Feeling Blue: El Toro Chrome

Since the beginning of the month I've shown off a few of my recent ebay deals from the same seller.  This was the most expensive of the bunch coming in at $1.27.

2011 Topps Chrome Blue Parallel 90/99.  

El Toro had a down season this past year after posting over 30 HR in 2012 and 2013.

Due to his defensive errors and injuries, the Pirates removed him from their every day lineup as a third baseman and started playing him at first base.  It was my vision a few years ago that Alvarez would one day transition across the diamond due to his size and inability to stick at third.  He has made a lot of really good picks at 3B and I could see him being above average defensively at first.

I liked Ike Davis, but I guess the front office sees Pedro as being the key guy at 1B for the Bucs in 2015.

Earlier in the week it was revealed that the Pirates traded Ike Davis to the Oakland A's for a bonus signing pool in the international draft.  This gives the Pirates nearly an additional $300,000 to spend on Latin American ballplayers.

Don't think that's much?  Here's some guys the Pirates have signed in recent years for under that mark
Starling Marte 2007 $85,000 (gold glove finalist 2 years in a row, 11.7 WAR in only 2 seasons)

Gregory Polanco 2009 $150,000 (one of baseball's future 5 tool talents)

Dilson Herrera 2010 $220,000 (youngest player on Mets roster last season, used as key trade piece to acquire Marlon Byrd for 2013 Post Season)

Willy Garcia 2010 $280,000 (you'll be seeing a lot of his cardboard on here soon)

Gift Ngoepe 2008 $15,000 (1st South African baseball player signed)

Alen Hanson 2009 $90,000 (considered by many to be a top 75 prospect entering 2014)