Daily Update: 05/30/2008

That Bootleg Guy can rejoice - Eric Chavez is off the DL. I actually think this will help the A's; they have their star back. What's better is the timing; with Frank Thomas on the DL, they can use Chavez as the DH to give him a break from playing in the field everyday (TBG is going to have some words for me, I think).

Collector's Corner: TTM Project Update

I sent out the first batch of the TTM project last Friday (5/23/2008) to the following players:
Hank Aaron - Braves
Adrian Cardenas - Clearwater
John Danks - White Sox
Ross Detwiler - Potomac
Sean Doolittle - Stockton
Livan Hernandez - Twins
Jason Heyward - Rome
Ubaldo Jimenez - Rockies
Matt LaPorta - Huntsville
Chris Perez - Cardinals
Mark McCormick - Springfield
Dustin Pedroia - Red Sox
Ryne Sandberg - Peoria
Max Scherzer - Diamondbacks
Joe Smith - Mets
Miguel Tejada - Astros
Jess Todd - Springfield
Matt Wieters - Frederick

I changed some of the list, but I have the other guys from the old list ready to go for part two. I've seen recent successes with Hank Aaron c/o the Braves and Ryne Sandberg c/o the Peoria Chiefs, so I figured I'd send a low value card.

Well, after 5 days I have my first success: Chris Perez of the Cardinals. I sent 1 card and 2 tickets from his MLB debut (and I offered one to him, which he declined - I am sending him the ticket from his first win, which I told him I have). He also answered the questions I sent him, which will be used in a future article. So, I'm sitting at 6% success rate (1 for 18).

I'll keep everyone updated.

Daily Update: 05/29/2008

Has anyone been bugged by the Steroid Stigma more than Bret Boone? The guys was lights out for a few years, then steroid testing started and he fell off completely. Any time his name is mentioned now, someone always says "He wasn't the same player once he got off the juice."

Well, Boone's comeback attempt is officially over - he's announced his retirement. He had spent the season with the National's Triple A affiliate in Columbus. I think the move that did it was not giving him the opportunity for a call up when Ronnie Belliard went on the DL.

Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You: Cameron Maybin

Name: Cameron Maybin
Team: Florida Marlins
DOB: April 4, 1987
Drafted: 1st Round (#10 overall), 2005 by the Detroit Tigers.
Acquired: Traded by the Detroit Tigers with Andrew Miller, Mike Rabelo, Dallas Trahern, Eulogio De La Cruz, and Burke Badenhop to the Florida Marlins for Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera.
Awards: 2004 Baseball America Youth Player of the Year; 2006 Future Games Selection.

Daily Update: 05/28/2008

Welcome to the show Jay Bruce - 3 for 3, 2B, 2BB, 2R, 2RBI, 1SB. Not bad for a 21 year old making his MLB debut.

Rankings

Disclaimer
Here are the new and updated Baseball Rankings. Instead of just taking the record, pythagorean record, and farm system, I've given each part a weighed score:
- The Record accounts for half of the score. Since the standings are based of record, I thought it deserved more weight than the other parts.
- The Pythagorean Record is based off of Bill James theory that you can somewhat predict a team by runs scored and runs allowed. The Pythagorean Records accounts for a third of the score.
- The Farm System is worth a sixth of the scoring, since it will impact the team, but maybe not now.
- The Standard Deviation is 3 wins.

All stats and records are prior to games on Tuesday. I'm going to start putting each teams score up; max score is 90 points.

Daily Update: 05/27/2008

My home internet is pretty hit or miss right now, so when I couldn't make it to work on Friday, I couldn't do an update. Same thing with the holiday yesterday. So, I'm skipping the weekend scores. I'll still list all of the rumors and transactions that were out there.

There was a big MLB debut Sunday and there will be another one today. Clayton Kershaw looked sharp in his debut; the 20 year old didn't look bad at all. He got a no decision, but he got that fastball going.

Jay Bruce will start in center tonight for the Reds. He's the top prospect in the game right now and a definite upgrade over Corey Patterson. If you can watch this game, you should.

Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You: Evan Longoria

Name: Evan Longoria
Team: Tampa Bay Rays
DOB: October 7, 1985
Drafted: 1st Round (#3 overall), 2006 by the Rays.
Acquired: Draft
Awards: 2006 Co-Big West Player of the Year;

Daily Update: 05/22/2008

I went to CBS Sportsline this morning and was disturbed to find this head line:

Pujols injures two in same frame

Now, I didn't watch the games, but saying he injured 2 players is a little mis-leading. He his a line drive off starting pitcher Chris Young's face, breaking his nose. Complete freak accident. Later in the inning, Pujols slides into home and collides with catcher Josh Bard; Bard sprained his ankle. Again, kind of a freak accident.

What upsets me is that headline would make one think it was intentional - which we all know it wasn't. They could have changed the headline to something like "2 Padres injured in freak plays" or something along those lines.

Pujols already said he was haunted by what happened to Young and said he couldn't concentrate on the game after it.

Check this out...

My mock draft got picked up by DC Pro Sports Report. They actually list all of the mock drafts they find on the web. Be sure to check it out.

Daily Update: 05/21/2008

Mike Piazza officially announced his retirement; I thought he would have held out a little longer to see if an AL team would need a DH for the stretch. Piazza will go down as one of the greatest hitting catchers ever - but his defense left a lot to be desired.

We also have a few double digit scores, Pedro retirment talk, and Yankee GM info.

Baseball Rankings: 05/20/2008

Disclaimer
Here are the new and updated Baseball Rankings. Instead of just taking the record, pythagorean record, and farm system, I've given each part a weighed score:
- The Record accounts for half of the score. Since the standings are based of record, I thought it deserved more weight than the other parts.
- The Pythagorean Record is based off of Bill James theory that you can somewhat predict a team by runs scored and runs allowed. The Pythagorean Records accounts for a third of the score.
- The Farm System is worth a sixth of the scoring, since it will impact the team, but maybe not now.
- The Standard Deviation is 3 wins.

All stats and records are prior to games on Tuesday. I'm going to start putting each teams score up; max score is 90 points.

Daily Update: 05/20/2008

Jon Lester no hit the Kansas City Royals last night. It's pretty amazing that the last 2 no hitters came from young Red Sox (and Anibal Sanchez, another former Red Sox prospect, threw the one before that).

What makes the story even better is that Lester missed parts of 2006 and 2007 while battling non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Congrats to Lester.

Mock Draft

The MLB baseball draft is next month and I've read a lot of what teams are planning on doing. I've decided to do my own mock draft based of each organization's needs and what the current rumors are saying. I'm not a huge college baseball expert, but I follow it from a far and learn about current players before the College World Series and the draft.

Without further ado, the Rays are on the clock...

1. Rays - Buster Posey, C, Florida St
Catcher is the one weakness of the organization. Posey will move quickly through the system. Not the best talent in the draft, but he's signable and will stick at catcher.

2. Pirates - Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vanderbilt
The Pirates and the new management will show fans that they want to compete. They'll shell out the money for the top talent.

3. Royals - Aaron Crow, P, Missouri
Crow is a hometown product and fits nicely with what the organization already has pitching-wise.

4. Orioles - Brian Matusz, P, San Diego
If Alvarez were to fall, I'd say he goes here. Instead they take a pitcher that will help sooner rather than later.

5. Giants - Tim Beckham, SS, Griffin HS (GA)
They have some depth at pitching, but are weak in the field. I expect them to take a hitter; he's the best on the board at this point that will be signed for a decent amount.

6. Marlins - Kyle Shipworth, C, Patriot HS (CA)
They have some players coming through the pipeline, but they, like the Rays, don't have any catching. He's the best fit here.

7. Reds - Tim Melville, P, Holt HS (MO)
The Reds take Melville for his 2007 season, which Walt heard a lot about in person (and possibly watched).

8. White Sox - Gordon Beckham, SS, Georgia
Beckham is a solid player and the White Sox need youth soon.

9. Nationals - Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina
If the National go on the fire sale, they need to have some guys ready to take over. Smoak will be ready soon, but I think he'll end up in left field.

10. Astros - Yonder Alonso, 1B, Miami (FL)
Smoak and Alonso are essentially the same, but I don't think Alonso can play the outfield. Berkman isn't going to be around forever, and they need depth in the system.

11. Rangers - Shooter Hunt, P, Tulane
The Rangers want a college pitcher that moves through the system fast.

12. Athletics - Jemile Weeks, 2B, Miami
A bit of a stretch, but most picks are interchangible in this draft. Weeks is a solid hitter and they don't have much in the MI in the system.

13. Cardinals - Christian Friedrich, P, Eastern Kentucky
College pitchers are one of the Cardinals targets in the first round. The outfield is stacked, so they go back to taking some pitching.

14. Twins - Ethan Martin, P/3B, Stephens Co HS (GA)
The Twins are good at finding pitching and I think they'll take Martin as a pitcher.

15. Dodgers - Gerrit Cole, P, Orange Lutheran HS (CA)
The Dodgers normally take HS players, so Cole would be a good fit. He won't move through the system like Kershaw, but he'll be worth the wait.

16. Brewers - Josh Fields, P, Georgia
Fields is that college closer that will be up by the end of the season. I don't think he'll be closing right away, but he'll take over next year.

17. Blue Jays - Alex Meyers, P, Greensburg HS (IN)
Meyers could develop into a middle of the rotation starter, which the Jays don't have in the system right now.

18. Mets - Tanner Scheppers, P, Fresno St
A fracture in his shoulder has one of the top talents in the draft drop. The Mets are willing to take a chance and give a little extra money for their slot.

19. Cubs - Aaron Hicks, CF/RHP, Woodrow Wilson HS (CA)
Hicks can go either way, so the Cubs have options with him.

20. Mariners - Andrew Cashner, P, Texas Christian
This is a safe pick here, although there are a lot of players they could take.

21. Tigers - Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage HS (FL)
The Tigers get one of the best talent because they will sign about slot value - a la Rick Porcello.

22. Mets - Jason Castro, C, Stanford
After taking the flash pick (Scheppers), they go for the need.

23. Padres - Dennis Raben, OF, Miami (FL)
Raben should move fast, so this is a no brainer.

24. Phillies - Brett Wallace, 3B, Arizona St
Wallace seems like the logical choice based off their system - they have pitching and some outfielders. Infield is the weakness.

25. Rockies - Ryan Perry, P, Arizona
The Rockies always need pitching help and doesn't rely on the curve (a plus in Colorado).

26. Diamondbacks - Bryan Price, P, Rice
You can never have too much pitching, especially with the team they currently have.

27. Twins - Conor Gillaspie, 3B, Wichita State
They have a couple of 3B in the system, but Gillaspie could be ready before any of them.

28. Yankees - David Cooper, 1B, California
There's no flashy pick at this point, so they go for the need.

29. Indians - James Darnell, 3B, South Carolina
Same as the Yankees.

30. Red Sox - Casey Kelly, SS/P, Sarasota HS (FL)
Some thought Kelly could go earlier based of his baseball ties, but some teams are scared off by his commitment to Tennessee for football and baseball.

Outside of the first 5-10 picks, most of these guys are interchangible. It's hard to predict when it's like this. Most teams have stated there are no clear cut picks in this draft (un-like last year, when the Rays knew they were taking David Price).

Money will be a factor again. Alvarez and Hosmer are both represented by Scott Boras and are asking for large contracts ($8.6MM MLB contract for Alvarez; $7MM bonus for Hosmer). Like I mentioned earlier, Porcello was the top ranked HS pitcher and he dropped to the Tigers because of his bonus demand.

As more developments come in the next few weeks, I'll update this.

Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals: 05/18/2008

Went down before the game - it wasn't a good day:
Rick Hummel (HOF Writer for the STL Post Dispatch) 1/1 (book)
Dave McKay 1/1 (2006 Oversized WS team card - I'm working on the coaches for it)

BP:
Akinori Iwamura 1/1
Joel Pineiro 1/1

I did get my Stan the Man statue.

Weekend Update: 05/19/2008

The trend of buying out arbitration continues, a future closer gets called up, inter-league scores and the normal stuff from the weekend.

Chris Perez has been called up...

Chris Perez has been called up by the St. Louis Cardinals. I believe Jason Isringhausen has been placed on the DL. I don't know the corresponding move for the 40 man roster - my guess is Chris Carpenter to the 60-day DL.

Part one of my plan is working...

EDIT: Josh Kinney has been transferred to the 60-day DL, not Carpenter.

Daily Update: 05/16/2008

More details of the Ryan Braun signing, Ian Kennedy gets called up as I post his Coming Soon..., a best free agent signing article, and the rest of the usual stuff.

Fantasy GM: St. Louis Cardinals

Fantasy GM time - inspired by the Cardinals Bullpen.

The Cardinals bullpen has been completely run down. I mentioned earlier in the season that this would happen since none of their starters were going deep into games. As the starters have gotten better, the bullpen has been taxed.

I still contend that Izzy will end up on the DL and come back and be fine. Until then, I'd do an overhaul.

The Cardinal's long term plan for Kyle McClellan is to have him start. He's gotten a taste of the Majors, so send him to Memphis to stretch out; they got lucky that Wainwright didn't get injured with the sudden jump in innings - they won't get lucky twice. Plus, I'm sick of people comparing him to Wainwright. Yes, Wainwright closed as a rookie, but he had a full season on the MLB roster before he was in that situation. McClellan's been up for 2 months.

Replace him with Jason Motte. The converted catcher has the ability to get guys out at the Major League Level. It will also have him work with some veteran pitchers and Duncan to really develope a second pitch.

Next, send down Mike Parisi. He's not being used and would be better served getting regular pitching time in the Memphis rotation.

Replace him with Mark Worrell. Worrell has spent enough time in the minors and has nothing left to prove there. He gets guys out and can go 2 innings if needed.

Designate Ron Villone for assignment. Did anyone really think he would continue to dominate the way he has? Seriously, he doesn't deserve to be on the team after his last 2 outings. The team would have 10 days to trade him - the Phillies would be interested since they are stock-piling left handed relievers.

Replace him with Chris Perez. You'd have the spot cleared on the 40 man by DFAing Villone and he's the closer of the future. I wouldn't give him the save situations yet; just get him familiar with pitching in the Majors.

The only problem then is your second lefty reliever - you know Tony LaRussa can't have a bullpen without a second lefty. That's where things get tricky. If Izzy were to go on the DL, you could bring up Ron Flores. He's somewhat reliable and cheap. The 40-man roster is currently full, so you could move Chris Carpenter to the 60-day DL or DFA Rico Washington. Washington would be the best option just for the fact that they shouldn't call him back up.

If Izzy isn't injured, you can either carry 1 lefty until a deal can be made or DFA Russ Springer. Springer is getting up there in age and hasn't been as reliable as he has in the past. With the young guys coming up, he'd probably lose innings. Plus, a pitching starved team would take him pretty quickly.

I'd also juggle the roster a little. I don't know who I'd want off worse - Aaron Miles or Cesar Izturis. Izturis's defense is a good fit with the team, but Miles is Tony's guy and has had some clutch hits in the past. I'd send Miles away just for the fact Izturis is better with the glove (Miles is adequate at 2B, but falls off at 3B and SS).

Replace him with Joe Mather. Joey Bombs gives the bench some much needed power and can play all 4 corner positions - they don't currently have a true back up at 3B.

I'd attempt to trade Chris Duncan. There is nothing more frustrating than an outfielder who can't catch a ball (he's wasn't a great defensive 1B, so I don't know how they thought he could move up the defensive spectrum). I'm sure an AL team would take him for a DH/1B spot and the Cardinals could get a decent player in return. This scenario could also keep Springer around, since you'd have Ryan and Mather covering the infield from the bench.

Replace him with Brian Barden. Barden got a cup of coffee with the team last year when rosters expanded. So far this year, he's been one of the few bright spots in Memphis (along with everyone else being brought up). He can cover any spot in the infield and has a little pop in his bat.

The team would look like this:
C - Yadier Molina
1B - Albert Pujols
2B - Adam Kennedy
3B - Troy Glaus
SS - Brendan Ryan
LF - Skip Schumaker
CF - Rick Ankiel
RF - Ryan Ludwick

B - Brian Barton
B - Jason LaRue
B - Cesar Izturis
B - Joe Mather
B - Brian Barden

SP - Adam Wainwright
SP - Braden Looper
SP - Joel Pineiro
SP - Kyle Lohse
SP - Todd Wellemeyer

CL - Ryan Franklin
RP - Jason Motte
RP - Chris Perez
RP - Mark Worrell
RP - Jason Isringhausen
RP - Randy Flores
RP - Ron Flores

This team would compete much better that the one they are currently fielding - at least if they all play at the level they are in Triple A. Even if they take their lumps, no one was expecting the team to compete this year so it really wouldn't be that big of a hit. It would help the team that much more next year, when these guys have experience to go with a fully healthy Chris Carpenter and the possibility of McClellan and Jaime Garcia joining the rotation.

Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You: Ian Kennedy

Name: Ian Kennedy
Team: New York Yankees
DOB: 12/19/1984
Drafted: 14th Round (425th overall) in 2003 by the St. Louis Cardinals – Did not sign; 1st Round (21st overall) in 2006 by the New York Yankees.
Acquired: Draft
Awards:

Brewers extend Braun; Kazmir's deal from Rays

The Milwaukee Brewers have announced they have signed LF Ryan Braun to an 8 year, $45MM contract.

The contract will start this season and buy out his first 2 years of free agency.

It's a bold move, but could payoff in the long run.

Braun, last years NL Rookie of the Year, has started the season slow; many are attributing it to his re-positioning in the outfield. He wouldn't be the first player to struggle with a position change.

This comes the day after the Rays signed ace Scott Kazmir to a 4 year extension for $28.5MM with an $11MM option. They bought out his first year of free agnecy with the option for his second year.

Kazmir came to the Rays in the deal the Mets want to forget: Kazmir for Victor Zambrano. The extension is much more that he would make on the open market after 2010 - barring an injury.

Daily Update: 05/15/2008

The Cubs make a signing or 2, an ace gets extended, a Giant change coming, and the College Top 25.

A Quick Look at the NL Central

Since I'm a Cardinals fan (and wrote this for a different site that's not going to use it), I thought I throw this up. Please note it was written before yesterdays games:

How do my rankings fare for the Cardinals and the Central? The Cubs currently have a game up on the Cardinals; if both teams continue at their current pace, the Cubs will win the division by 5 games.

Cubs 98-64 (currently 23-15)
Cardinals 93-69 (23-17)
Astros 91-71 (22-17)
Brewers 81-81 (19-19)
Pirates 77-85 (18-20)
Reds 66-96 (16-23)

The Cardinals would win the WC over the Astros by 2 games - much better than pre-season predictions.

The Astros have been hot recently a shot up the standings; I didn't expect this based off their moves in the off-season. This teams starting pitching is weak and they have nothing in they system if one of their veterans break down.

Milwaukee was expected to be in the Cardinal's shoes - battling it out with the Cubs for the top of the division. Bullpen breakdowns have killed this team, along with slow starts from most of their hitters. Once the bats wake up and something is done in the 'pen, look for Milwaukee to make a run. Don't be surprised if this happens under a different manager.

The Pirates have also been hot since dismissing Matt Morris. Nate McLouth is the spark plug for this team, but can he keep up his incredible numbers? I'm willing to guess he won't.

The poor Reds were supposed to have taken a step forward by hiring Dusty Baker; unfortunately they do anything else to help the team. Maybe Walt running the show will help change things.

Based off run differential, the standings change slightly:
Cubs 106-56 (currently 25-13)
Astros 91-71 (22-17)
Cardinals 90-72 (22-18)
Brewers 74-88 (17-21)
Pirates 73-89 (17-21)
Reds 69-93 (17-22)

The Cubs should have 2 additional wins, but have lost a couple of close games. The Cardinals have 1 more win than they really should - surprising considered they've blown 5 games. The Astros are on pace with where they should be. The other 3 don't currently matter (the Brewers could, but we'll worry about that when it happens).

The story would be rally different if Izzy could have hung on to those 5 games - they would have 1 few run scored, but 10 fewer runs allowed. Their projected record would then go to 94-68; good enough for the wild card.

Daily Update: 05/14/2008

Gary Sheffield is endorsing Bonds to the Tigers, but will it happen with new indictments? Plus the Mets replace one throw back player with another, scores, matchups, and more rumors.

Baseball Rankings: 05/13/2008

Disclaimer
Here are the new and updated Baseball Rankings. Instead of just taking the record, pythagorean record, and farm system, I've given each part a weighed score:
- The Record accounts for half of the score. Since the standings are based of record, I thought it deserved more weight than the other parts.
- The Pythagorean Record is based off of Bill James theory that you can somewhat predict a team by runs scored and runs allowed. The Pythagorean Records accounts for a third of the score.
- The Farm System is worth a sixth of the scoring, since it will impact the team, but maybe not now.
- The Standard Deviation is 3 wins.

All stats and records are prior to games on Tuesday. I'm going to start putting each teams score up; max score is 90 points.

Daily Update: 05/13/2008

I'm being lazy this morning, so no new links; we still have scores, probable pitchers, and someone's watching Griffey. Oh, and Asdrubal Cabrera had an unassisted triple play.

Weekend Update: 05/12/2008

The weekend update - plenty of rumors, transactions, and scores. Plus, image a rotation of Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Micah Owings, Cliff Lee, and Max Schrezer; it almost happened.

The Collector's Corner Vol 3

I’m back this month with more autograph talk. This time I’m giving some pointers to getting autographs in person (IP) at sporting events and start a TTM project everyone can follow.

I’ve been going to baseball games getting autographs for 5 years now. I started with just baseballs, but have moved on to mainly cards; cards are actually a lot cheaper for autographs (but I’ll get into that later). I have close to 1000 baseball autographs, ranging from big names (Lance Berkman, Jake Peavy) to nobodies (Neifi Perez). My basement is basically a baseball shrine.

I go to anywhere from 10-40 games a season (this year less because of my daughter) and try to get autographs at most of them. I’ve hit up teams in Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Florida among others.

The number on thing about getting autographs is to make sure the kids get them first. Too many times, adults (and normally E-Bayers) will not let the kids get autographs. If a kid is near me, I tend to let them slide in. It’s also fun to watch them light up when a player signs their ticket stub.

Always go prepared. I always have spare pens and sharpies with me. I’ve been face to face with John Smoltz to have my sharpie die as he was signing my card – luckily he’s a professional and keeps one on his key ring.

Learn what works best. If you want a baseball signed, don’t use a sharpie. Sharpies on baseballs bleed or fade with time. On Major League Baseballs (ROMLB), ball point pen works the best. I prefer blue, but it doesn’t really matter. ROMLBs normally run anywhere from $12-20 depending on where you go. If you go with the cheaper balls, the ball point pens fade on those. I’ve had good luck with the fine point sharpies – they can still fade if the ball is sitting in direct sun light, but they’ve tended to last longer in my experience.

The best place on a baseball to get an autograph is the sweet spot – the narrow part of the laces, opposite of the Rawlings logo (or who ever makes the ball). A lot of players won’t or can’t sign the sweet spot; some suspect that the baseballs will be sold for profit or they have signed a contract with a company that prohibits it (like Tristar or Steiner). Most people will get special balls signed on the side panel, or the area where the space between the laces is the biggest. You can normally ask for the sweet spot; most players will tell you if they can’t sweet spot or completely ignore your request. Also, some players will inscribe stuff on a ball. The standard inscription is some bible verse that has meaning to a player. Other times, players will inscribe milestones – ROY, MVP, a specific stat. I normally ask if they will inscribe something like that; again, they will tell you if they can’t or ignore the request.

For other sports, most people will get autographs on balls/pucks, mini-helmets, or floor boards (at least for basketball). A sharpie is best for these; color is really an opinion. For hockey pucks, silver sharpie or paint pens show up the best. I think black works best for basketballs, footballs, and golf balls, but that’s just my opinion.

On sports cards, sharpies work on most cards. The new Topps and Upper Deck cards are somewhat glossy and don’t hold autographs well, much like the chrome cards that are released (Topps and Bowman normally have chrome cards). The sharpie tends to bubble on these cards. One way to avoid this it to rub baby powder on the cards with a cotton ball; the baby powder fills in un-seen wholes that from in the glossy/chrome finish on the cards. The other way is to use a Staedtler Lumocolor – they are a better version of a sharpie that dries faster.

I find the best way to have cards ready to be autographed is to keep them in a binder. I’ve bought card stock pages and attached photo corners for the cards. You can get up to 9 cards per page like this. It’s easy to hold the book out and for the player to sign. Some times, handing individual cards to players works well; just beware that after you get the card back and put it on the stack it could smear on other cards.

Here are some examples:
Travis Hafner sweet spot.
Brad Ausmus side panel Baseball.
Lee Smith 478 Saves inscription.
Curtis Granderson bubbled card.
Mike Hampton faded sharpie.
Carl Everett bleeding baseball – a cheap ball signed in ballpoint; it should have been signed in a Fine Tip Sharpie to last a little better.
Steve Kline bleeding baseball - a good ball signed in red sharpie; it needed to be in ball point pen so the signature would last.

A word about the last column:
Last time I wrote about getting TTM autographs. I’m going to chronicle my latest batch I’m sending out. I’ve decided to get 2 books of stamps and send out 2 cards per player. I will also be typing a letter with some questions that I’ll print here if I get them back. I’m sending to the players listed below:

Jay Bruce - Louisville Bats
John Danks - Chicago White Sox
Todd Frazier - Dayton Dragons
Jon Jay – Springfield Cardinals
Ubaldo Jimenez – Colorado Rockies
Jon Knott - Rochester Red Wings
Matt LaPorta – Huntsville Stars
Fred Lewis - San Francisco Giants
Mark McCormick - Palm Beach Cardinals
Joe Nathan – Minnesota Twins
Ross Ohlendorff - New York Yankees
Jerry Owens - Charlotte Knights
Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox
Chris Perez – Memphis Redbirds
Joe Smith - New York Mets
Miguel Tejada – Houston Astros
Jarrod Washburn – Seattle Mariners
Jordan Zimmerman – Potomac Nationals

I’ve checked around and all of these players have signed TTM this season. Here are some of the trends I’ve noticed:

- I’m a little worried about Bruce and Owens. I know as soon as I send them, they’ll get promoted.
- Lewis wouldn’t sign anything when he was in St. Louis recently; I always find it funny when a player won’t sign IP but will TTM or vice versa.
- LaPorta will sign, but it’s hit or miss. I attempted him in Spring Training and never got anything back.
- Washburn is about as automatic as you can get; I’ve never read someone not getting their cards back signed.

As I get cards in, I’ll supply what they signed, how long it took, and pictures of the signed cards.

A question for everyone…
I want to get together stories people have about getting autographs. They can be good, bad, unusual, what ever. Sent them to me here.

Coming Soon... postponed

The newest Coming Soon To a Ballpark Near You has been postponed for this week. I'll have a new one up next week. Let me know if there is a prospect/young player you want to see covered.

I'm also looking for any feedback that readers have - on the daily updates, Coming Soon, etc. I also want to get some discussion going in the comments.

Daily Update: 05/09/2008

Scores, rumors, and the USA doesn't want Clemens. Plus another veteran could be cut loose - and this one hurts a little.

Daily Update 05/08/2008

Scores
American League
CLE 3 NYA 0
TOR 6 TB 2
MIN 13 CHA 1
DET 10 BOS 9
KC 9 LAA 4
OAK 6 BAL 5
TEX 2 SEA 0

National League
ATL 5 SD 2
FLA 6 MIL 2
CIN 9 CHN 0
HOU 4 WAS 3
PIT 3 SF 1
PHI 5 ARI 4
COL 4 STL 3
NYN 12 LAN 1

Transactions
Arizona Diamondbacks
Chad Tracy sent to minors for rehabilitation.
Boston Red Sox
Alex Cora sent to the minors.
Colorado Rockies
Alberto Arias purchased from the minors; Aaron Fultz signed to a minor league contract; Josh Newman sent to the minors.
Minnesota Twins
Scott Baker placed on the DL (15-day, reaggravated strained right groin); Kevin Slowey removed from the DL.
San Francisco Giants
Brad Hennessey sent to the minors; Billy Sadler called up from the minors.
Toronto Blue Jays
Adam Lind sent to the minors; Jorge Velandia purchased from the minors.

Yesterday's Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors
- Any hope for a Khalil Greene for Felix Pie deal were shot down.
- The Rangers could release struggling 1B Ben Broussard when Marlon Byrd comes off the DL next week.
- Scott Boras is already pushing Oliver Perez for the free agent market after the season; I don't know about the Johan comparison.
- The Royals discuss their options with pick #3 in the draft.
- Reds trade candidates not name Griffey or Dunn: Paul Bako, Scott Hatteberg, David Weathers, Jerremy Affeldt, Kent Mercker.
- Expect the Marlins to make some moves before next season - their better players reach arbitration after this season.
- If the Rockies become sellers, look for them to move Garrett Atkins.
- Jason Botts cleared waivers.
- Expect extension talks between the Pirates and Daniel's man-crush Nate McLouth.
- Freddy Garcia could throw off the mound in a week.
- Suitors for free agent to be Mark Teixeira: Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Orioles, Mariners, Braves, and Giants. It'll be fun to watch who over-pays.

Around the Web
Injury Report
BA Prospect Blog
All Star Voting
Carlos Gomez hits for the cycle.
Joey Votto hits 3 homers.

Daily Update 05/07/2008

Instead of posting rumors and transactions like I was, I'm combinding it all into one daily post. I'm also throwing some links at the bottom.

Scores
American League
CLE 5 NYA 3
TB 5 TOR 4
CHA 7 MIN 1
BOS 5 DET 0
LAA 5 KC 3
OAK 4 BAL 2
TEX 10 SEA 1

National League
ATL 5 SD 3
FLA 3 MIL 0
CHN 3 CIN 0
HOU 6 WAS 5
PIT 12 SF 6
ARI 6 PHI 4
STL 6 COL 5
LAN 5 NYN 4

Transactions
Chicago White Sox
Alexei Ramirez reinstated from restricted list.
Cincinnati Reds
Scott Sauerbeck released.
Cleveland Indians
Bronson Sardinha signed to a minor league contract; Jason Michaels designated for assignment; Ben Francisco called up from the minors.
New York Yankees
Alberto Gonzalez sent to the minors; Wilson Betemit removed from the DL.

Yesterday's Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors
- The Mets are only interested in giving Derrick Turnbow a minor league deal.
- Ken Griffey Jr wants to go to a contender if the is traded; the Mariners want him to retire with them.
- The Padres and Marlins are interested in recently DFA outfielder Jacque Jones.
- The Reds didn't deny a potential deal that would send Josh Fogg back to the Rockies.

Around the Web
Injury Report
BA Prospect Blog
All Star Voting
Collusion against Bonds?

Transactions

Transaction Log: 5/02 - 5/05

Here are the Major League transactions for the last few days. Transactions will start to be posted daily.

TTM 5/05/2008

Hank Blalock
C/O Rangers ST
1/2 signed in black sharpie

Rankings 05/06/2008

Disclaimer
Here are the new and updated Baseball Rankings. Instead of just taking the record, pythagorean record, and farm system, I've given each part a weighed score:
- The Record accounts for half of the score. Since the standings are based of record, I thought it deserved more weight than the other parts.
- The Pythagorean Record is based off of Bill James theory that you can somewhat predict a team by runs scored and runs allowed. The Pythagorean Records accounts for a third of the score.
- The Farm System is worth a sixth of the scoring, since it will impact the team, but maybe not now.
- The Standard Deviation is 3 wins.

All stats and records are prior to games on Tuesday.

Rumors

Baseball Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:

- The Braves traded for Greg Norton, who was DFA by the Mariners. He'll bat of the bench.
- The Cardinals are open to extension talk with Kyle Lohse and are not interested in Barry Bonds.
- Juan Encarnacion's baseball career was probably ended by the line drive he took to the face last year.
- The Yankees are already planning on making a run for free agent pitcher Derek Lowe.
- The Tigers have released Jacque Jones.
- The Cubs would like to add a left handed hitting OF.
- The Rangers asked for Mike Pelfrey, Aaron Heilman and Deolis Gerra for Vicente Padilla this offseason.
- Juan Uribe is expected to be released by the White Sox soon.
- The Astros were talking to Roger Clemens during the off season about coming back to Houston.
- The Rockies are looking for a starter; names being thrown around are Josh Fogg, Julian Tavarez, Kevin Millwood and Rich Harden.
- Joe Blanton is off the trading table.
- Rafael Furcal said he will test the free agent waters if he doesn't have an extension by mid-season.
- Japanese catcher may be coming to the Red Sox if Visa problems are worked out.

Rumors

Catching up on the weekend rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:

- The Braves are looking for starting pitching, but won't over pay. Also, Mike Hampton could retire.
- Japanese baseball players could become free agents quick if the rules changed. They'd still have to wait 9 years before coming to the MLB.
- The Brewers are also looking for pitching.
- Noah Lowry has hit a set back in rehab; he could miss the first half.
- Free Agent Stock Watch: Jason Varitek
- Juan Pierre is unhappy sitting on the Dodger bench.
- Julio Franco officially retires.
- The Rangers are not interested in Derrick Turnbow; The Mets are talking about him.
- The Dodgers could move Clayton Kershaw up to the majors. They want to limit him to 150 IP this year.
- The Reds, Yankees, and Brewers do not have interest in Gerald Liard.
- Orlando Hudson could see a big payday, since the D'Backs won't offer him market value.
- The Nationals could release Johnny Estrada, since they have 3 catchers on their roster.
- Clint Barmes is building his trade value for the Rockies since Tulowitzki is out for a while.
- Coco Crisp won't be moved by the Red Sox soon, as Brandon Moss, who would be the 4th outfielder, is out after an appendectomy. There are rumblings of Brad Wilkerson being in Boston.
- Billy Wagner expects to retire after 2009.
- A slow start by the Yankees could push Brian Cashman out. His name is already being attached to the Phillies.
- The Rays are undecided who they are taking with the first pick; last year they knew they were taking David Price.
- The Yankees are sending Ian Kennedy to Triple A; Darrel Rasner is taking his roster spot.
- Jerry Owens is blocked by Carlos Quentin and the White Sox could listen to offers for him.
- Anthony Reyes was demoted by the Cardinals to Triple A, but he's going there to build trade value as a starter.
- The Pirates are working on a deal to keep Evan Meeks in their system; the Rule V draftee would have to go back to the Rays if a deal isn't worked out.
- The Indians are going DFA either Andy Marte or Jason Michaels. If Michaels is choosen, he will be released.

Rumors

Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:

- The Orioles are in no hurry to lock up Nick Markakis or Adam Jones, like most MLB teams are doing with the young players.
- There is a kid in the Dominican that is attracting MLB attention: Michel Inoa.
- The Red Sox will pass on an extension for Jason Varitek if he's hoping for a Posada like contract.
- Many teams are still interested in Edwin Jackson of the Rays.
- Anthony Reyes is available, but the asking price is high.
- There is speculation that the Giants would have to eat at least $80 mil if they want to move Barry Zito.
- Four teams are working on signing Juan Castro: the Dodgers, Padres, Orioles, and Rockies.
- Braves and Angels scouts have been watching the Cardinals.
- Derrick Turnbow has been DFA.
- Free Agent Stock Watch for Rafael Furcal.

Transaction Log: 4/25-5/02

Transaction Log: 4/25 - 5/1

Here are the Major League transactions for the last 7 days.

Rumors

Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:

- A few teams have sent scouts to watch the Reds. Griffey and Dunn are the two guys most likely to be moved.
- The Brewers could be thinking about releasing Derrick Turnbow.
- Bartolo Colon has decided to push back the opt out date of his contract until June 1st. The Red Sox wanted him to stay longer since he's missed a few weeks with an injury.
- Since Brad Wilkerson (DFA by Mariners) is looking for work, they said the Red Sox and Blue Jays could be possibilities.
- John Smoltz is moving to the bullpen when he comes off the DL, which could prompt the Braves to trade for a starter. They also have a few options at Triple A.
- The Rockies acquired Jason Grilli from the Tigers for a minor leaguer and Jorge de la Rosa from the Rockies to complete an earlier trade with the Royals.
- Orlando Hudson says he didn't ask the D'backs for $15 mil a season.
- The Mariners also DFA Greg Norton with Wilkerson. Top prospects Jeff Clement and Wladimir Balentien have been called up to replace them.

Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You: Adam Jones

Name: Adam Jones
Team: Baltimore Orioles
DOB: 08/01/1985
Drafted: Supplemental 1st Round (37th overall, Seattle Mariners), 2003
Acquired: Traded from the Mariners with George Sherrill, Kam Mickolio, Chris Tillman, and Tony Butler to the Orioles for Erik Bedard.
Awards: