Who sent me these cards?

I admit I am a terrible blogger when it comes to documenting trade packages and keeping track of everything.

I have no idea who sent me this package.  If it was you, leave me a comment so I can send something back in return.

just a few more ebay pickups

Today's theme is autographed cards of pitchers using the bat. 
We haven't seen much offense from Pirates pitchers this year.  To be perfectly honest, we haven't seen much in terms of pitching from these guys either.

Evan Meek had a breakout season last year as he was selected as a 2010 All Star and was one of the best setup men in baseball.  Due to injuries and a loss in velocity, this year has not been so kind to Super Meek.  He has only pitched in 15.1 innings despite appearing in 18 games.  Compare that to 2010 when he appeared in 70 games with 70 strikeout in 80 IP and a WHIP of 1.05.  Evan is back after a lengthy stay on the DL and pitched a scoreless inning in his return last night.  This 2011 Bowman Platinum (460/1166) features an autograph and jersey swatch.  It also shows Evan and his 1.000 average and 2.000 OPS swinging the bat.  Evan has only had 2 plate appearances in the majors and is 1 for 1.

 Justin Wilson has yet to make the majors, but I suspect he may be a mid-season callup next year if he continues to improve as a prospect.  Justin performed superbly earlier in the season at AAA Indy before running into some trouble mid season.  He regained form and finished the season strong.  It was reported that his fastball touched 97 towards the end of the season which is really incredible for a LHP.  He had 94 Ks in 124 IP at the AAA level.  Unlike the other autographed cards of pitchers swinging the bat, Justin actually performed well with the stick.  He batted .231 with 2 RBI in 13 AB.  He also had 2 doubles.  Pictured above is his 2010 Bowman Sterling AUTO

2009 Tristar Pursuit Zach Von Rosenberg 16/199 Autograph.  Of the three of these guys Zach Von Rosenberg performed the worst statistically.  Zach was signed as a big draft bonus baby out of high school in 2009.  He has a very projectable frame at 6ft5 and is still only 20 years old.  His K/9 is still very good and he lowered his walk rate, but he needs to continue to make progress on keeping the ball in the park.  He had a 8.2K/9 and lowered his BB to 1.6/9 in 2011.  He's still looking for his 1st professional hit in the minors. 

I've got the 8th inning woes

For two nights in a row, the Pirates have blown the game in the 8th inning.  I'm tired of it.

James McDonald pitched not great, but well enough to deserve a win especially since he had a bases clearing double with the bat in the 6th inning.  Pictured is his 2011 Topps Heritage Blank Back 1/1 card from the Topps Vault.

Daniel McCutchen who has been a solid relief pitcher and long man all season long couldn't get an out as he loaded the bases in the 8th inning with a 2 run lead.  This 2011 Topps 60 Jersey relic states that he tied for first in wins in the International League in 2009 with 13.  He's now lost twice in the past week.

The Pirates desperately need to fix the 8th inning situation until this man comes back:
Pirates fans miss you dearly Evan Meek.

I've now posted all my Evan Meek jersey & relic cards I own.  Meek has been a favorite of mine for the past couple seasons.
In order from top to bottom
2011 Heritage Blank Back 1/1
2008 Topps Chrome AUTO
2008 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor AUTO
2009 Upper Deck SP Authentic Signatures AUTO
2008 Upper Deck X UDX signatures AUTO
2009 Upper Deck SPX game JERSEY AUTO
2008 Upper Deck Ballpark Collection AUTO
2010 Topps Allstar Game JERSEY
2010 Upper Deck Game Jersey JERSEY
2008 Upper Deck SP Authentic Rookie JERSEY AUTO 456/649

Maybe the Pirates should just let the Hammer pitch the 8th and 9th innings whenever it's a save opportunity.  Kent Tekulve used to pitch multiple innings all the time to close out games.

This is my favorite printing plate I own.  I really like the black printing plates more than the other 3 colors.  This Joel Hanrahan 1/1 Black Printing Plate is from 2011 Topps Series 2.

Pirates win! I win!

With the Pirates winning their 2nd road series to start out 2011, I decided I should celebrate by winning some eBay auctions.  After all, the Pirates only won 17 road games last year so the fact they are 4-2 on the road seems reason to celebrate with some game used jersey and autograph cards that could be found cheap on the internet's biggest garage sale.

Up first is 2 game used jersey Willie "Pops" Stargell cards that I got for less than $5 total.  This brings my total of Stargell jersey cards to 19.  I'd like to get up around 50 by the end of the year.  I never got the chance to watch Pops play in person or even see a game with him in it from when I was younger, but watching all the highlights and the '79 World Series DVD I can tell why he was such a fan favorite. 



Up next is an Autographed 2010 Topps T-206 Joel Hanrahan card.  Joel is just absolutely filthy so far as he leads the National League in Saves.  The Pirates have a very strong bullpen this year with Veras, Meek, Beimel, and Hanrahan.  I've also been impressed with Michael Crotta thus far.  I won this Hanrahan card for $6 including shipping.  Not a bad pickup at all.

Speaking of the Pirates bullpen, I also won an Evan Meek autographed card.  This is my 8th Evan Meek certified autographed card.  Meek has been my favorite reliever over the past couple years and is one of the nicest guys in person too.  I know that he struggled 2 outings this year, but that doesn't worry me at all.  He's a great pitcher that throws hard and has very good command.  This card is from the 2010 Upper Deck Signature Sensations insert.  This card cost me about $15 but I've never seen it before and since I got the Stargells so cheap I said why not. LOL!