Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

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Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

TO SEE WHAT CONDITION MY CONDITION IS IN ...
The Album: The Big Lebowski soundtrack (Mercury, 2014 -- first pressing)
The Reason Graded: As you can probably tell, I'm a dabbler with grading in a few -- but not yet all -- directions, but the notion of having a pristine item encased for permanent protection to be appreciated as an artifact of sorts appeals in a lot of ways. Video games, Funko Pop! figures, other toys, VHS, tickets, press photos and more can be graded just like cards, comic books, magazines and coins. I've tried grading VHS and there's a chance I might do more there with a different company that I use for pretty much everything else, but vinyl is one that, well, I jettisoned most of what I had long ago. That means this was more of a first project than just a first try. (I didn't have much vinyl as my early music-buying years were where the Sony Walkman and then CDs were a thing or emerging, not records.) I spotted this soundtrack cheaper than it might have been elsewhere and it's an original, so I grabbed it with an eye for a slab with Texas-based Tuned In Grading as this one is memorable as more than just a soundtrack but a film that's a cult classic with tons of interest and action beyond a couple hours of screen time. And the total package is cool front and back with scenes and even key characters noted.
The Grade: Tuned In Grading 9.0 (sealed)

Reality Check: I did this one to basically to go through the process and see if I liked the results and then to decide how I would approach doing more. It seems based on their grading scale and description that a 10 isn't easy -- that's fine in my book and that took away some of the grade-shock here. (A nine is fine in all realms, really, but we all want perfection and in some genres a nine has a few slots above it on the scale. Not here.) There isn't really a pop report just yet (but I know of at least one copy*) and it appears that the typical overall grade is a meshing of five applicable sub-grades -- record, cover, inner sleeve, labels, shrink -- but since this is a sealed record only two of those are in play. They both clicked at nines for me -- the cover here had a small bend on the back, while the shrinkwrap has a couple minor spots on the right side but I didn't notice one of them previously. I wasn't totally surprised as I knew the small bend would hurt me but everything else seemed strong. Part of me wants to try something vintage that's not sealed next time, but that's easier said than done in terms of balancing condition, an item I like and price -- I know of a few I'd try but I'm a stickler for condition and this kind of grading isn't quite as cheap as others but still less than some so I'd want something with an appealing grade. Plus, if it's not sealed then other things get looked at ... that you can't examine unless you're buying stuff in-person. Part of me also thinks albums without shrink-wrap could look better in the sleeve but I haven't really read up on what the musical devotees prefer. I think, generally, I dig it but I think for storage and size I like the idea of slabs for CD, DVDs and stuff that's more game-sized more ... but the size here also makes all the details you see on the back of this one as well as that main art on the front pop a bit more, too.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.

So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... 

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I'M A BELIEVER ... IN BARGAINS
The Item: Tua Tagovailoa autographed and framed 10-by-18 photo (Fanatics Authentic)
The Price: Under $150 (on sale and with a rewards discount)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: I started to scour autographed cards for this QB who I think might have a strong year and, well, I was a little surprised at how his stuff can still be pretty pricey despite plenty of available options and despite the negative chatter that oddly still comes with him having a record-breaking receiver last year and then an elite speed guy added into the mix for this year. Sure, it's still the Dolphins, but since I'm an Alabama guy I'm good here either way ... though I would have preferred a quality photo like this in Crimson. But ... the price was right for an oversized and already-framed piece and the photo and crop here was unusual and a little dramatic, too, vs. a lot of other options. I wanted something different that wouldn't break the bank to start a new season and this one hit the spot. (Regular price is around $180 plus shipping, tax, etc. on top of that.)
Grab a box right here: Nothing for this one ... but 2020 NFL boxes are here

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

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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 box: Fairfield Baseball 20-pack retail repack (mock image above)
Where to buy: Target ($19.99)

Packs per box: 20 -- plus bonus toy pack and bonus hit
Cards per pack: Varies by brand
Cards in this box: 262
Base set completion: N/A

Notables on base cards – See gallery for better pulls

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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 box: Fairfield Baseball 10-pack retail repack
Where to buy: Target ($11.99)

Packs per box: 10
Cards per pack: Varies by brand
Cards in this box: 81
Base set completion: N/A

Notables on base cards – See gallery for key pulls

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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 box: 2017 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball cards (blaster)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Packs per box: 8
Cards per pack: 6
Cards in this box: 48
Base set completion: 
43 of 300 (14 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards – Kris Bryant, Byron Buxton, Gary Sanchez, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Stephen Strasburg

Rookie Cards (10) – Aaron Judge, Alex Bregman, Yoan Moncada, Jose DeLeon, Tyler Austin, Reynaldo Lopez, Josh Bell, Jorge Alfaro, David Paulino, Hunter Dozier

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What happens when a New York Yankees rookie hits his league-leading 12th home run of the season?

Baseball cards just keep selling.

Aaron Judge is that Yankee and thanks to several years' of prospecting sets and his 2017 Rookie Card arrival he's arguably the hottest cardboard in the hobby today. As we documented here on Monday, he's got more than 400 different autographed cards already -- and there's undoubtedly more on the way -- and that's a good problem to have.

But what if you don't have a Judge auto? Where should you start? Consider these 12 sets or specific cards ...

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Who would you want to sign for Americana or Pop Century? Plus big pulls and other talkers from the boards.

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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 box: 2017 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball cards (hobby)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Packs per box: 24 (plus one box-topper)
Cards per pack: 8
Cards in this box: 193
Base set completion: 
173 of 300 (58 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards – Addison Russell, Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Albert Pujols, Max Scherzer, Kyle Hendricks, Trevor Story, Francisco Lindor, Manny Machado, Kenta Maeda, Josh Donaldson, Jake Arrieta, Giancarlo Stanton, Yu Darvish, David Ortiz, Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Correa

Rookie Cards (21) – Jharel Cotton, Alex Bregman, Yoan Moncada, Andrew Benintendi, Orlando Arcia, Alex Reyes, Tyler Glasnow, Robert Gsellman, Tyler Austin, Matt Olson, Manny Margot, Trey Mancini, Teoscar Hernandez, JaCoby Jones, Carson Fulmer, Gavin Cecchini, David Dahl, Joe Musgrove, Hunter Renfroe, Ryon Healy, Bruce Maxwell

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It was a busy one on The Buzz this past week. Here are 12 stories worth a look if you missed out. Check 'em out & hit the subscribe button at right if you want email updates.

Bowman Chrome gets a revamp
HTA Choice boxes with nothing but autographed cards inside are now one option for Chrome fans. Get all the details in our 2017 Bowman Chrome First Buzz preview here.

Keep reading for more ...

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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 box: 2017 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball cards (blaster)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Packs per box: 8
Cards per pack: 6
Cards in this box: 48
Base set completion: 
44 of 300 (15 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards – Bryce Harper, David Ortiz, Giancarlo Stanton, Jake Arrieta, Yoenis Cespedes, Addison Russell, Nolan Arenado, Aroldis Chapman, Craig Kimbrel

Rookie Cards (4) – Tyler Glasnow, Jharel Cotton, Seth Lugo, Raimel Tapia

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Nothing but breaks today as it's a busy weekend already.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Nothing but breaks today as the weekend nears.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Big breaks lead the way but some discussions are under way and some collecting goals were met.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Nothing but breaks in today's edition.

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Topps' revamped take on a retro-styled staple officially arrives on Wednesday and it includes a few types of parallels and/or variations for collectors to hunt for.

One of them in 2017 Topps Gypsy Queen? Nameless cards, aka missing nameplate cards. They're found one per hobby box at one in every 21 packs and if it's one of the short-print cards (Nos. 301-320) with this feature then the odds are a much steeper one in every 315 packs.

Simply enough, they are missing the nameplate on the fronts of the design, but they aren't the only ones with what printing people would call "plate" issues.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: Big pulls from National Treasures, Gypsy Queen hits retail early, other breaks and ... buying underwear to complete a set?

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Ok, it's not the weekend, but this further proves that Buzz's fantasy baseball draft just took waayyyy too long yesterday. (Hear that, commish?) Here are several stories worth a look if you missed out. Check 'em out & subscribe at right if you want email updates.

This Week's Big Hit?
We're less than a week away from WrestleMania 33 in Orlando and Topps dropped the biggest mic of them all ("pipebomb" in WWE-Punk parlance) for collectors with the arrival of autographs from Undertaker for the first time in Topps packs -- and just the third time in hobby history. Get all of the details on which brands get his legendary ink here.

Keep reading for more ...

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: National Treasures arrives ... the calm before the storm.

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The newest edition of Topps' vintage brand Gypsy Queen arrives a week from today with a new look, a lower price and without its trademark mini parallels.

But there's plenty to look forward to as 2017 Topps Gypsy Queen packs some new things to go with its new look.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing Today: BenchWarmers breaks, Gypsy Queen chatter, Two Griffeys, one pack ... and partial holograms?

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What: 2017 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball cards
Arrives: March 15
Box basics: Two autos and one Glassworks box-topper per box (10 boxes per case)
Checklist: Click here to view

What's buzz-worthy: One of Topps' vintage lines "has been revamped to represent a genuine throwback pack-opening experience" with a lower price than past years, according to the company.

Keep reading for more as well as a full gallery of images.

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