can you spot the difference?

2023 topps series 1 is out, but i don't have any of that to show you - yet. instead, i'll finally post the side-by-side comparison of the 2022 topps team factory set dodgers and their flagship counterparts. 

after no team factory sets were issued in 2021, i wasn't sure what to expect in 2022. once i learned that the sets were back, i was non-committal about picking up the dodger version. it wasn't until after the season ended - around thanksgiving, actually - that i saw a set priced low enough for me to pull the trigger and add one to my collection.  

as a reminder, while i always hope for photo variations or different players, the main differences are the lack of foil, which this year is limited to the topps logo

and the numbering on the backs, which is team focused

nice of topps to identify these as "team set" cards as well.

ready? flagship is on the left, the team set version is on the right and we are going in order from lad-1 to lad-17.

mookie betts

same.

cody bellinger

same.

trea turner

same.

julio urias

same.

justin turner

same.

max muncy

same.

albert pujols

same. pujols signed with the cardinals on march 28, 2022, so i figure the checklist was set prior to that date. i was a bit surprised to see him in the set given he was a free agent unlikely to re-sign with the dodgers.

clayton kershaw

same.

david price

same.

walker buehler

same.

kenley jansen

same. jansen signed with the braves on march 19, 2022, so we can push the checklist date back a bit.

will smith

same.

a.j. pollock

same. pollock was traded to the white sox on april 1, 2022.

chris taylor

nice! this card should definitely have been a part of topps' series 1 or 2 release, or even update. sadly, it was not. taylor was recognized on a checklist card in series 1 that highlighted his walk off in the 2021 wild card game.

gavin lux

photo variation! we get to see lux from both sides now. but not from up and down for you joni mitchell fans.

austin barnes

same.

joe kelly

another guy left out of series 1. he signed with the white sox on march 14, 2022 so we know that the team set checklist was formulated prior to that day. of course, i am sure it was much earlier (cardboard connection says the sets were released in april last year). kelly did show up as a southsider in 2022 update so i am thankful to have one last card of him in a dodger uniform.

if you are interested, this post will provide a glimpse at the previous team set comparisons. can't wait to see what 2023 brings!