Recent MLB News

Hey guys, Drew back here. I was going to plan on posting some other recent additions today, but I thought I should cover some of the latest baseball news.

First off, Derek Jeter will return to the Yankees after supposedly agreeing to a 3 year, between $45 and $51 million dollar deal with the team today. He will make approximately $15-17 million a year, which seems fitting considering he deserves to make $ but should not be the highest paid player on the team due to his recent performance. I'm glad Jeter finally woke up and realized that he wasn't worth $25 million a year for the team anymore, and even though he technically should be the highest paid player on the team, after last years performance, he doesn't deserve that kind of money. Jeter will most likely collect his 3,000th hit this year with the Yankees, becoming the 1st Yankee to ever achieve 3,000 hits or more in their career!

In the bad news category (at least for me), the Red Sox are about ready to pull off a blockbuster deal with the Padres to land prized 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez. According to ESPN, a deal is in place, pending a physical that Gonzalez is taking in Boston. The Red Sox hope to boost their lineup with a power bat that produced 161 home runs for San Diego in 5 seasons. This is awful news for any Yankees, Rays, Orioles, and Blue Jays fans, adding a new superstar into a rival's lineup. This news really disappoints me, but whats done is done and hopefully our pitchers will be able to contain the beast!

And I'll end by remembering 2 great players, who both passed away within the last week. First, legendary Cubs 3rd baseman Ron Santo died due to complications of bladder cancer and diabetes. Santo had 2,254 hits, 342 home runs, 1,331 RBI, and a lifetime batting average of .277 in his career, and is regarded as one of the best retired players not in the Hall of Fame. Santo was one of those players that I found a whole lot more about after his passing, which is unfortunate for sure. His diabetes and cancer forced him to have his legs amputated at the knees, and he lived in a lot of pain throughout his short life. He will be remembered as one of the best Cubs to ever play, and a baseball great.

Also, former Yankees infielder Gil McDougald passed away on November 28th at the age of 82. McDougald played 10 seasons throughout the 1950's with the Yankees, winning 5 World Series championships. He made 6 All Star Teams, and was the 1951 AL Rookie of the Year.

May Mr. Santo and Mr. McDougald rest in peace...

See Ya!

Topps Traded Sets: 2 Nice Ones!

Hey everyone, Drew is here, and yes, I am talking about Topps Traded sets. My dad bought me a bunch of stuff for my birthday at a yard sale, and this is the first part of I think 3 small parts. 2 of the pieces of the purchase were small Topps Traded sets, 1992 and 2000.

In 1992, we found a few nice surprises!

This is a nice group of guys, if all goes well, 6 of these guys will be in the Hall of Fame within the next 10 years. Murray, Carter, and Winfield are in, Sheffield, Schilling, and Sosa probably will be in.

You may notice one of these guys doesn't deserve to be here, and that would be Phil Nevin, but he was the 4th best so I put him in. The other 3 rookies, Nomar, Varitek, and Giambi are all pretty nice cards. Very Red Sox populated but still good to have never the less. They all look so young!

Now this, is an awesome set. You get all the rookies plus 1 random auto, and there's some sweet potential! And some not so sweet.

First are just some of the big name rookies in this set, Aaron Rowand, Brandon Phillips, Jose Molina, Barry Zito, Lyle Overbay, Brandon Inge, Brett Myers, and Carlos Zambrano. Not bad! By the way, I'm keeping the sets as 1 and no cards are for trade unless I specify it.

Even more great rookies! Ben Sheets, Francisco Rodriguez, Juan Pierre, Rocco Baldelli, Adam Wainwright and Adrian Gonzalez! Dang! I'd want that team!

And a rookie card of former wife beater Miguel Cabrera! Miguel is putting up an outstanding season, possibly a Triple Crown candidate. 2010 was the first year that Miguel has been some what mature and more focused, and it's really paying off. It's a nice card to own right now as he's on pace to possibly become the first AL Triple Crown winner since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. He will need quite a few home runs, and I doubt he'll get there considering he's behind by a lot. Should be interesting though.

And who will be the auto? Will it be this Miguel Cabrera?

Nope. I don't know anything about Andy Tracy so I looked him up on Wikipedia. Looks like a prospect that never panned out. He's in the Phillies organization now. It's for trade if you want it, you don't need to offer me much.

And that is why my dad's catch phrase is "One man's junk is another man's treasure!" See Ya!

Does Topps Hate the Padres or Adrian Gonzalez?

Hey guys, Drew back here, I almost forgot about this whole thing until I saw Brian at Play at the Plate get one in a trade. Judging by 2 2009 Topps Adrian Gonzalez cards, Topps must have something against A) Adrian Gonzalez, B) The Padres, or C) Adrian Gonzalez collectors. Do any of us like these gimmicks?

What the heck is wrong with Topps?