Buzz Break: Cincinnati Reds Authentics mystery bag

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The item: Cincinnati Reds Authentics mystery memorabilia bag
Where to buy: A past weekend deal via Reds Authentics ... BlowoutCards.com for MLB releases

Keep reading for a full breakdown and a gallery for this one.

What's in them?
-- One item valued at $50 or more (balls, jerseys, bats, photos) for $50 (free shipping) via MLB Auctions last weekend.

Autographs/Memorabilia: 1
Autographed baseball (1) -- Aristides Aquino autographed and MLB Authenticated Reds 150th anniversary baseball with "The Punisher" inscription.

What's Buzz-worthy: These mystery bags are a staple at the ballpark -- you can see how they look there above -- but as part of the team's "Opening Day at Home" push, these arrived on MLB Auctions a couple weekends ago for $50 with free shipping ... which was actually was one of the keys that got me to bite as MLB Auctions shipping is typically $15 or more for even the smallest and lightest of items for most teams. The second key for me here? The potential for game-used stuff (baseballs being the most likely) though the listing didn't specifically note if gamers would be in play or not. This was essentially a weekend flash sale item -- it was offered roughly three days -- and I bit figuring they might pay off or could, at worst, make for a different kind of Buzz Break. It did in my mind as the logo ball reinforces this being a rookie-year auto for a young slugger who came out of nowhere last season to hit 19 homers in just 56 games -- a clip that would have translated into 54 homers over a 162-game season. He'll be 26 this season -- if/when there's a season -- and balls just like or similar to this are $80-100 on eBay so that's a win in my mind ... plus he's one of the few names on that team I'd consider to have some hobby heat. (There are some with potential ... but most may not know them until the team gets better.) One small drawback here? The ball literally arrived in a cap-sized box inside a stapled paper bag -- no ball cube, which prompted me to make a buy elsewhere -- but all in all this one still felt like a win with the inscription and authentication. With their seasons on hold, MLB teams may be trying more stuff like this on the merchandising and marketing side, so watch social media channels and league sites -- but if memorabilia isn't your thing hit that link up top for some baseball cards and plenty more to chase.

Product Grade: B+ (potentially risky but modestly priced for MLB Auctions)
Box Grade: A (solid find here ... you can see hefty prices for lesser-name autos on MLB Auctions from all teams)
Fun Grade: A-

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy MLB cards on BlowoutCards.com