Wednesday's Hot Links

The start of spring training games is near and before you know it the first pitch of the 2012 baseball season will be thrown. Here's a look at some happenings going on in the hobby.

What got you started in the hobby of sports collectibles? Chuck's story can be found HERE.

Find a complete guide to 2012 MLB bobblehead giveaways HERE.

Get sneak peek at 2012 Topps Football HERE.

Varsity Collectibles is holding box breaks of 2012 Topps Tribute and holding a Twitter exclusive contest. Give them a follow @VCsportscards and read about the contest HERE.

Wednesday's Hot Links

It's still winter right? That glorified beaver said there would be six more weeks of winter and today it reached the 80s. Elsewhere, Major League pitchers and catchers have reported to their respective spring training camps and before you know it, Opening Day will be upon us.

Jason Castro missed all of the 2011 season due to injury, but it appears he's healthy and anxious to take his place behind the plate. Read more HERE.

Pitching will most certainly be a strong point for the Texas Rangers with arms like Lewis, Holland and Darvish sure to be in the starting rotation. Take a closer look at the Rangers' pitching staff HERE.

Topps facing a lawsuit. Read the article by Cardboard Connection's Paul Lesko HERE.

In case you missed it, read Chuck's most recent Cardboard Connection article HERE.

As usual, we have some listings on eBay ending soon that include top Rangers prospect Jurickson Profar and more. Find all our current listings HERE.

If you missed Derek Holland present the local weather, here's chance to catch it. Gotta love his Harry Caray impersonation.

Redemption Time and More

A new Cardboard Connection article is up taking a look at four players looking for redemption in 2012. Here's an excerpt from the article.

Better known for his blow ups than his strikeouts in recent years, Zambrano is looking for a fresh start. It's doubtful that the sunshine in Florida will warm the heart of the burly 270-pound hurler, but, perhaps, under the leadership of fellow Venezuelan, Ozzie Guillen, Zambrano can refocus.

Read the article 4 Baseball Stars Seeking Redemption in 2012 HERE.

The Topps Golden Giveaway site is now live and ready for your codes. Read more HERE.

It's being reported that Josh Hamilton has been in counseling over the past two weeks to explore reasons for recent relapse. Read more HERE.

New Astros owner Jim Crane talks about the decision to hire Jeff Luhnow as the team's new GM.

Wednesday's Hot Links

The Astros may not be the team you remember, but they are still the Astros. Read the article by Brian McTaggart and hear from new franchise owner Jim Crane HERE.

The Astros are full of young talent, but the team is looking to add a veteran presence by inviting Livan Hernandez to spring training. Hernandez will likely earn a spot in the starting rotation. Read more HERE.

The Texas Rangers extended manager Ron Washington's contract by two years. Get the details HERE.

Former Astros ace, Roy Oswalt, met with the Rangers this past week and the general impression is that the meeting went well. It seems Oswalt is down to either the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals. Read more HERE.

2012 Topps Baseball has hit the streets and so far feedback has been quite positive. Well known case breaker Brent, of brentandbecca, has joined the Cardboard Connection team and has been posting scans of his hits from 60 cases of the product. Most notably, a 24 karat gold Jackie Robinson, which was featured on MLB Network. You can see more HERE.

Check back soon as we will have results from box breaks this week.