way. The base cards are absolutely wonderful. The design work is amazing. The way the photo blends into the card with the color scheme works perfectly. There's nothing much that can be said against it other than not being able to complete the set in one box. But truthfully, who would want to as BDPP is affordable enough to buy multiple boxes and most do.
Because it provides two sets in one, BDPP is great for set collectors. You get to do two at one time. On top of that, the parallels are highly collectible and the fact that some can only be found in hobby boxes make them even more intriguing. Though it might upset some, the fact it only has one auto makes them that much more desirable. What more can be said.
Once again, I like to thank our wonderful friends at Topps for providing this box and giving us the opportunity to review it.
http://www.blowoutcards.com/images/baseball/2008bowmandraftBB.jpg
Product Description
24 packs per box
7 cards per pack
MSRP: $64.99-$69.99
Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Baseball gives collectors two of their favorite brands in one product - Bowman AND Bowman Chrome! This year, Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Baseball features more than 110 Topps Exclusive Bowman and Bowman Chrome Prospect Cards and proudly introduces Bowman Chrome Autographed Rookie Cards!
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- 2 Brands in 1 Pack - Bowman and Bowman Chrome!
- NEW! Bowman Chrome Autographed Rookie Cards!
- One Bowman Chrome Autographed Prospect Card Per Box!
- 110 Exclusive Prospect Cards Found Only in Bowman!
Each Pack Contains:
- 2 Bowman Cards
- 2 Bowman Chrome Cards
- 2 Prospect Cards
- 1 Bowman Parallel Card
PRODUCT BREAKDOWN
AUTOGRAPHED CARDS - 1 PER BOX!
NEW! Bowman Chrome Rookies(5)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Refractor - Seq. #'d to 99.
Bowman Chrome Prospects(40)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 150.
- X-Fractor - Seq. #'d to 225.
- Refractor - Seq. #"d to 500.
BASE CARDS
- Bowman(55) - 2 per pack.
- Bowman Chrome(55) - 1 per pack.
PARALLEL CARDS - 2 PER BOX!
Bowman(55)
- Red - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Blue - Seq. #'d to 499.
- Gold
Bowman Chrome Refractors(55)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- X-Fractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- Refractor
DRAFT PICKS & PROSPECTS CARDS - 2 PER PACK!
Bowman Prospects(110)
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 499.
- Gold Refractor
Bowman Chrome Prospects(110)
- SuperFractor - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Printing Plates - Hobby Only! Each is a 1 of 1!
- Red Refractor - Hobby Only! Seq. #'d to 5.
- Orange Refractor - Seq. #'d to 25.
- Gold Refractor - Seq. #'d to 50.
- Blue Refractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- X-Fractor - Seq. #'d to 199.
- Refractor
BOX LOADER - HOBBY EXCLUSIVE! 1 PER BOX!
Bowman Scouting Report
COMBINED INSERTION RATE FOR AUTOGRAPHS - INSERTED 1 PER BOX!
WHAT WE PULLED
Bowman DP Base (47/55) - 85.4%
Dupes - 0
Bowman Prospects (48/110) - 43.6%
Dupes - 0
Bowman Chrome (16/55) - 29.1%
Dupes - 0
Bowman Prospects Chrome (28/110) - 25.4%
Dupes - 0
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00005.jpg
There are two sets offered in Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects, Bowman Draft and Bowman Chrome. Bowman Draft offers a base set consisting of 55 cards and an additional Prospects subset consisting of 110 cards. The base have a black border with a green outline. The outline has areas to give the appearance light is shining on it. This is displayed in light green. At the bottom, there is the team name and the player's name. Directly above is a facsimilie of the player autograph in a translucent block. The picture is a bright, action photo displaying the player on the field. In the top left is the Bowman logo with the letters in green and the top right houses the Rookie Card logo.
The Prospects subset has a white border. The photo is surrounded in light blue with a series of blue and white lines on the side. The top and bottom joins the two sides with a light blue curvature. The border bends inward at the top and bottom as well. At the bottom, the player's name is listed with their position directly above in a small circle. A facsimile of the player's auto is printed in a white field. At the top, the player's team logo is displayed in a small circle. The player photo is blended into the card and the pictures/poses seems to be from a practice. The picture itself fades into the white field housing the faux auto. In the top right corner, it states 1st Bowman Card.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00007.jpg
The Bowman Chrome version of both cards utilizes the same pictures as the Draft & Prospects cards. The main difference being the card is covered with a chrome covering. The covering creates a darker background for the photo. However, it creates a shine when viewing the card. Additionally, it gives off a mirroring effect when viewed as well.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00006.jpg
The base parallel for the sets is done in Gold. It's the exact same as the regular card except the border and the auto facsimile is gold. These are seeded at 1 per pack.
Gold Draft Picks (8): Michael Aubrey, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Carlos Gonzalez, Matt Harrison, Daryl Thompson, Bryan LaHair, Nick Stavinoha
Gold Prospects (16): Nate Schierholtz, Jesus Delgado, Polin Trinidad, Pablo Sandoval, Will Inman, Elvis Andrus, Scott Campbell, Lou Marson, Luke Hughes, Bryan Anderson, Ramiro Pena, Casey Weathers, Clayton Richard, Wilkin Ramirez, Ryan Mattheus, Chris Valaika
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00008.jpg
Other base parallels are the following:
Blue /499
Red /1 (Hobby Only)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
We were able to pull a blue parallel. Much like the gold, it is just like the base card except it's bordered in blue.
Blue Prospects /499 (1) - Kevin Dubler
The Chrome version has numerous parallels. They are as follows:
Refractor
X-fractor /199
Blue /199
Gold /50
Orange /25
Red /1 (Hobby Only)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
Superfractor /1 (Hobby Only)
The base refractor on the Chrome creates a rainbow effect. The foil tends to carry a pinkish hue when looked upon in the light. The X-fractor carries a checkerboard pattern on the foil. When viewed closely, the checkerboards create a pinwheel effect.
Base Refractor Chrome (2) - Nick Evans, Matt Harrison
X-fractor Chrome Prospects /199 (1) - Brandon Crawford
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/enigmas_cards/Reviews/CCF12062008_00009.jpg
There are 45 players who have an auto in this set. Five can be found from the Chrome base set and the other 40 from the Chrome Prospects. The cards themselves are the exact same that you would in the regular sets. The auto is written on-card with the words, Certified Autograph Issue, displayed in opaque letterling. The autos have many parallel versions as follows:
Bowman Chrome -
Refractor /99
Gold Refractor /50
Orange Refractor /25
Red Refractor /5 (Hobby Only)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
Superfractor /1 (Hobby Only)
Bowman Chrome Prospects -
Refractor /500
X-fractor /225
Blue Refractor /150
Gold Refractor /50
Orange Refractor /25
Red Refractor /5 (Hobby Obly)
Printing Plate /1 (Hobby Only)
Superfractor /1 (Hobby Only)
Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto /500 (1) - Evan Frederickson
Final Ratings (Out of 5):
Base set: 4.75/5
Fun: 4.5/5
Overall design: 5/5
Value: 4.25/5
Re-buy: 4.5/5
Overall: 23/25 (92%)
Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects is one of the most anticipated baseball sets of the year. Once again, it delivers and in a big way. The base cards are absolutely wonderful. The design work is amazing. The way the photo blends into the card with the color scheme works perfectly. There's nothing much that can be said against it other than not being able to complete the set in one box. But truthfully, who would want to as BDPP is affordable enough to buy multiple boxes and most do.
Because it provides two sets in one, BDPP is great for set collectors. You get to do two at one time. On top of that, the parallels are highly collectible and the fact that some can only be found in hobby boxes make them even more intriguing. Though it might upset some, the fact it only has one auto makes them that much more desirable. What more can be said.
Once again, I like to thank our wonderful friends at Topps for providing this box and giving us the opportunity to review it.