Blogger 2 Blogger: Napkin Doon

The next victim blogger to be profiled as a part of my "Blogger 2 Blogger" interview series is none other than the [insert adjective here] Napkin Doon.

Since his arrival into the blogosphere a couple of years ago, Napkin has become one of my favorite bloggers and his blog is a must-read, even when I'm running short on time. Not only does he show off a ton of cool cards, he knows what he's talking about and is certifiably nuts, always a plus in my book.

My personal favorite post series on his site is his weekly showing-off of his spoils from Cleve's Auction Night. There's almost always something that I find cool in the posts, and they're can't-miss reading material. If you have only been following Nap's blog very long, I highly suggest you go back and find his "12 Days of Brycemas" posts. Some good stuff there.

Nap's a Rangers fan, and was kind enough to answer some questions about his collection and the Rangers. Please note that this interview was conducted around the beginning of this month, before the monumental Hamilton/Angels signing.

Q: You're a Rangers guy. Have you always been a Texas fan?

 

Pretty much.  I used to pull for the Mets in the NL, but they just became so unlikeable.  I really started getting into the Buck Showalter teams in the early 2000's and have loved this golden age of Ranger baseball.  I love the ball park too. 

 

Q: How did you get started collecting baseball cards?

 

I've always been a collector.  When I was a kid it was Star Wars figures, Smurfs and Hot Wheels.  I had some sports cards as a kid but wasn't into that much.  Then one day my family was at my preacher's house.  He was a big card collector and showed us some of his albums.  I'd never seen cards in pages like that, and I was immediately hooked.   

 

Q: If you were given control over the Topps Company, what would be the first thing you would change or fix? 

 

It's easy to stand on the outside of a business and complain about how they do things.  I'm not a cynical person by nature (despite my recent mocking of the 5 Star Club), and I know the folks who run companies like Topps have to be pretty smart and competant.   I think my frustration stems from my perception that they don't seem to care about how their actions impact collectors.  Take eTopps.... please.  I understand that peripheral programs like that run their course and have to end at some point.  But the lack of communication leading up to the shut down, and the follow up was terrible.    So I guess my solve would be to beef up the PR department and get a better handle on the frustrations of collectors.  Then of course, try to make some changes that show they are listening.

 

Q: Say you were going to sell your whole collection, and could keep just one - only one, now - card. What card would it be?

 

That's a tough one.  Probably my T206 Ty Cobb.   It was the first really "serious" card I ever bought.  And because I've married since then, it's probably the last :) 

 

Q: Even after the disappointment of being eliminated on the first day of the postseason, the Rangers look pretty set for next season. Other than possibly re-signing Josh Hamilton, in your opinion, what should be the team's #1 priority this offseason?

 

I think they have needs everywhere, but I have no idea what is going to happen at catcher next season.   That probably needs to be addressed quickly. 

 

Q: If you had to hand out awards to the 2012 squad, who would be given the MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year trophies?

 

MVP:  Adrian Beltre no question

Cy Young:  Probably Joe Nathan, with Darvish a close second. Nathan was very consistant last year.

Rookie of the Year:  I guess Robbie Ross.  He contributed quite a bit out of the pen.