2015 Topps Series 2 Break Part 1

Last week I received my box for the 2015 Topps Series 2 and Archives. Today I thought I would start with the autograph and relic hits from the Topps Series 2. I have to say I was pretty pleased with my pulls from this box.

First up a Robinson Cano commemorative bat knob out of /99. I am not a huge Cano, but I really like this idea for a commemorative piece. I know it would be even cooler if it was a game used bat, but I still like the idea behind it. Probably going to try to add a player or two that I like to collect that is on this list for the bat knob.

I have had pretty good luck this year with pulling Detroit Tigers in the boxes that I have bought. A Nick Castellanos jersey relic honoring his 66 RBIs from his rookie year is pretty cool card to add to my growing collection of Castellanos cards.

What is better then pulling on a Detroit Tigers relic card, but pulling aDetroit Tigers autograph card also! Plus it is my new favorite player, rookie catcher James McCann. He has been playing well offensively and defensively this year. I love his snap throw back to first to try to catch the runner napping. Love adding McCann cards to my collection.

#MyCardMonday

For the past couple seasons the Detroit Tigers have had Alex Avila as their starting catcher. Avila is best known for his work behind the plate, but has struggled offensively. This season James McCann beat out Bryan Holaday as Avila's back up catcher. Once Avila went down with another injury McCann claimed the starting role.

McCann has been best known for his offensive over his defense. Well he has shown that he is a pretty good defensive catcher so far this season. He has gunned down 9 base runners so far on the short seasons. Offensively he hitting .278/.313/.407 with 2 home runs and 12 RBIs. While his numbers might not be huge they are big upgrade so far over Avila.

Position Battle: Catchers

One of the biggest concerns most Tigers' fan have is can Alex Avila staying healthy and can he hit. He is under contract for another season. He is a very good defensive catcher, but at the plate he struggles outside of his walks. Last season we saw Bryan Holaday as Avila's backup catcher. Going into this spring training, Holaday isn't the clear favorite for that spot. He will have competition with rookie prospect James McCann.

Bryan Holaday was drafted in the 6th round of the 2010 amateur player draft by the Detroit Tigers. The early scouting reports on Holaday is that he is best known for his glove. Strong arm and great game calling skills lead him to his major league debut in 2012. Offensively Holaday does not hit for power or average. He is a career .241/.280/.303 with a career OPS+ of 62. He will best serve as a backup catcher throughout his career.

James McCann was originally drafted in 2008 in the 31st round by the Chicago White Sox, but ultimately decided to go to the University of Arkansas. He would end up being drafted by the Tigers in 2011 in the 2nd round. Again like Holaday, McCann's calling card is his defense. He is said to be a good on field captain. Offensively he hasn't flashed as much power as the Tigers would like to see from a catcher, but he is a gap hitter that can eventually average 12-15 home runs a year. One scouting report said that McCann does not have one standout skill, but does everything somewhat well.

My final prediction, like most people, Alex Avila will be the Detroit Tigers starting catcher with James McCann as the backup catcher. Bryan Holaday will start the season in Triple A Toledo. If McCann can hit somewhere close to his slash line of .295/.343/.427 from last season in Triple A Toledo, he might be able to take over the starting job from Avila. I would like to see a .270/.325/.400 line from McCann this year and take over the starting catching job from Avila.