Josh "The Dream" Hamilton

I am sitting here watching the 2008 Home Run derby and I am watching a display by a man who shouldn't be alive.  Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is just demolishing the ball and he may have hit a ball up against the facade.  This is truly amazing.  I have seen the interviews and heard this man's story coming back from being addicted to drugs.  Nothing is more uplifting than seeing this man live his dream, literally.  Each home run is something more amazing than the last.  Josh Hamilton is my new favorite player.  No one can compare to this man.  He has 95 RBI's at the All-Star break!!!!  He finished his first round with 28 home runs!!!  Josh Hamilton is the anti-Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden.  He is proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I wish Hamilton were a Yankee.  God, how amazing would that be?  Yankee Stadium and Yankee fans are already in love with this guy, just like the rest of the country.  Forever, Josh Hamilton will hold a place among my all-time favorites.  Keep hitting, Josh, you deserve it.

Yuck

Horrible. Disgusting.  Underachieving.  Utterly pitiful.  These are some words that describe the New York Yankees season thus far.  This has been an absolute embarrassment.  from top to bottom, offense to defense, rotation to bullpen.  Brian Cashman has to be ashamed of himself.  Joe Girardi must go home at night and get sick.  This Yankee team, given the talent it has and the level it should be playing at, is the absolute worst team I have ever seen in Pinstripes.  

Yesterday, Johnny Damon injured himself attempting to make a play on a Kevin Youkilis hit.  He almost made the highlight reel.  Instead Damon might land on the DL.  He will join the only Yankee hitter that seemed to thrive in the clutch this season, Hideki Matsui.  

Derek Jeter has been thoroughly awful and I am sick of hearing about how the other team is just better.  Shut the hell up and hit.  You make almost as much as the ENTIRE first place Rays roster!  I don't want excuses.  That "C" on your chest means Captain, Mr. Jeter, not Crap which is what you have been pouring out of your mouth and what you have been playing like on the field.  Stop being so stoic.  Show emotion, it is OK.  

Emotion.  The one thing this bunch of over-paid losers does not have.  They are too damned serious and look like a group of zombies out there.  I miss the days of Paul O'Neill when the occasional fire came out.  I miss emotion.  

The Yankees are now 10 games behind the Rays in the loss column and 5 behind the Red Sox.  Right now, if the Yankees continue playing at this clip the season will be over before the All-Star game comes to town.  If that happens I think Hank Steinbrenner should thank Cashman for his services, give the reigns over to Damon Oppenheimer (the Draft master) and tell him to unload some players.  I am sure there is a market for some of these players.  Isn't there?  The age and contracts that are attached to some of these so-called baseball players makes me wonder is it were possible to trade any of them.  Nobody would take Abreu and his $16 million.  Nobody in their right mind would touch Jason Giambi and his $20+ million.  

This is the last season in Yankee Stadium.  Perhaps it is fitting that most of the Yankees on this team are not under contract for next season.  Giambi, Abreu, Carl Pavano, Mike Mussina, LaTroy Hawkins, Andy Pettitte, Kyle Farnsworth, and others all are without contracts next year.  

Whatever the Yankees do they need to be smart about it.  They don't need another high-priced, can't get the job done reliever.  Jose Veras, Chris Britton, David Robertson, Jonathan Albaladejo, and Dan Geise have all been very good.  They are all also very cheap, unlike Hawkins and Farnsworth.  The Yankees need to stop throwing money away and realize they have plenty of talent right at home.  

Maybe the Yankees should sell some of their excess pitching and beef up their lineup.  Matt Holliday would look very nice in Yankee Pinstripes.  If we can keep Hughes and Kennedy then I say the Yanks need to pull the trigger.  I wonder if the Rockies would go for Humberto Sanchez, Jeff Marquez, Juan Miranda, George Kontos, and another prospect?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  

Whatever, the Yankees do, they need to be smart, efficient, and quick about it.  Time is running out.  The playoffs are a lost hope.  I have to blame Cashman for this, he is the one who watched the Yankees get progressively worse year after year and was unable to do anything about it.  Time for Oppenheimer to show us what he's got, unless of course, Cashman has a plan that makes sense for the near and distant future altogether.   

Who for the Hall?

I got to thinking last night while I was at work about all the great baseball players that I have seen.  Of course, the extension of this is, how many of these players are Hall of Fame worthy?  Well, shall we venture into the great debate?

Lee Smith, P:  He held the record for most career saves before Trevor Hoffman broke it.  This year Goose Gossage will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and deservedly so.  I just don't understand how Smith, who recorded 478 career saves to the tune of a 3.03 ERA, is not in the Hall already.  Smith deserves to be enshrined.

Don Mattingly, 1B:  Nine gold gloves, .307 career average, 1,099 RBI's, 222 home runs, 1 AL MVP and no way he gets into the Hall of Fame.  He was my favorite player growing up and it hurts to say this but he falls just short of getting his enshrinement.  Had Donnie Baseball not been betrayed by his back he probably would have gotten in.

Jim Rice, OF:  There has been a cult-following for Rice to get into Cooperstown.  382 home runs, 1451 RBI's, .298 average, 1 MVP award and no Hall for Rice.  In my opinion Rice falls 18 homers short or a few hundred RBI short.  He was never the most dominant hitter in his time, as evidenced by his only leading the league in homers once.  He was also intentionally walked 77 times in his career, I think Bonds was walked that many times on purpose in a single season.  

Omar Vizquel, SS:  The poor man's Ozzie Smith.  Eleven Gold Gloves and still going.  Vizquel has quietly put together one of the best careers by a shortstop in recent memory.  He is only a 3-time all-star but Vizquel has been one of the best at his position for years.  He has 2,619 hits and is still going.  He has swiped 382 bases, and did hit .333 in a year.  If Ozzie Smith gets in, then Vizquel gets in.  Besides, Vizquel does have better numbers than Luis Aparicio.

Mark McGwire, 1B:  The great steroid debate will rage on here.  Given the amount of steroids that were prevalent in the game during the years he played I say McGwire gets in.  He holds the record for most homers by a rookie, never tested positive, and did help rejuvenate baseball.  Yeah, he gets in.

Sammy Sosa, OF:  Again, the steroid debate rears its ugly head.  Sosa never tested positive for any illegal substance except a corked bat in one game.  He did bash 60+ homers in 3 of 4 years which is hard to ignore.  I'm going to say he is elected.  Hard to ignore 609 homers.

Barry Bonds, OF:  Never tested positive but is in court for the whole BALCO mess.  He holds the single season and all-time home run records.  He was the most feared hitter of his era.  I am very conflicted on this right now.  I am going to have to allow him in because even before he grew four sizes he was a Hall of Famer.  Barry gets in.  His steroid use gets mentioned on the plaque.

Roger Clemens, P:  Before steroids, saved syringes, Brian MacNamee, and lying before Congress he was the best.  You can't ignore what he has done.  Clemens gets in if Barry gets in with the same steroid asterisk.

Rafael Palmerio, 1b-OF:  See Bonds and Clemens.  Raffy gets in.  3,000 hits and 500 homers = hall of fame.

More will come.  Let me know who you think should or shouldn't get in out of this group.

All Hail The Bulldog

I got one of those SASE's I talked about in my previous thread.  I ripped into it, still tired and bleary eyed as I had just awakened and grabbed my mail.  I probably should have slept a little more than the four hours I did but that's a whole other issue.  I peered inside this little white envelope and cautiously pulled out my potential prize.  I was stunned at what came out.

I know I shouldn't have been given the amount of successes I have seen and the fact that I got one back not long ago.  However, pulling a Greg Maddux autographed card is a pleasure no matter how many times its done.  Looking at this Maddux, a 2008 Upper Deck, I couldn't help but think it looked a little weird.  Then it hit me.  Maddux in a Padres uniform is still something I can't get used to.  A Cubs uniform, sure.  A Braves uniform, absolutely.  A Dodgers uniform or Padres uniform, well they take some getting used to.  

I carefully placed my new Maddux next to the previous one I had received.  The previous one shows Maddux in his 1995 prime (the card is a 1996 Stadium Club).  It only seems like yesterday that Maddux was baseball's best.  I'm not taking anything away from The Bulldog these days but there was something amazing about him back in the 1990's.  He never threw 100 MPH.  He relied on his brain to get hitters out.  He struck out 200+ hitters only once in his career but there was no other pitcher, except for Randy Johnson, that you feared more.  

Greg Maddux made his MLB debut 23 years ago, in 1986.  1986!!!  You don't see pitchers do that anymore.  Twenty-three years of excellence.  Twenty years in a row, not including 2008 obviously, that Maddux has won at least 10 games.  In fact, he never won fewer than 13 in any given year during that stretch.  He further cemented his first ballot entry into Baseball's Hall of Fame by  winning his 350th game this season.

Another thing struck me while peering over his stats.  The amount of innings his arm has seen. In today's game we have pitchers on strict pitch counts and innings limits.  It is maddening sometimes, as evidenced by the Joba Rules employed by the Yankees.  I understand protecting investments and all but my God!  It makes me wonder how pitchers stayed healthy in the older days.  Then I saw Maddux.  The Ol' Bulldog has pitched over 4,900 innings and will most likely hit 5,000 at some point this year.  5,000 innings in 23 years.   That is an average of about 217 per year.  His arm never fell off.  

It makes me sad to think Greg Maddux, one of the greatest ever to take the mound, will be retiring soon.  I don't think there will ever be another pitcher like Maddux in my lifetime.  Hopefully, He'll be around for a few years more for fans to appreciate.  Given the way he is pitching, I don't think he has lost much.  I'd like to see him get a shot with a team that is sure to make the postseason just to see Maddux get one more try at a World Series.  How about Maddux back to the Cubs where he wins Game 7 of the World Series to give the Cubs their first title in, well I think Lincoln was still alive for a Cubs World Series.  Hey, sometimes its the part that allows us to dream, to remember, and to think of what can be that makes baseball the greatest sport of them all.

Collecting Auto's Through the Mail

I have been asked several times how I go about getting all of the autographs through the mail that I do.  It is easy to do if you have a few minutes, 2 stamps (I use the Forever Stamps) two different size envelopes and a card or two.

First, hand-write a letter to the player of your choice.  You might want to do some research into a person's signing habits.  For example, some players do NOT sign through the mail (TTM) at all.  Others, even Hall of Famers do.  There are forums on the internet, such as Sportscardforum.com that is free and has some addresses and recent successes.  Just head to "Autograph Central" on there and you won't be disappointed.

The letter does not need to be long.  Two quick paragraphs are all you need.  Be polite, be quick, be courteous.  ALWAYS say please and thank you.

Add your card or cards.  NEVER expect a player to supply the card for you.  In some cases they will send you their card and return your cards unsigned.  This happens.  

Add a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope (SASE).  NEVER expect a player to supply postage or to write your address on an envelope.  Your SASE should be smaller than your main envelope.  I use 3 5/8" x 6 1/2" envelopes with the pull and seal.  Some player don't want to lick envelopes if they don't have to.  The envelope I use to send everything is the #10 envelope, or 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" envelopes.

Ok, so now you have your letter, your card, your SASE, and your envelope all made out.  Double check to make sure you have the cards, postage and everything in order.  Dump them in the main envelope, put in mailbox and wait.  

The wait times for a return can range from less than a week to a little over a year.  For novices I recommend sending to a stadium while that team is playing.  For example, send to baseball players in summer, football players in fall, and basketball and hockey in winter.  There are several sets, especially for baseball that are conducive to getting autographs.  Topps makes a couple of sets such as their Heritage, Total, and Allen & Ginter sets.  Many collectors like the look of an autograph on the Allen & Ginters.  IT is a personal taste thing.  A cheap alternative is the Topps Total.  They are relatively inexpensive when compared to other cards, made of a good cardstock, and have a lot of players in each set.  If you do get a glossy card, such as a base card from Upper Deck don't worry.  Just rub it down with an eraser.  Use one of those mechanical ones they sell in the pencil section of a drug store.  They work great.  Rub vigorously and you will notice the gloss just go away but the integrity of the photo will not be compromised.  

Protecting your collection once you get it started is also very important.  A binder and protective sheets works very well and is what I use.  I have my collection in alphabetical order but you can do it by team or sport, whatever your heart desires.  

So you're thinking, good players don't sign TTM.  Why should I try?  Well, I have gotten quite a few Hall of Famers back.  Terry Bradshaw, Hank Aaron, Lawrence Taylor, Bob Feller (Required $10), Joba Chamberlain, Harry Carson, Antonio Pierce, Brandon Jacobs, Rodney Hampton, Robin Roberts, Bobby Shantz, Mark Grace, Sparky Anderson, John Wooden, Bobby Bonilla, Jim Thome, Jim McMahon, Gary Zimmerman, Dean Palmer, Richard Petty, Boomer Esiason, Joe Theismann, Dan Fouts, Fran Tarkenton, Tony LaRussa, Hank Blalock, Al Kaline ($5), Joe Dumars, Jason Giambi, Wade Boggs, Andy Pettitte, Greg Maddux, and Bob Griese are just a few of the guys I have gotten back.  I have gotten almost 500 returns in a little over a year.  Everyday I get mail and see a SASE in the pile it makes my day.  You never know who its going to be.  

If you are interested and I have not answered your questions here feel free to either email me or leave a comment, I'll get back to you.  Hopefully, you'll give it a try.  You can even ask me if a certain player signs and I'll let you know to the best of my ability.  Happy hunting and may your mailboxes be full.

Around the Leagues

Is there any reason to watch golf now that Tiger Woods isn't going to be playing in any major tournaments?  I won't be tuning in so let me know how it goes.

LaTroy "Home Run" Hawkins still has a job.  My God, this is getting ridiculous.  Why can't GM Brian Cashman just admit he made a mistake on Hawkins like every other reliever he has acquired via free agency or trade.  Face it Cashman, between Farnsworth and Hawkins, Cashman's mistakes are killing the Yankees.  I know there the Yankees can get better production out of some of their AAA players.  It also looks like Cashman is finally owning up to those mistakes as David Robertson was recently called up.  Robertson has been absolutely amazing in the minors.  Hopefully, those stats translate.

I just witnessed Jose Reyes do one of the most childish things I have ever seen.  On a routine play, Reyes fielded the ball cleanly and fired to first.  The throw was a little wide to the right of the bag, drawing Carlos Delgado off the bag.  Delgado, then missed the ball as he tried to tag Melky Cabrera before the ball was in his glove.  The ball rolled into the dugout and Cabrera went to second.  Reyes then threw his glove down on the ground with such force that his sunglasses also went flying.  The error was on Delgado and here is Reyes showing up one of his teammates.  Good job, Reyes.  And you wonder why the Mets seem to be playing under their level?  Maybe Willie Randolph was lucky getting fired when he did.  Maybe Delgado will break Reyes in two as the kid deserves.  Time to grow up Reyes.  Maybe the Mets should finally admit the kid isn't a team player and trade him to rebuild a farm system that looks like 1980's George Steinbrenner got a hold of it.  The Mets will never win with a kid like that.

What are the Rangers doing with Sean Avery, Brendan Shanahan, and Jaromir Jagr?  Why are these guys not re-signed?  What is Glen Sather waiting for?  Sean Avery has been a charge to the Rangers, on both ends of the ice.  The treatment he has received from the Rangers has been awful and almost criminal.  

The fact that Jagr is not re-signed is also a mystery.  Jagr has been a model citizen since coming to this team, doing everything asked of him.  He is deserving of a contract and respect from the Rangers.  If the Blueshirts wait much longer he will be gone.  It feels like Sather is pushing these guys out the door.  The only problem is, there is nothing he can bring in the door that equals these guys.  Oh, and if things aren't bad enough, Martin Straka just jumped ship and returned to his native Czech Republic to play.  Think he knows something?

A message to Jeremy Shockey:  Shut up and play.  I am sick of your whining.  You want to be traded because you don't like the way the Giants treated you?  Are you kidding me?  I thought you were a man.  I thought you were a leader on this team?  Guess not, huh?  You are showing you are not about the team but rather about you and only you.  The Giants don't need that attitude.  Eli proved he can play very well without you.  If only you could just shut up, do your job, stop yelling every time you don't get a pass thrown your way, and hold onto a pass when it is thrown your way, then the Giants could have one of the best passing attacks in the game.  But you, Mr. Shockey, don't care about that.  Grow up or get out.

I love how all of a sudden Danny Ainge is getting all the credit for this Boston Celtics revival.  Like it takes a genius to know Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are great players!  Give credit where it is due, to the players and Doc Rivers.

I loved how Knick fans booed their team selecting Danillo Gallinari.  I could almost feel the collective groan.  I bet the only thing they could think of was Frederic Weis.  Only time will tell if they're right.

Good job by the Nets on draft day.  They dump Richard Jefferson's contract on the Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.  Yi was a disappointment for the Bucks, a team he didn't want to play for from day 1.  Yi should give the Nets some boost in the frontcourt.  Trading Jefferson, one of the better players to ever put on a Nets uniform, sets the Nets up for 2010 cap room, something the crosstown Knicks can only dream about.  You know who becomes a free agent in 2010?  LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Josh Howard all can opt out of their contracts.  Think the Nets are setting themselves up for a run at one or two of these guys?  How does Chris Bosh and LeBron James sound in Brooklyn?  Kudos to the Nets for at least trying.