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MCFARLANE TOYS TEAMS UP WITH TOYS 'R' US FOR OPENING DAY 2009
Exclusive Figures and 3-packs Kick off Baseball Season Next February
July 11, 2008
Copyright 2008 TMP International, Inc.
The signs of spring include warmer temperatures, flowers blooming and new MLB Sports Picks figures arriving at Toys 'R' Us. McFarlane Toys is proud to offer the start of our 2009 MLB series with a six-figure series alongside a pair of 3-packs. These items will be available exclusively at Toys 'R' Us in February 2009. Let's take a look at our "leadoff hitters" for next season:
Dustin Pedroia - Boston Red Sox 2B: "Pedroia the Destroya" took over as
Boston's second baseman in 2007, claiming the American League Rookie of the Year award while helping Boston win the World Series. Pedroia has continued his roll in 2008, being voted in as the American League's starting second baseman for the All-Star Game.
Chipper Jones 2 - Atlanta Braves 3B: Injuries and inconsistency have plagued Atlanta's 2008 season thus far, but Chipper Jones has been the brightest star on the Braves' roster. Atlanta's longtime third baseman has battled through injuries and is flirting with hitting .400 - a feat no player has accomplished since Ted Williams.
Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers 1B: One of the most talented young players in baseball, Cabrera found himself on the move this off-season. Detroit offered prospects Florida could not resist, and the always-dangerous Cabrera arrived in the Motor City as the Tigers' newest slugger.
Melky Cabrera - New York Yankees CF: Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman believes in building from within, and Melky Cabrera is part of New York's core of homegrown young talent. Cabrera continues the trend of Yankees center fielders with range (following Johnny Damon and Bernie Williams) but also brings an absolute cannon arm to New York's defensive lineup.
Carlos Zambrano - Chicago Cubs SP: "The Big Z" was scheduled to be one of the true gems of the free agent market, but Chicago made sure their ace never entertained thoughts of leaving Wrigley. Zambrano signed a long-term contract extension, and is currently anchoring Chicago's rotation as they set their sights on a World Series title.
Justin Upton - Arizona Diamondbacks RF: Good things come to those who wait, but Justin Upton was in a big hurry to get to the big leagues. Arizona's right fielder is one of baseball's youngest stars, and expects to anchor Arizona's offense for many years to come.
In addition to these single-carded figures, Toys 'R' Us will be showcasing a pair of 3-packs as part of their Opening Day lineup:
New York Yankees defensive 3-pack: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez 2 & Jorge Posada 3
They may be the "Bronx Bombers," but the Yankees can pick it with the best of them. Jeter and A-Rod feature classic poses with updated pinstripe paint jobs, while Jorge Posada takes over a brand new pose.
Jackie Robinson Day tribute 3-pack: Jackie Robinson, Ken Griffey Jr. 3 & Robinson Cano
Major League Baseball honors Jackie Robinson each year, celebrating the day he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking baseball's color barrier and launching his Hall of Fame career. Ken Griffey Jr. requested to wear Robinson's uniform #42 out of respect, and MLB opened the doors for all players to wear #42 on that day only, as a way for today's stars to honor one of baseball's greatest legends. This three-pack features Ken Griffey Jr. in a new pose and wearing Cincinnati uniform #42, Robinson Cano in Yankee uniform #42 (Cano was named for Jackie Robinson), and Jackie Robinson in Brooklyn's classic white uniform.
Look for this series and both 3-packs in Toys 'R' Us stores next February, alongside Cooperstown Series 6. Stay tuned to McFarlane.com for pictures of these figures in the coming weeks.
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Could Todd be taking up the @$$ and more with all the damn Yankees crap he puts out. Yet another Yankee's 3 pack (that is like their 3rd or 4th Multi-Figure Pack), and then adding Cano to the Griffey Jr & Robinson 3-Pack (Yes I know that Cano is named after Jackie Robinson); I just don't agree with it.
I am not intentionally poking at the Yankees, but McFarlane originally stated that he would attempt to spread out the players and teams so that way fans of all teams would get stuff, but if we look at the totals they are way off.
Boston -
Regular Figures - 18
Multi-Packs - 3 (1/2 of a set Jeter/Garciapara 2 pack & 1/2 of a set Pujols/Schilling)
Chase Figures - 16
Exclusives - 2 (Jason Veritek w/Umpire & David Ortiz Collectors Edition)
New York Yankees
Regular Figures - 27
Multi-Packs - 3 (1/2 of a set Jeter/Garciapara 2 pack & 1/2 of a set Bonds/Ruth)
Chase Figures - 16
Exclusives - 9 (3" Don Mattingly, Cooperstown Babe Ruth, Cooperstown Micky Mantle, Roger Clemens Collectors Edition, FANFEST 08: DEREK JETER, FANFEST 08: DON MATTINGLY, MLB 2-PACK: MICKEY MANTLE & ROGER MARIS, MARIANO RIVERA COLLECTOR'S EDITION, & Berra/Posada Give-a-way on 8/27/05)
None of the other teams except for Houston, St. Louis, or LA Dodgers come close to these numbers, and even if you combine those 3 teams they still don't equal that number.