Brandon Phillips

Who: Second Baseman Brandon Phillips

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/17/2010 (22 days)

Comments: Brandon's another great signer on the Reds roster. I've been wanting to get this one signed for the 2009 Topps Heritage Reds set, but every-time I had an autograph opportunity with Brandon, I didn't have it with me! Nice to get it through the mail this spring.

Matt Maloney

Who: Pitcher Matt Maloney

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/22/2010 (26 Days)

Comments: Matt is a solid, young left-handed pitcher for the Reds. He was in contention for the fifth starter spot this spring training, but looks like he's a long shot at this point. It's been a hotly contested position between him, 2009 Reds first round pick Mike Leake, Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman. He may be out of the running at this point, but I have no doubt we'll see him up with the big league club during the 2010 season - it's great to have a left handed starter in the mix.

Matt's a great TTM signer, just like a lot of the Reds. They take care of their fans!

Jonny Gomes

Who: Outfielder Jonny Gomes

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/4/2010 (9 days)

Comments: The second of two cards that Jonny signed for me through the mail during spring training. The other was a sweet little Topps 206.

Jeremy Guthrie

Who: Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie

Team: Baltimore Orioles

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/10/2010 (14 days)

Comments: This the second of two cards that Jeremy signed for me. The other is a Goudey as well. This one came out particularly nice with the black marker on bright, contrasting colors. Like the other one, this card took a little beat of a beating during it's visit with the USPS. No matter though, great return for the collection.

Justin Masterson

Who: Pitcher Justin Masteron

Team: Boston Red Sox

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 1/1 ()

Comments: Justin gave me such a great lookin' autograph last season, I had to write him again. Boy, did he come though, too. No longer with the Sox, Justin is throwin' for the Indians. Maybe I'll get to see him pitch against the Reds this season at GABP during inter-league play.

Phil 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Drew Stubbs

Who: Outfielder Drew Stubbs

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Redsfest

Acquired: TTM 1/1 2/25/2010 (12 days)

Comments: The Reds have quite a few great TTM signers on the team. Drew is right there with the best of them. I've missed him at Redsfest the past two years, but he's hooked me up TTM twice now - very cool.

This is a Topps promo card from Redsfest 2009. They gave cards of a few featured Reds away at various tables around the convention. It was nice to send Drew a card with him in a Reds uni. Of course, right about the time that I got this back, I picked up a pretty sweet 2010 Topps Heritage card of him that would be perfect for a signature. Maybe later this year we can take care of that.

Jonny Gomes

Who: Outfielder Jonny Gomes

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps 206

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/4/2010 (9 days)

Comments: What a great signer! Jonny hooked me up last season as well. Nice to get him on a Reds card this time around. I'm excited to see him in left field this season for the Reds. The guy brings a ton of energy to the ballpark everyday and he's the dude you want to have on your side in a bench-clearing brawl.

Micah Owings

Who: Pitcher Micah Owings

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps 206

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/4/2010 (19 days)

Comments: Micah was another one of my first returns from spring training mailings. He always goes out of his way to add a little extra personalization to the request and this time even had a little hand-written note suggesting I check out his performance pledge on his website. Pretty cool he takes a little time to do those things for fans.

Aaron Harang

Who: Pitcher Aaron Harang

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 2/25/2010 (12 days)

Comments: Aaron has one of the best signatures in the game. Always great to get a TTM return from him. He signed one for me last year, and I sent to him again this year and he was one of the first returns I got from spring training.

I'm hoping Aaron has a great season in 2010. He's had a pair of rough years and comes into this season looking to bust out again. He's already been named the Opening Day stater for the Reds, so management thinks he's still got it. I do too.

I sent out ~50 requests this spring training. Doing pretty well so far on returns. I sent to a lot of guys that sign regularly and only took a few chances here and there. Always fun to get stuff back in the mail. More TTM posts coming soon.

John Danks

Who: Pitcher John Danks

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Coming...

Bob Miller

Who: Reds Assistant General Manager Bob Miller

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage Reds Team Card

Acquired: In Person, Reds Caravan 2010

Comments: Ha, this is great. Amongst the fellas signing at a Reds Caravan was the Reds VP of Baseball Operations and Assistant General Manager Bob Miller. What better card to have him sign than the Reds team card. I already have Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty on one, so might as well get the whole staff. Ha! Awesome.

I love how he stayed away from the team and signed up in the corner. He had a good laugh about it when he signed it. I wonder if he has ever signed any of these? ZOMG - it's a 1/1!!!! haha

Juan Pierre

Who: Outfielder Juan Pierre

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Card: 2009 Topps 206

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: This is the second card that Juan signed for me at Soxfest. The White Sox were pretty strict on "one per person" (I don't mind at all) so I was able to get this autograph on a different day than the first. Upon seeing this card, Juan mentioned that he hadn't see this one before. Kinda cool, I guess.

This is the first 2009 Topps 206 that I've had signed. They handle themselves pretty well for autographs.

Jake Peavy

Who: Pitcher Jake Peavy

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Wow, what a score here. I was pretty jacked to get Jake's autograph at Soxfest. He couldn't have been any nicer with the fans too. It was the first autograph line of the day for us on that Saturday - a great way to start out.

Before Soxfest I was pretty torn on what card to get signed by Jake. I really did getting the '08 Goudey set signed, and Jake has a card in there. But, that card has him with a big glove right on the "sweet spot" for a signature. This card was utterly perfect for an autograph, so it won out. Jake has a pretty unique signature - glad to have it in the collection.

Juan Rivera

Who: Pitcher Juan Rivera

Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Card: 2009 Topps 206

Acquired: Pack Pulled

Comments: This is the other certified autographed I pulled from a hobby box of Topps 206. Not a bad pull at all. Juan had a pretty good year for the Angels in 2009, posting career highs in nearly all categories. The sticker on a full-sized card is not my favorite style of autographed card to pull, but two autos in a box (the other was this Micheal Bowden) along with silk card (Roy Campenalla) and relic card (Ryan Braun - Mil) is nothing to stick your nose up at.

Ramon Hernandez

Who: Catcher Ramon Hernandez

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Ramon was kind enough to sign two cards for me at Redsfest. I actually shot a '09 Heritage to him during the season in hopes of getting him TTM. The card has yet to make it's way back to me, so I'm glad I was able to have him sign it in person.

Right when I got up to him in line he ended up having to take a quick phone call. He rattled off some Spanish to the person on the other end of the line and made it pretty quick. He apologized to me and was pretty nice about it.

It seems that having Ramon as one of our catchers really helped in landing lauded Cuban prospect Aroldis Chapman. Having a handful of important folks on the team that speak Spanish was big for Chapman according to what he said in his initial press conference. Right on!

As for the card... Normally I would be kinda "eh" about massive airbrushing on a card. But in this case, I think that it helps the card a lot. At times the photo filtering on other heritage cards, aka "Heritagizing™" flakes out big-time. Since there was some artwork done to change Hernandez' hat and uni, it softens the look and actually gives the card some appeal that other don't have. That's just me, though. I'm sure others would disagree. One thing though: the "C" on his cap is a bit over-sized.

Michael Bowden

Who: Pitcher Michael Bowden

Team: Boston Red Sox

Card: 2009 Topps 206

Acquired: Pack Pulled

Comments: While Michael Bowden has even played in the bigs yet, I was kinda excited to pull this autographed card out of a hobby box of Topps 206 that I was given for Christmas. It's just a great looking card. I'm totally a sucker for the framed mini card hits that come in sets like this, Allen & Ginter and Mayo.

In doing a little research on Michael's career, I see that he looks to be in the mix for a bullpen spot with the Red Sox in 2010.

Mike Lincoln

Who: Pitcher Mike Lincoln

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Mike's becoming a nice, solid part of the Reds' bullpen. Nice to get an autograph from him at Redsfest.

Brandon Phillips

Who: Second Baseman Brandon Phillips

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Got really lucky on this one at Redsfest. I was hoping to get a 2009 Topps Heritage signed, but pretty much wrote-off getting into a BP line. I ended up giving my Heritage card to my 3-year-old nephew so he could get it signed in a kids-only line. I'm glad I always bring some extra cards and had this '09 Topps to get signed. Great photo on this one - love the gum bubble.

Ramon Hernandez

Who: Catcher Ramon Hernandez

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Ramon Hernandez is a favorite around my household. Why? Because my 3-year-old nephew calls him "Home Bananas". Totally awesome.

Dusty Baker

Who: Manager Dusty Baker

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest '09

Comments: I really like this Dusty card. If a manager is going to have a place in a set of baseball cards, it should always be as good as this. The design from the '60 Topps set is classic and still holds up well today. The pennant motif at the top with the vintage Mr. Redlegs is totally boss. The other subtle thing you get with this card is Dusty's signature look... the hug wristbands. While you might argue that an "action" shot would be better, Dusty's upright stance just seems classically managerial. Plus, it was just begging for an autograph - which Dusty helped me with during Redsfest 2009. While some may point out flaws in managing style and decisions, you can say that he isn't one of the nicest guys in baseball. He's always great with the fans.

Walt Jocketty

Who: General Manager Walt Jocketty

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: I figure if I'm going to try and get the entire 2009 Reds Topps Heritage team set signed one day, I need to get this card signed too. Who better to sign it than the General Manager of the club, Walt Jocketty?

Funny story as to how it got signed. I was in an autograph line for some former Reds from the '90 team (Braggs, Winningham and Tracy Jones) and Walt Jocketty was signing at the same time in the line next to us. As you can imagine, Walt's line was not terribly busy. Right before he was about to leave, I handed this card to a friend that was in the line next to us waiting for the next autograph session - the one after Walt's. My friend handed it to someone closer to Walt, and he got it signed. Too cool. I was able to get this card signed while in line for other folks.

For a team card, it's a great looking piece of cardboard. Nice to get it meaningfully singed and great to have a little story with it too. If Dusty Baker didn't have a card in this set, I would have had him sign it, but Walt adds something fun to the mix, even if he's not pictured on the card.

Chris Dickerson

Who: Outfielder Chris Dickerson

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, 2009 Redsfest

Comments: Chris is really one of my favorite Reds. He's a madman out in the field, diving all the time for fly balls, and was a decent lead-off hitter this past season when Willy Taveras didn't work out so well. Also, Chris seems like a hella-nice guy. Also having a good time and really nice with fans, he really seems to enjoy the whole ballplayer thing. You gotta like that. Plus, look at that autograph... that's a great signature, especially considering what some of today's ballplayer scribble down. Chris must take pride in his autograph.

Nick Masset

Who: Pitcher Nick Masset

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Coming...

Bronson Arroyo

Who: Pitcher Bronson Arroyo

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Bronson is one of the few guys on the current Reds squad that I had yet to get an autograph from. Despite being with the Reds the past four years, the opportunity just hasn't come up, and I've missed him at past Redsfest. So, nice to add him to the collection. Not the best signature, but whatevs, we'll take it.

I'm really diggin' the 1960 inspired 2009 Topps Heritage. I'm going to try and get most of the Reds in this set to sign their cards. I got a good jump on it during Redsfest 2009.

Jay Bruce

Who: Outfielder Jay Bruce

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Two words: JAY BRUCE.

Nice. Really nice one to get. These Goudeys are great for the signatures. I've got a nice little Reds set going with BP, Volton, and Votto.

James Laurinaitis

Who: Linebacker James Laurinaitis

Team: Ohio State Buckeyes

Card: 2009 Topps Magic

Acquired: TTM 1/1 12/5/09 (14 Days)

Comments: Former Ohio State Buckeye linebacker James Laurinaitis signed this Topps Magic card for me via the mail with a turn-around time of just 14 days. Ohio State has always been my big college team, even though I'm not rabid. Laurinaitis was really fun to watch when he was playing for the Buckeyes. It looks like he's having a pretty good season for the Rams, though the Rams overall are not have the best of years.

This is the second 2009 Topps Magic card I have had autographed. The other I have signed is from Chase Coffman of the Bengals. It's a great set to get signed. Love the vintage re-dos.

Chase Coffman

Who: Tight End Chase Coffman

Team: Missouri Tigers

Card: 2009 Topps Magic

Acquired: TTM 1/1 11/28/2009 (7 Days)

Comments: Coming...

Will Venable

Who: Will Venable

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 2009 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 1/1 11/12/2009 (209 Days)

Comments: Very cool to get this return back from the Padres rising star, Will Venable. Reds fan are familiar with his father, Max.

While I'm pretty happy with the return, I was slightly bummed he didn't sign the card that I sent - a 2009 Topps Heritage "Rookie Stars" card. Those have a pretty sweet design. I guess he thought it was pretty cool as well and added it to his collection. That's cool with me.

I sent my request to Will care of the Portland Beavers since Will broke spring training with them. He promoted to the Padres not too long after and stuck for the rest of the season.

Casey Kotchman

Who: First Baseman Casey Kotchman

Team: Atlanta Braves

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 2/2 10/17/2009 (88 days)

Comments: Though pictured as a Brave in this *fantastic* spring training photo, Casey ended up finishing his season with the Boston Red Sox. He was traded for Adam LaRoche at the trade deadline and ended up anchoring first base for the rest of the season and ended up sniffing the playoffs for a bit.

I really dig the '09 Topps Heritage set, but horray for me - I sent the card with the darkest damn photo, ever. Casey did it up regardless, and that's killer. The other card he signed came out swell though... stay tuned for that one.

Guy Lafleur

Who: Right Winger Guy Lafleur

Team: Quebec Nordiques

Card: 1991 Pro Set All Star

Acquired: TTM 4/4 8/12/2009 (21 days)

Comments: Alrighty, this is the last of four Guy Lafleur cards that have been signed. This ProSet card features Guy playing in his last All-Star game - which directly correlates with me started to collect hockey cards when I was a kid. I'm positive I pulled this card out of a pack way back then.

Darnell McDonald

Who: Darnell McDonald

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: TTM 1/1 10/2/2009 (31 days)

Comments: After being pretty much a career minor league player with the Orioles and the Twins, Darnell shocked the Redleg Nation when he made the 2009 Opening Day roster. It didn't last terribly long... Darnell was eventually designated for assignment. He took the assignment, played in AAA Louisville for a few months and then was back on the Reds roster before the end of the season. It's been a crazy year for him to say the least.

I shot this card, a 2009 Reds team set card, to Darnell on September 1, shortly after he had been called back up with the Reds. It found it's way back into my mailbox about a month later, signed. I've been able to get a small handful of this cards signed this year.

Guy Lafleur

Who: Right Winger Guy Lafleur

Team: Montreal Canadiens

Card: 2008-09 Upper Deck Masterpieces

Acquired: TTM 4/4 8/12/2009 (21 days)

Comments: Coming...

Patrick Kane

Who: Right Winger Patrick Kane

Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Card: 2008-09 Victory Game Breakers

Acquired: TTM 2/2 8/15/2009 (25 days)

Comments: Second of two cards that Patrick signed for me. I'm happy to have a pair of autos in my collection - this kid is going to be a stud. Here's the other card Patrick signed, also a Victory card.

Guy Lafleur

Who: Hall of Fame Right Winger Guy Lafleur

Team: New York Rangers

Card: 2008-09 Upper Deck Masterpieces

Acquired: TTM 4/4 8/12/2009 (21 days)

Comments: Guy! Another card from Guy Lafleur. He hooked me up solid with 4 signed cards via the mail. I think that's the last time I'll send that many cards... I kinda feel bad now. But, if it's going across the boarder, I figured I might as well make it count. Big thanks to Guy for being so nice. Here's a look at the previous card from Guy that I posted.

I wouldn't buy a ton of these card, but Masterpieces is pretty sweet. The painting featured are really nice. It's a nice relief from over/under Photoshopped images that are on many of the retro sets these days. Plus, when you rip a pack, you are getting a bunch of awesome players... no scrubs. Plus, since I really don't know a ton about hockey, it's fun to learn about some of the great players of the past.

Joey Votto

Who: First Baseman Joey Votto

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2007 Bowman Sterling

Acquired: In Person

Comments: Really stoked to add this one to the collection. I'll be working on getting all the Reds cards from the 2009 Goudey set signed. Even though it's a small set of cards, there will be some tough ones. - Davey Concepcion and Johnny Bench. I'm not sure how to track down Davey right now... and Johnny will just be a little expensive.

Joey signed this card for me at Jungle Jim's, which is probably one of the most insane grocery stores in the world. After playing and extra innings game against the dodgers last week, and striking out FOUR times in that game, Joey made it to the signing and couldn't have been any nicer. Even after waiting in line over an hour from when he arrived, he was just as nice to us as if you first person in line. Joey's got it down... and I know fans appreciate that. He is truly one of the good guys in the game.

What a fantastic card, too. Great illustration of Joey on his follow-through swing. Epic moment. Great card for an autograph.

Andy Pettite

Who: Pitcher Andy Pettite

Team: New York Yankees

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 8/29/2009 (68 days)

Comments: Not that I love the Yankees or anything, but this is a pretty nice return. Andy, at age 37, is on his way to another great season with the Yanks. He's 11-6 with a 4.18 ERA as of this post.

It's a nice surprise to get a return from a top-tier player on one of the world's most popular team. Plus, these '09 Topps Heritage cards are great for autographs. Great addition to the collection.

Patrick Kane

Who: Right Winger Patrick Kane

Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Card: 2008-09 Victory

Acquired: TTM 2/2 8/15/2009 (25 days)

Comments: In the time between this card going out in the mail and the successful return, Patrick's world had been turned upside down. He allegedly assulted a cab driver in his hometown of Buffalo, NY over what amounted 20 cents. Details are sketchy at this point on the whole thing. He plead not guilty in court recently. I guess we'll see how it all plays out.

His recent troubles aside, Patrick is a fantastic young player for the Chicago Blackhawks, leading them to a Stanley Cup appearance this past season. He's certainly one of the brightest young stars in the league and it's neat to get a couple of cards signed by him back in the mail. I wonder how all this recent trouble played into his TTM habits. I'm not the only one to get a return from him recently.

This is the first TTM request I have sent to a current hockey player.

Edinson Volquez

Who: Pitcher Edinson Volquez

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 2/2 8/4/2009 (41 days)

Comments: This is the second of two cards that Edinson signed for me through the mail - just before he had his Tommy John surgery. Again, I feel pretty lucky that I got this one back. It's going to be quite a while before he is signing autographs again.

I would like to eventually get all of the 2009 Topps Heritage cards featuring Reds signed. As of writing this post, this is only the second card that I've had signed. There will be a few tough ones in the set, but not as tough as when Griffey and Dunn were on the team. I had little hope of completing any of those teams sets.

Daniel Ray Herrera

Who: Pitcher Daniel Ray Herrera

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: TTM 1/1 8/4/2009 (8 days)

Comments: A really quick turnaround from the Reds resident junk baller, Daniel Ray Herrera. I tell you what, he is a ton of fun to watch. I saw him pitch in a spring training game early this year and couldn't believe how much smaller he was compared to the other guys on the field. In spite of his size, he definitely brings it and get guys out. It's pretty darn cool watching him drop a screwball on someone - it just locks them up. The fine folks over at Red Reporter had a nice little interview with him over the off-season - check it out.

Mike Fontenot

Who: Infielder Mike Fontenot

Team: Chicago Cubs

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 7/31/2009 (42 days)

Comments: I'm not much for the Cubs, really, but I kinda like this Fontenot guy. He's scrappy, and he's got a funny name. I saw him play the other night against the Reds and remarked that he had the strike zone the size of a Dippin' Dot. The lady in front of me at the game was the only person that thought it was funny. She laughed hysterically.

I'm not all that sure what is going on with his autograph. It's a bit piece-meal. Mike's kind of got a slice and dice technique happening here.

Edinson Volquez

Who: Pitcher Edinson Volquez

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 2/2 8/4/2009 (41 days)

Comments: I figured the odds of getting this card back signed where pretty slim. Especially after learning that Edinson had Tommy John surgery, shutting him down for not only 2009, but probably 2010 as well. I received this card and another in the mail just two days after he had his surgery. He must have caught up with his mail just before going under the knife. Kinda surreal, actually. I'm really happy to have this back and think that's pretty nice of him to sign some autographs knowing that his arm was going to be in a sling for a few months. Edinson was also one Red that I had yet to get an autograph from - pretty sweet.

So, thank you Edinson, and may your recovery be swift. We'll need ya.

Brandon Phillips

Who: Second Baseman Brandon Phillips

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: In Person (7/31/09)

Comments: My friend and I decided to take a long lunch and give blood at the Reds/Hoxworth Blood Drive on 7/31. Of course, we timed our appointments with the scheduled appearance of Brandon Phillips. As always, he was great with everyone. Not only did he sign for the folks that gave blood that day, but he also signed for a bus load of little kids from a local summer camp.

BP has one of the best scribble-style autographs in the game today. I can spot one a mile away, though his name is nearly illegible. This '09 Goudey looks pretty rad all signed-up, doesn't it?

Garret Anderson

Who: Outfielder Garret Anderson

Team: Atlanta Braves

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 1/1 7/27/2009 (6 days)

Comments: When I do these posts, there are things that I always include with every card just above the comments - Who, Team, Card and How Acquired. I just settled on this when I started to help myself keep a record of everything I've had signed and some more information on the player. Usually, I use the team the player is featured with on the card as "Team". In this case, I guess I roll with the Braves, as Garret is listed as a Brave on the card, yet featured wearing an Angels uniform. I sent the card to Garret care of the Braves, so I guess that helps push it over the edge. That's really too much information on that subject for this post, don't you think?

Since I'm a fan of the Reds, a NL team, I usually don't pay too much attention to the AL, especially west coast AL teams. In looking at Garret's stats, he put up some really good seasons with the Angels, getting some MVP votes, a near Rookie of the Year award in 1995 and multiple trips to the All-Star Game. Nice! All that success, and he seems to really take care of the fans autograph-wise. I'm glad to have him in the collection.

Kila Ka'aihue

Who: First Baseman Kila Ka'aihue

Team: Kansas CIty Royals

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 1/1 7/23/2009 (17 days)

Comments: Kila made his debut with the Royals last year when called up in the September roster expansion. His first hit as a big leaguer was a big one - a home run. Nice way to start, eh? Kila also happens to wear my favorite number too - #25. I think I like this guy.

Autographs are usually money with this Goudey cards, but this one is especially nice with all the shades of blues involved. Between the baby blue background, the blues in the Royals' throwback uni and Kila's blue sharpie, this is a great looking autographed card.

Arthur Rhodes

Who: Pitcher Arthur Rhodes

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: 2/2 TTM 7/21/2009 (24 days)

Comments: 39 years old and STILL kickin' butt. Arthur is playing in his 18th MLB season this year, and his first with the Reds. He's having a pretty solid season too. Glad to have him. This card is from the 2009 Reds Baseball Card Giveaway set... possibly Arthur's first card featuring him as a Red?

Great signature from Arthur. He took his time and really did it up for me. I appreciate that.

Andy LaRoche

Who: Third Baseman Andy LaRoche

Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 7/22/2009 (20 days)

Comments: This return was waiting for me in my mailbox the day that Andy's brother, Adam, was traded to the Red Sox. Kinda crazy. I've been meaning to mail a card to him too.

Not the greatest of signatures from Andy here, but beggers can't be choosers. I'll take it. These '09 Topps Heritage cards are great, but Andy's head shot falls a little short of expectations. What's up with the people's legs and that equipment behind Andy? Looks like Topps did some work to darken up the background to allow Andy to stand out, but it's still really busy back there. The "in-game" photo on the left is great. Ah well.

Conor Gillaspie

Who: Third Baseman Conor Gillaspie

Team: San Francisco Giants

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: 1/1 TTM 7/11/2009 (5 days)

Comments: Considering I sent this to the Giant's single A team in San Jose, the San Jose Giants, this return was ridiculously fast - just 5 days. Conor must have signed it in front of the mailman and handed it right back to him. Pretty nice to get this one back so fast.

A fun thing about this hobby is sending to some guys that you might not know too well. It's pretty obvious that I'm a fan of Cincinnati teams, especially the Reds. With that, I don't often hear much about prospects on west coast teams. So, I saw that Conor was a good signer, I had a card his (actually 3, I believe) and a few minutes. Looks like Conor has the goods to have a decent major league career. The cool thing was that he only played 24 games in the minors before making his major league debut with the Giants in September last year. Pretty neat.

Adam Rosales

Who: Infielder Adam Rosales

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: TTM 1/1 7/7/2009 (10 days)

Comments: Nice TTM return from gritty rookie, Adam Rosales. He's impressed everyone in Cincinnati with his hustle, many likening him to Pete Rose. While he had a hot start after his call-up early in the season, he eventually cooled off and was sent back down a few weeks ago. He was re-called again for a game before the All-Star break, but that was mostly just fill out the roster for the injured Jay Bruce. We'll see what the rest of the season holds for this guy. He sure is fun to watch.

This card is the from the Reds 2009 set they gave away in early June. The Reds give away a set every season, but it's usually late in the year. It was early this year, thus having a better representation of the actually team for the season. This is likely Adam's first card featuring him as a Red, albeit an unofficial one. We'll see if he makes an updated Topps set or something in the fall.

Pat Neshek

Who: Pitcher Pat Neshek

Team: Minnesota Twins

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 6/25/2009 (9 days)

Comments: Pat was my first TTM return last year. A man that is alway good for signing stuff, Pat comes through again for me this year on a 2009 Topps - the first one that I've had signed so far. As always, Pat has a great signature and even added "Go Twins" in the upper right corner. Love it.

Make sure to check out Pat's website: On The Road With Pat Neshek

Joe Nathan

Who: Pitcher Joe Nathan

Team: Minnesota Twins

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 2/2 6/12/2009 (11 days)

Comments: Wow. Joe has a fantastic signature. This is definitely going into the "So Choice" category. This is the first 2009 Goudey I've had signed, and it's a dandy.