Bad Wax World of Patches – Francisco Rodriguez

Name: Francisco Rodriguez (3 color patch)

Position: Closer

Team: Anaheim Angels (now with New York Mets)

Set it’s from: 2007 Upper Deck Ultimate

Serial Number: 5/25

How obtained: via trade

Why this Card?: I am a big fan of closers.  I think it’s a rather unique role that dictates a very particular personality.  First off, you can’t let your last game into your head.  You have very little wiggle room for error, and most of all, you need to be able to strikeout out a batter or induce a ground out on the spot. Of all the most recent closers  my favorite is K Rod.  He reminds me so much of Rivera when he came up.   Almost striking out batters at will.  When he came up for free agency, I was hoping the Yanks would sign him and he would become the heir apparent to Mo, but Mo isn’t done yet and likely won’t be for at least 2 more years. So until then I’ll just watch K Rod from afar and silently root for him.

But What About the Set?: 2007 Ultimate baseball hobby box runs around $170 + and for good reason, you get 12 autos or memorabilia cards per box including 3 in each pack.  The configuration is 4 packs with 4 cards each in the box.  There are some beautiful cards in the set and if you have the money it’s definitely worth it.  It’s not too often you find 3 autos / memorabilia cards per pack.

Beckett’s Value: Not Available due to “scarcity”

eBay Value: One went for $10.50 recently.