Relic Collection: Tim Hudson 2007 UD Artifacts Antiquity Relic #AA-TI

Here's the fourth relic that Derek sent my way. (Yeah, I owe him big.) Most of my Huddy relics I got in a trade a few years ago with Wicked and most of them are A's. Once I get a substantial number of Braves relics of Huddy, I think I'll get rid of the A's relics.

Smoltz Collection: 2008 Topps Allen & Ginter Relic #AGR-JS

Another thanks to Derek for another awesome Allen & Ginter framed relic. I'm now starting to catch up with my Smoltzie collection. If I could just find about 20 or more cheap relics ...

Glavine Collection: 2008 Topps Allen & Ginter Relic #AGR-TG

Another card that Derek sent my way recently. I dig the A&G framed relics, even if they might seem a little boring. I'm not sure I get the design on the frame though.

Smoltz Collection: 2007 Upper Deck Game Materials #UD-JS

Thanks to Derek of Tomahawk Chopping for this AWESOME Smoltzie relic. My Smoltz collection is way behind my Glavine and Maddux collections. I'll have to put some time into it next year. It shouldn't be difficult since I don't see myself buying much new Topps at all next year. 

Relic Collection: Dale Murphy

Now, there's the Braves classic (or rather classically bad) powder blue uniform. I never did care for them, but when I think back to the great Murph and Bob Horner and Knucksie, that's the uniform I picture them in. 

Relic Collection: Brian McCann (x4)

Not much to say here. These McCann relics were picked up from a Thorzul group break. Despite his disappointing 2012, probably due to a shoulder injury, McCann remains a personal favorite.

Sadly, I don't see a future for him in Atlanta beyond next season. I expect the Braves to pick up his option year for the 2013 season, but I don't see them signing him long term after that. There are already questions about how well his body is holding up to the rigors of catching everyday in MLB.

I think he'd be more valuable in the AL where he can split catching and DH duties. It makes me sad to think of Mac in another uniform, but I think it's probably best for him and the Braves long term, especially is Christian Bethancourt is ready.

Relic Collection: Dale Murphy

Upper Deck claims that the piece of wood embedded in this card is from a legit Dale Murphy game used bat. Whether that is true or not, there's one aspect of this card I like. Most bat relics are just a boring piece of useless wood. The branded Atlanta logo is nice.

(I had to edit the above to correct a really stupid grammatical error. In my defense, I was educated in Columbus, Georgia.)

Smoltz Collection: 2006 Upper Deck Game Materials Relic

I've probably added more Smoltz cards to my collection from Thorzul's group breaks than through any other method. This is a dull card, but you know what, I want every Smoltz card I don't already have, and I don't already have this one. Thanks Thorzul!

Smoltz Collection: 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Sweet Threads #ST-SM

Until Thorzul's summer mondo break, I felt low on Smoltzy relics. Now I feel like I have a decent amount. Oh, I'll get more ... I'll always get more. At least I don't feel low now.

Relic Collection: Dale Murphy

I don't own nearly enough Dale Murphy cards. Down the road, that's something I'll need to address. The Braves announcing is largely abysmal now. Chip Caray is simply awful and Joe Simpson seems to want to step into the late Skip Caray's shoes and play the role of the crank, but he just comes off like a blithering idiot. When Murph is in the booth, or Glavine for that matter, they are both on their best behavior and seem to want to be a little bit better.

Murphy was pretty much the only reason to watch Braves baseball in the late 80s, and he's making it more enjoyable now.

Smoltz Collection: 2008 Upper Deck A Piece of History Stadium Scenes Relic #SS5

I won this awesome relic in Thorzul's incredible Mondo Summer Break. Instead of opening stuff, he has this knack for occasionally finding an auction with tons of cool stuff. This was his best break yet. There wasn't a single bum card in the break.

Smoltzy is looking fierce!

Relic Collection: Bobby Cox

Of all the awesome relic cards I won in Thorzul's Mondo Summer break, this was easily my favorite. I really didn't have any idea that a Cox relic card even existed. This will take an especially proud place in my collection.

Relic Collection: Martin Prado

Martin Prado personally created this relic card. He cut the swatch, designed the card, placed it in the frame and packed it out. He's very talented.

Braves fans will get that. 

Relic Collection: Michael Bourn

It is very important that Frank Wren sign Michael Bourn. This became even more true when I heard that the Nationals were interested in him.

I hate the Nationals. I hate most of their players. I hate that they even exist.

Well, hate might be a strong word ...

Relic Collection: Freddie Freeman

If you don't like Freddie Freeman, then you are a cold, heartless, uncaring human being.

Relic Collection: Brain McCann

I have nothing to say about this card, except that I like that includes a swatch from the road blues. I'm posting three more A&G relics over the next three days, and they each look the same.