State of the System: Colorado Rockies

Quick Look

The Rockies, almost entirely through scouting and player development, have become a formidable, entertaining team. They have made the postseason two of the past three seasons, relying on homegrown stars such as Troy Tulowitzki, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Dexter Fowler. Colorado's system is in good, but not spectacular, shape. I loved what the Rockies got in the draft this year, and their young talent positions them to be in contention in the NL West for years to come.

Top Prospects

Tyler Matzek, lhp

Age: 19 Level: none-Low A

The nation's top high school prospect was ostensibly ticketed for Oregon until the Rockies handed him $3.9 million. He immediately infuses more star power into the pipeline. Working with a smooth, easy delivery and a sturdy frame, Matzek delivers a 90-94 mph fastball and a swing-and-miss curve. His slider and changeup both possess plus potential, although he doesn't use them when he doesn't need to. Matzek is lauded for his feel for pitching, particulary setting up batters, and he has even been clocked (reportedly) at 97-98. He seems nearly perfect, but like any young pitcher he has some flaws to correct next year. He has a stiff landing and comes out some games looking like a completely different pitcher, struggling with command, feel, and motivation.

Christian Friedrich, lhp

Age: 22 Level: High A-MLB

Colorado got a bargain with the 25th overall pick last year, nabbing the former Eastern Kentucky lefthander. Perceived as a smart pitcher with an average fastball and stellar offspeed stuff, Friedrich exceeded expectations in 2009, enjoying one of the best seasons of any prospect in the minors. He toyed with mostly younger batters, posting an aggregate 2.41 ERA and a dominating strikeout rate. The 6-4 Friedrich sits at 90 mph with his fastball, touching 93-94 on occasion. His big, 12-6 curveball is his bread-and-butter pitch, and his promising slider and changeup flirt with plus. Friedrich has #2 starter potential despite uncharacteristically struggling with the strike zone this year. He could see Colorado in 2010.

Jhoulys Chacin, rhp

Age: 21 Level: MLB

Chacin at the very least has to be commended for his durability. The 6-3, 200-pounder threw 177 innings last year as a 20-year-old. This year the Venezuelan-born Chacin appeared in the Futures Game and made his big league debut. At times, Chacin has a low-90s fastball with heavy sink, a plus changeup, and a serviceable curveball. He inexplicably lost control of the strike zone this year (perhaps being timid to challenge high-level hitters), and his K rate regressed as well. His fastball was knocked for being fringy, and Chacin pitched in the bullpen for the Rockies. Chacin has areas to fix, but I think he will be able to turn it around if he regains his aggressiveness. If so, he'll be an outstanding #3 starter.

Rex Brothers, lhp

Age: 21 Level: Low A-Double-A

Brothers leapt into first-round discussion before settling as the 34th overall pick (from Lipscomb) this year. With a plus fastball that touches 97 mph and a wicked 85-87 slider, he has massive potential. He fits better in the bullpen, airing it out and not fretting over command, a changeup, or his max-effort delivery. Brothers maintains his velocity deep into starts, however, so some would like to see him kept in the rotation. The compact lefty could rise quickly.

Tim Wheeler, of

Age: 21 Level: Short-Season-High A

Wheeler is a multi-tooled outfielder who broke out in the Cape Cod League last year and followed it up with a productive spring for Sacramento State. After quickly signing for $900,000 as the last pick in the first round, Wheeler had a so-so debut in the Northwest League (.256/.332/.381). The 6-4, 205-pounder runs well for his size and could be a plus defender on a corner. He will need to hit for power to make it there, but he projects for some. He launched 18 this spring, albeit against substandard competition. Wheeler needs to adjust his approach to top-flight pitching, but he receives plaudits for his work ethic, and should be able to do so. He could explode with a hitter-friendly environment on tap for next season.

Esmil Rogers, rhp

Age: 24 Level: MLB

Rogers displays a remarkable feel for pitching and command for a player who converted from the shortstop just three years ago. Those attributes help his power stuff (92-95 mph fastball, sharp low-80s curve, nascent changeup) play up. He was torn apart this year in Triple-A and the majors, showing he still needs more experience with the subtle nuances of pitching, including maintaining composure, holding runners, and being consistent. With his smallish stature and two plus pitches, I like Rogers as a future quality reliever.

Eric Young, Jr., 2B/of

Age: 24 Level: MLB

The switch-hitter is a bundle of energy and excitement just like his father. Young had his best year as a pro in 2009, batting .299/.387/.430 with 58 stolen bases and 38 extra-base hits. He lacks eye-popping offensive tools, but Young knows his game and plays to his strengths. Young is a plus-plus runner and a terror on the basepaths. He has enough power to drive the ball every once in a while, but the 5-10, 180-pounder does not pretend to be a power threat. He draws walks and beats out infield hits to help get on base. The most pressing question in his game is on defense, as his hard hands and weak arm make him below average at the keystone sack. Young has taken the outfield for a test drive in recent years. The Chandler-Gilbert CC product will at least be a useful utility player.

Nolan Arenado, 3B

Age: 18 Level: Rookie-Low A

Arenado led a banner recruiting class for Arizona State, but he went pro after the Rockies selected him in the second round this year. The California native (6-1, 205 lbs.) played third base in his pro debut, but some scouts would like to see him try catcher. He's strong and has a plus throwing arm, but his speed and range are below average. Arenado (.300/.351/.404 in the hitter-happy Pioneer League) has excellent power potential, although many worry about his stiff actions and see his unorthodox hitting mechanics as a red flag. He has a mature approach and should be a regular in the South Atlantic League next year.

Charlie Blackmon, of

Age: 23 Level: High A-Triple-A

Blackmon is yet another Colorado prospect who doesn't neatly fit a profile. A former lefty pitcher, Blackmon flourished after being converted to the outfield midway through college. He went in the second round out of Georgia Tech and made progress in the Cal League this year. Blackmon's a free swinger, but his tools are still interesting. His loose stroke, hand-eye coordination, and feel for hitting enable him to make consistent contact, as supported by his .307 average and respectable strikeout total this year. A plus runner, Blackmon swiped 30 bases (although he was caught 13 times). He also plays good defense in center and naturally has a strong arm. Blackmon turns 24 next year and has yet to play in Double-A; he could develop into a very good major league player, but he needs to be challenged more, tone down his aggressiveness, and increase his power output.

Mike McKenry, c

Age: 24 Level: Double-A-MLB

Through sheer hard work, McKenry has crafted himself into a plus backstop. He adroitly blocks balls in the dirt and keeps basestealers at bay with a decent arm. He offers offensive value in the form of walks and a solid amount of home runs, although his pure hitting will never be extraordinary. Strong and tightly-wound, some wonder if McKenry's lack of flexibilty and athleticism will catch up to him. The former Middle Tennessee State Blue Raider is off the charts in terms of work ethic and makeup, and he could soon fashion a backup role for himself. He'll test his mettle in Triple-A in 2010.

Others: RHPs Juan Nicasio, Casey Weathers, and Chris Balcom-Miller; 1B Ben Paulsen; SS Hector Gomez; C Wilin Rosario

Impact Talent: B

Farm System Depth: C+

2010 Breakout Prospect

Aaron Weatherford, rhp

Age: 22 Level: Low A-Triple-A

Most of my picks to click are young players who have yet to reach the prospect radar. In the case of Weatherford, a relatively well-known former Mississippi State closer, injuries have stunted his progress (27 IP in 2009). If the 2008 3rd-rounder regains his health, he'll hop on the fast track to Colorado. Weatherford's repertoire is built on power: he has a lively 92-94 mph fastball, sharp curveball, and hard splitter. Weatherford has a max-effort delivery and is working on harnessing his stuff, but he has the stuff to be a set-up man or closer in the majors.

News Conference Planned For McGwire

When the St. Louis Cardinals hired Mark McGwire as batting coach, the team said the former home run king would participate in a telephone news conference "sooner rather than later."

A team spokesman said Thursday that the team hopes to schedule the news conference after the World Series.

Manager Tony La Russa announced that he had hired McGwire on the same day La Russa agreed to a one-year contract to return for a 15th season. At that news conference, general manager John Mozeliak said the team would not make an effort to shield McGwire from questions about steroids.

The now 46-year-old McGwire retired after the 2001 season, three years after hitting 70 homers to break Roger Maris' 37-year-old record. Albert Pujols endorsed the hire in a radio interview with WXOS-FM on Thursday.

Heros of the Stupid

In the spirit of Halloween... Our dumbest "Trick or Treaters" story for you via CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/29/iowa.marker.disguise/index.html

Some Cardinals News

Smoltz and the Cardinals have expressed mutual interest — and reiterated it privately, sources said — in having the veteran and almost-certain Hall of Famer return as a potential fourth starter.

Mark DeRosa, the Cardinals' starting third baseman at the end of this season, had surgery Monday to repair a completely torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. DeRosa's agent said the veteran will be cleared for baseball activities in time for spring training.

DeRosa, 34, injured the wrist on June 30, taking a swing against Randy Johnson. He returned 18 days later and played the rest of the season with the injury.

Before hitting .385 in the playoffs, he struggled, batting .200 in the final month of the regular season.

A free agent this winter, DeRosa will spend five to six weeks in a cast, and his offseason workouts will be curtailed for rehab, his agent Keith Grunewald said.

The Cardinals and DeRosa had discussed his return before tabling conversations until after the season.

Pedro Is Full Of Crap!

Rays senior adviser Don Zimmer said Pedro Martinez is the one who is wrong this time, disputing the version Martinez shared Wednesday of their 2003 ALCS Fenway Park throwdown. The Phillies' Game 2 starter said when Zimmer, then a Yankees coach, charged at him, he expected a lecture. Instead, Martinez, saying this is the first time he has discussed what really happened, claimed the then 72-year-old "was trying to punch my mouth and told me a couple of bad words about my mom." Speaking from his Seminole home, Zimmer said that was definitely not the case. "Pedro is full of crap," Zimmer said

Ravishing Relic of the Week 2

NY Yankees 0
Phillies 1

Phillies won today 6-1.

State of the System: Cleveland Indians

Quick Look

The Indians' 2009 season was not pretty. On top of a tied-for-last finish, a managerial firing, and an overall lack of cohesiveness, they traded ace Cliff Lee and slugger Victor Martinez. The bright side is that Cleveland's supply of young talent is rapidly growing.

Top Prospects

Carlos Santana, c

Age: 23 Level: Double-A-MLB

Santana was the gem of the 2008 Casey Blake deal with the Dodgers. A former outfielder, he brings some athleticism behind the plate (despite a bulky 5-11, 190+ lb. frame). He also has a strong arm, although Santana is still refining his blocking and receiving skills, and defense will never be his calling card. The Dominican native will be known for his bat, though, as the switch-hitter draws a good share of walks, projects for 20+ homers, and hits for a solid average. Santana is one of the top catching prospects in baseball, and will be very similar (down to the stance) to the player he'll permanently replace, Victor Martinez .

Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B

Age: 21 Level: Double-A-Triple-A

Chisenhall recovered from grand larceny charges and dismissal from the South Carolina baseball team in 2007 to become a 2008 1st-round pick. The 6-1, 200-pounder shifted from shortstop to third base in High A this year, showing the offensive skills to profile as a regular there. Chisenhall, who batted .276/.346/.492 before struggling after a promotion, has a level swing that he repeats well. His hand-eye coordination, pitch recognition skills, and strength portend average, if not above-average, power to go along with his. Chisenhall has modest athleticism and unspectacular defensive skills, but he works hard enough to be a solid defender at the hot corner. He has seemed to learn from his legal issues.

Hector Rondon, rhp

Age: 21 Level: Triple-A-MLB

Rondon has steadily climbed through the system, finishing 2009 with a solid initial stint in Triple-A. The wiry Venezuelan has a dominating low-90s fastball, which touches 94-96 mph and has late life. Rondon places his heater with precision, and has the confidence to challenge hitters with the pitch. His secondary pitches leave something to be desired, but he has worked hard to bring them up to snuff. Rondon's mid-80s slider is inconsistent, and his changeup shows flashes, but is usually too firm. He is on the verge of helping the big league club.

Nick Hagadone, lhp

Age: 23 Level: High A-Triple-A

Hagadone, a product of the Martinez deal, was a supplemental-rounder for the Red Sox in 2007. Tommy John surgery knocked him out for a year, but he returned this summer and should be ready to throw a full season in 2010. Though he'll be 24 and his command needs refinement, I like Hagadone's huge arm. Aside from a 92-97 mph fastball and a plus, power slider, Hagadone has made strides with a changeup that could allow him to be a starter.

Alex White, rhp

Age: 22 Level: none

The North Carolina ace was popped in the middle of the first round this year. His backers see a durable, competitive, athletic hurler with a 91-94 mph fastball that peaks at 96, not to mention a slider and splitter both capable of getting outs. Detractors point to his inconsistency, nagging injuries, unorthodox delivery, and occasional regression of his secondary offerings. Either way, White shouldn't take too long to trek through the minors. He'll be much more valuable if Cleveland decides to develop him as a starter.

Nick Weglarz, of

Age: 22 Level: Double-A-Triple-A

Weglarz struggled through the first half of 2009, but recovered to put up respectable numbers for a 21-year-old in Double-A (75-78 BB-K ratio and .808 OPS). An enormous (6-3, 245) Canadian drafted in 2005, Weglarz is too massive and sloth-like to play the outfield long-term, though he could stick in left for a couple more years. His value lies in his bat. Weglarz takes an exorbitant amount of walks (15.5 career BB%) and has outstanding lefthanded power. His contact skills are poor, but Weglarz could easily be a mashing DH.

Carlos Carrasco, rhp

Age: 22 Level: MLB

Carrasco has been a prospect seemingly forever. Back in 2006, he decimated the South Atlantic League on the strength of a lethal fastball-changeup combo, making himself one of the better righthanded pitching prospects in the game in the process. The durable Venezuelan, who came over from the Phillies in the Lee trade, posted an unsightly 8.87 ERA and 11-11 K-BB ratio in the majors this year, displaying how erratic and frustrating he can be despite his stuff. Carrasco's 92-96 mph fastball, plus changeup, and hard curveball mark him as a future ace, but he needs to greatly improve his command, lose the "soft" label, boost his self-confidence, and become more consistent.

Jess Todd, rhp

Age: 23 Level: MLB

Another recent trade acquisition, Todd was a piece in the Mark DeRosa trade. The former Arkansas Razorback has a squat build (5-11, 210) and funky pitching motion, but it seems to work for him. Looking past his uneven MLB debut this year, he's been particularly effective since his move to the bullpen. Todd features a 92-93 mph fastball with good sink, a nasty slider, and a cutter. His delivery does serve to make him deceptive, and Todd will return to the Indians' bullpen next year.

Lou Marson, c

Age: 23 Level: MLB

The Scottsdale native, who was a part of the Lee deal, definitely lacks the "wow" factor. His defense is average, his arm is fringy, and he socked a whopping 2 home runs this year. Marson is steady in all facets of the game, though, explaining why he's in contention for a major league roster spot. He compensates for his arm with accuracy and a quick transfer, he makes consistent contact at the plate, and he has superb plate discipline. Nonetheless, Marson has only once during his six-year career posted an OPS above .780. He hits too many groundballs to project as much of an offensive threat. Developing at least enough power to keep pitchers honest will be the key to Marson becoming a starting backstop instead of a backup.

Michael Brantley, of

Age: 22 Level: MLB

Brantley has uncanny bat control and a sound batting eye. He has incredibly amassed more walks than strikeouts at every rung of the minors, and he projects as a .300 hitter to boot. Brantley also has plus speed and is a weapon on the basepaths, although his wheels do not translate as well in the field because he takes suspect routes to the ball. That, along with a below-average arm, makes Brantley a fringy center fielder or relegates him to left. It's doubtful he will ever grow into enough juice to become a star there. Like Marson, he will have to make pitchers respect him, which 12 HRs in 2200+ career PAs does not help. Brantley still should be a quality outfielder.

Jason Knapp, rhp

Age: 19 Level: Low A-High A

Knapp has the highest ceiling, and also the biggest bust potential, of the players acquired in the Cliff Lee trade. The New Jersey native's fastball comfortably resides in the low- to mid-90s and tops out at 98 mph. His hard breaking ball gives batters another look. However intimidating, though, Knapp is very raw and shows the flaws of a typical young pitcher. (He is wild and lacks a third trusty offering.) Most troublesome, Knapp has a violent delivery and awkard arm action, perhaps explaining his shoulder woes this year. He probably fits better as a two-pitch back-of-the-bullpen force. Knapp is electric, but he has a lot to prove before I jump on the bandwagon.

Others: RHP Alex Perez; OF Jason Kipnis; LHPs T.J. House, Kelvin de la Cruz, and Scott Barnes

Impact Talent: B+

Farm System Depth: A-

2010 Breakout Prospect

Jordan Henry, of

Age: 21 Level: Short-Season-High A

Henry, Cleveland's 7th-rounder this year, has blazing speed and is a good defensive outfielder. The former Ole Miss star also controls the strike zone superbly and picks his spots well on the basepaths. The only thing missing is power; despite a 6-1 frame, Henry is rail-thin and didn't homer all year (over more than 100 games). If that trend continues, pitchers will just knock the bat out of his hands in the future. Henry has the room to add 30 pounds, and if he can keep pitchers honest, he'll be a major weapon. I think he'll thrive next year, most likely at High A Kinston.

Trading Rowand Might Be An Option

MLBTradeRumors.com posted and interesting piece today regarding the different players around baseball that are being vastly overpaid. After looking at the list, it makes me feel a little bit better about the Rowand, Renteria and Zito contract disasters, and it also got me thinking of how to possibly get one of these guys, most likely Rowand, off the Giants hands.

Now, this is mostly just speculation on my part, and since there really hasn't been anything to report on for the Giants over the last 2 weeks, I figured why not start some trade speculation. If the Giants have any hope of getting some of the dead weight like Aaron Rowand or Edgar Renteria off their roster, it would likely be in a deal in which they'd have to bring back some other teams' overpaid player in what basically amounts to a swap of bad contracts. Right away, when looking at the list of baseballs most overpaid players, the one name that I was surprised to see on there was Alex Rios. The 28 year-old outfielder was the guy that Brian Sabean and co. were considering dealing away either Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain for in the winter of 2007, but eventually passed. Rios went over to Chicago after the deadline this season, and played terribly. He hit just .199 with 3 home runs, 9 RBI and 26 k's in 146 at-bats with Chicago. The White Sox are also the team that brought up Aaron Rowand, and were supposedly interested in him when he was a free agent 2 years ago before the Giants swooped him up. Rios is due to earn 60 million over the next 5 seasons and Rowand is on the hook for 3 more years and $36 million. I also look at the White Sox need for second base while the Giants have Freddy Sanchez for another year, and I think he's expendable to them.

I have no idea if the White Sox would still have interest in Rowand after his 2 sub-par years in San Francisco though, and I'm not sure they're looking to trade Rios so soon after acquiring him as they may want to give him a full year in Chicago before assessing his performance. I just think that a Rowand and Sanchez for Rios deal would make some sense for both parties. The Sox would get a veteran center-fielder who they're familiar with and who's had success in Chicago in the past while also saving themselves upwards of 25 million dollars. They'd also get a second basemen who's been an all-star and a .300 hitter for much of his career in Freddy Sanchez. The Giants, I'm sure, would like to get Rios because they still see the upside he has and a move to a new league could be a nice change for him. In a way, he's almost seemed to digress over the last couple of seasons and I can't help but think that a move to a new league would give him a fresh start. I also look back to the summer of 2007 when Rios player here with the AL all-star team and put on a ridiculous showing in the home derby, repeatably hitting balls deep into the left field bleachers and up near the giant coke bottle that sits 505 feet away from home plate at AT&T Park. Again, this probably won't even be discusses between the two teams, but if they did, they'd probably see a little bit of logic in that deal.

WORLD SERIES: Major League Baseball's Fall Classic takes kicks off tonight, with CC Sabathia squaring off with former mentor, Cliff Lee. I'm always stoked to watch the World Series, regardless of the match-up, but I really think the Phills and Yanks are about to give the world one heckuva battle. Both of these teams have the big offense, and both have their pitching staffs working at close to full health. I just really like the momentum that the Yankees have going for them right now, and I think they'll end up being too much to handle for the reigning world champs. The Yankees are running a 3-man rotation with Sabathia, Burnett and Pettite, who are all throwing very well in this postseason. I think Sabathia and Pettite could pose match-up issues vs. the Phills trio of Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley which could give them the slight edge in an otherwise tightly matched world series. I'm a National League guy, so naturally I'll be pulling for the Phillies here, but if I were to bet, I'd say the Yanks take it in 7.

Thank You Followers!

I just wanted to take a minute and say, "thanks" to my followers. Good to see hobby enthusiasts on the web and how we can share some laughter in the hobby and yet still cry when we're getting jipped by them!

I see some of you are from Canada and that is just awesome in my opinion. I love Alberta and Ontario to which I have been there a few times (Edmonton, Tofield, and Toronto to name a few places).

The Things I miss about Canada:
1. West Ed Mall
2. Tim Horton Donuts
3. Manners- People are more polite up there as compared to down here.
4. Seeing daylight in the summer at 11pm.
5. Decent paved roads!
6. Moose!

Ravishing Relic of the Week

In honor of the World Series this week, I present to you some relic cards of players who may or may not be a star in the 2009 MLB WORLD SERIES.

Three Questions with Charlie James

There has been many professional baseball players that developed their talents here in the backyards of St.Louis. Many include Yogi Berra, Mark Buerhle, Jerry Reuss, and Dick Williams. These are just a few players that come to my mind that has made an impact in MLB and their hometown of St.Louis. Another name that also comes to mind is Charlie James. A product of Webster Groves High School that excelled in Baseball and Football eventually found himself the star Halfback for the Mizzou Tigers in 1958. Soon after Charlie was drafted by the St.Louis Cardinals. In 1960 he was brought up to the big league to play the outfield with Stan Musial until he retired.
Here are some fun facts about Charlie James:
-Jumped straight to AA upon signing, earning Texas League Rookie of the Year honors at age twenty when he hit .278 with 66 extra-base hits (36 doubles, 11 triples, 19 home runs) for the Houston Buffaloes.
-Was even better at AAA Rochester in 1959, hitting .300 with 63 extra-base hits (32 2B, 13 3B, 18 HR) for the Red Wings.
-Did better with more regular playing time the following year: .255, 19 doubles, 44 RBI in 108 games. He also helped the Redbirds tie a dubious record as one of three pinch hitters to strike out in an inning. It came in the ninth inning of a May 10 contest vs. the Reds, and Bill Henry was the Cincinnati reliever who nailed down the 3-2 victory. A fourth pinch hitter, Gene Oliver, walked during that inning.
 -Hit two home runs each off of a pair of very good pitchers: Harvey Haddix and Sandy Koufax.
 -Charlie is also my first cousin on my mom's side

I was able to do a quick online interview with Charlie recently. So I hope you all enjoy Three Questions with Charlie James......

McBrayer: Can you tell us a little about how you handle the fans and success you had as a Cardinal in the early 1960's

Charlie James: I never had any problem with the fans.They were always good to me.It is hard to get the "big head" in baseball because even though you get 3-4 hits one day you may not get any the next.Even your .300 hitters fail 7 out of 10 times.

McBrayer: What made you decide to leave Mizzou Football for Major League Baseball?

Charlie James:  During my Jr.year at Mizzou I received a severe thigh injury in fall football practice-had to be in the hospital for about 2-weeks.So,I figured if I was going to give baseball a shot I better do it soon or I may really get hurt seriously and not be able to pursue baseball.

McBrayer: What are you thoughts and concerns for the Cardinals during this off season?

Charlie James: The Cardinals need to find a very good left handed starter and maybe

a left handed reliever as well.It would be nice to get Holliday signed for some Pujols backup. Otherwise we are good to go.

 

McBrayer: Thank you Charlie for taking time out to chat with me.

Chicken Scratch of the Day

Gordan Beckham was promoted to the Chicago White Sox less than a year after being drafted from the University of Georgia. He hit .270 with 28 doubles, 14 Home runs and 63 RBIs in 103 games. On October 20, 2009, Beckham was named the Sporting News' 2009 American League rookie of the year, as selected by a panel of 338 major league players, 22 managers and 31 general managers and assistant general managers. On October 26, 2009 Beckham was voted the American League Rookie of the Year by the MLBPA, which is voted on in September by every player on a major league roster.

His autograph seems to be very consistent when compared to other signatures he's done. His signature has a right slant to it indicating a response to communication or pays attention. His first letters in his first and last name indicate that the "G" and "B" are tall upper strokes which can show that he's reaching towards goals and ambitions. The rest of his letters are signified by just a loop. Overall at least it's presentable and not leaving you to think, "who signed this card?"

GOD....TOPPS SUCKS

This is freaking RIDICULOUS! I'll have Grandchildren before this stuff ever gets sent out. No more Topps for me after this fiasco.


FBBS2SZSKY Baseball 2009 Topps Finest Dexter Fowler AU Rookie Letter Patch 05/07/2009 Pending

FBBQ1MCEVB Baseball 2009 Topps Finest Dexter Fowler AU Rookie Letter Patch 05/07/2009 Pending

FBBA3XJZ6X Baseball 2009 Topps Finest MLB Rookie #10 Red Refractor 05/07/2009 Pending

FBB7H5GNR2 Baseball 2009 Topps Finest MLB Rookie #10 05/07/2009 Pending

FBBMY2ZNC6 Baseball 2009 Topps Finest MLB Rookie #2 05/07/2009 Pending

FBBV1LW7TH Baseball 2009 Topps Finest MLB Rookie #2 05/07/2009 Pending

TBB3JLB99U Baseball 2009 Topps Series 2 Red Hot Rookie #8 06/19/2009 Pending

Topps for Sale ?

There could be an advertisement of a business for sale here in pa in the near future:

Topps for sale
Duryea, PA. Offices
Cheap building, cheap and used supplies, cheap customer service equipment and phones (some work some don't- as is), lots of overstock from 2010-2014, Mass quantity of stickers available, Tons of potential redemption cards available for use, must L@@K to appreciate book value of items available, Jersey swatches- enough to make patch blankets with or even patch snuggies, over 5 million 1/1 printing plates available just from 2010 Milestones and Moments alone- MOJO!!! Over 5,000 Brad Hand signatures exclusive-one on card and the rest are stickered onto the card. ATTN STAR WARS FANS- Princess Leia fans- pieces of her Tatooine bikini are available as it was to be cut up for a upcoming Star Wars Babes and Sabers set.

Auction listing is exclusive and items are available only to BECKETT.com

Panini Customer service PART Deux aka PT 2

This is the result of the excellent Customer Service from Panini. Thanks so much!

Eli Manning.... ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

Manning 2009 1st 5 gms
Comp pct 64.4
Yards/gm 242.4
TD-Int 10-2
Passer rtg 111.7

Manning 2009 Last 2 gms
Comp pct 48.5
Yards/gm 210.5
TD-Int 2-4
Passer rtg 53.6

ELI.... INT's will not help us any.

Jeff Feagles did not do his best punting in this game at all.

The Cardinals used a hybrid 3-4 defense that kept disrupting the Offense and forcing Manning to throw quicker than he had to and not getting a good setup. The Cardinals defense just kept alternating blitzes of 5 man rushes and sending multiple extra defenders into the coverage areas. The Cardinals are team you cannot take lightly anymore.

Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith...Amazing grabs but do a little better getting the separation from the cornerbacks.

Brandon Jacobs found the endzone today. Glad to see he remembered what it looked like. Now if he could just find it a little bit more often that would be a big plus.

Bradshaw did not have a good game at all and fumbled.

The Giants are not playing with urgency.

The Eagles are next week.

Breaking News...........

The Cardinals will announce at a Monday morning press conference Tony La Russa’s decision to return for a 15th season as manager. Today’s run-up, however, features mounting evidence that La Russa’s return after a 2-week deliberation will be dwarfed by former Redbirds first baseman Mark McGwire’s return from a self-imposed 8-year exile to become the team’s hitting coach.The Club had also notified Hal McRae on Friday that they will not renew his contract, per Post Dispatch.
Multiple sources, including McRae’s son Brian, have confirmed McRae’s ouster following a five-year term as hitting coach. Now get this......
A club source confirmed a plan to bring back McGwire but cautioned that a formal announcement could wait until after Monday’s press conference. McGwire is believed to still be negotiating a deal that would put him back in uniform for the first time since he abruptly retired after the 2001 season due to chronic injuries.
Now this makes me wonder if Holliday would want to stay a Cardinal if McGwire is now the batting coach?

Sanchez and Garko Must Be Better In '10

The majority of the Giants' fan-core have been very open about there displeasure for Brian Sabean's trades from this last summer. Sabean sent two of the teams top-5 pitching prospects (#2 Tim Alderson and #5 Scott Barnes) away in separate trades for Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Garko, and their first 2 months in the orange and black couldn't have gone much worse for them.

For Freddy Sanchez, it was a problem for him to stay on the field. He played in just 25 of the 67 games that took place while he was on the Giants roster, and when he did play, he clearly was affected by his back. His numbers took a big time plummet after the trade, but I think it's more so the injury issues with Sanchez that have people frustrated. He's a good hitter when he's on and healthy, but he just couldn't stay on the field after coming over from Pittsburgh. He sported just a .295 OBP and a .619 OPS while with the Giants, and wasn't much of a run producer either, hitting just 1 homer, driving in 7 and scoring only 11 runs while hitting at the top of the Giants lineup. When taking a look at his career, if you take away 2006 and 2007's career years for Sanchez, he's really been mediocre. The Giants dealt for him based on his 2009 performance at that point, and I think Sabean felt comfortable dealing Alderson because he knew Sanchez wouldn't just be a rent-a-player. Because of that, I don't think the Giants will seriously consider declining their $8.5 million option on him. Since that's the case, all we can do is hope he gets right next year and hits over .300 with 40+ doubles and 75+ RBI, cause he's being paid to put up those kinds of numbers, and hopefully still has that potential.

Garko's a different story. Sure his failure in the NL can be partly attributed to learning the new league, but his performance in SF was borderline disastrous and only seemed to get worse as the season wore on. So bad in fact, that Bruce Bochy went back to Travis Ishikawa, the guy Garko was supposed to take over for, for much of the final month of the year when the Giants were making their run at that Wild Card. Garko also made some pretty ugly mistakes in the field too. If you take away one big game in Colorado in which he hit 2 hr's and drove in 4 runs, his numbers would be as follows: .235 avg, 0 hr, 8 RBI, .299 OBP and a .597 OPS in his 40 games with the Giants. Pretty disappointing that the only 2 home runs the so-called power-hitting first basemen hit in 40 games with his new team came in the most offensive friendly yard in baseball. I'm not trying to rip these guys apart, just stating the facts as to how their time in a Giants uniform went last season. These guys were dealt for to help the Giants with their pursuit of a playoff birth and they did nothing to help that cause. All this being said, these guys are Giants now and will be next season, so all we can do is hope they can turn things around, cause they have the potential too. Garko has 25 hr, 90 RBI potential, even as a platooner as he showed in Cleveland. He can be a valuable player, and the Giants are going to need to see that out of him next year.

Arizona Fall League: One of Baseball's Best-Kept Secrets

Though it doesn't captivate the mainstream audience, it's tough for any fan who follows prospects to ignore the Arizona Fall League. It's an under-the-radar, easily accessible venue for prospects, and it's chock-full of the best in the minors each year. Baseball America's latest Scout's Diary puts it perfectly; I encourage you to read it. A quick summation: "Why do fans flock to spring training games, paying top dollar for tickets, hotel rooms and flights, when they can visit the same warm city and the same ballparks in the fall for much less money and hassle and see many of the same great, young players?" I wonder the same thing.

ESPN's Keith Law shares a similar sentiment: "You'll be one of maybe 100 fans at a day game, and maybe 300-400 at a typical night game. In any one game you'll see at least a half-dozen guys who project as above-average major leaguers or more. Getting around is easy. Unlike spring training you can duck out of an AFL stadium after BP, grab a bite to eat, and be back for first pitch".

I persuaded my sister to check out a game, what with me being 1,400 miles away from the action, and she did not disappoint. Here are dozens of great shots from the October 17th Peoria-Mesa matchup. Braves OF Jason Heyward and Marlins OF Mike Stanton were the top two attractions, but there were many other excellent prospects on the rosters. Unfortunately, Cubs SS Starlin Castro, Red Sox SS Jose Iglesias, Reds RHP Mike Leake, Braves LHP Mike Minor, and others did not appear in this game.

Mesa's home stadium is HoHoKam Park, the spring training site of the Cubs

Heyward is the top prospect in baseball for me

The 20-year-old is polishing his game in Arizona

He'll be in Atlanta next year

Heyward drew a walk and stole a base this game

I don't think it's possible to go overboard on pictures when a future superstar is inches away

Mike Stanton and his 80 raw power get loose on deck

Cubs 3B Josh Vitters and Twins OF Rene Tosoni are behind Stanton

A fearsome sight for minor league hurlers: Mike Stanton strolling to the plate

Stanton takes a vicious hack

Stanton launched a homer this game that left the entire stadium--reportedly over 430 feet

Boston's Casey Kelly, better known for his pitching exploits, is playing shortstop in the AFL

Kelly is a pretty good infield prospect, but he will realize his future is on the mound soon

Yonder Alonso, the #1 prospect for the Reds

Craig Kimbrel, an electric Braves righty who finished second in MiLB K/9 this season

Canadian slugger Nick Weglarz, of the Indians

Marlins OF Bryan Petersen (#2) is putting his name on the map in the AFL

Padres C Mitch Canham, the O-State Balla himself

The scouts' section

Only a smattering of fans are seeing tomorrow's stars

Blue Jays 1B David Cooper and Padres OF Cedric Hunter, both of whom saw their stock drop in 2009

Indians infielder Carlos Rivero

And lastly, it's a little off-topic, but it's never too early to start getting ready for the next college baseball season. BA's list of top recruiting classes was released a few days ago, with Florida, Stanford, and Arizona State grabbing the top three spots. Check out the full list here.