I am Totally Done with 2002

I know quite a few collectors long for the days of a large team set like Topps Total.  Back up middle infielders, second string catchers, and middle relievers just do not get the hobby love anymore.  I too love the large team set.  It makes trading a little more fun.  Trading Bases member Ken O.  was breaking up a 2002 Topps Total and sent me the last 8 Cardinals I needed to finish the 33 card team set.

A 33 card team set has to include the big stars.  Izzy was not a huge star, but he was a very good closer for the Cardinals.

You also find cards of the other starting position players.  Both of these players are more remembered for who they were traded for than what they did for the Cardinals.  Polanco was part of the Scott Rolen deal, while JD Drew was the main piece going to Atlanta in the Adam Wainwright trade.  I think both deals worked out ok for the Cardinals.

Middle relievers also got some hobby love in 2002, but I am not for sure why Mike Timlin had two different base cards.  Each has a different set number, but the same team card number. 

Topps had to include cards of prospects to fill out the large set.  Layfield never appeared in a MLB game for any team.  He topped out in Triple A Memphis in 2003.  Ortega had 5 at bats for the Cardinals in 2001, but then spent the next 2 years in Memphis.