BayDay BayDay: Gettin Miggy with it!!!!

The 2015 National has come and gone.  I still haven't made it to one yet, but hope to attend it next year.  Earlier in the year, I was trying to grab some autographs of current players who have the potential to be considered future Hall of Famers.

Two years ago, I was sent an Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz dual autograph in exchange for my redemption Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole Face of the Franchise dual autograph.  I still have that dual auto of ARod and Big Papi, but haven't received any serious offers to take it off my hands.  Earlier this year I purchased an Adrian Beltre and Felix Hernandez dual autograph because I consider both guys to be future Hall of Famers. 

Most of my collection that I show off on this site are Pirates related and clearly the Pirates haven't had any future Hall of Famers during the 20 year losing streak.  There could be a stretch argument that Aramis Ramirez could get in the Hall of Very Good, but it's doubtful he's a Hall of Famer.  McCutchen could one day land himself in the Hall if he continues his numbers for another decade. 

While Jason Bay will likely never receive the votes for a Hall of Fame berth, it is highly likely that Miguel Cabrera will be considered a 1st ballot Hall of Famer when he decides to retire.  Miggy has been suffering through injuries this year and has been placed on the DL for the 1st time in his career.  Jason Bay was one of my favorite players for the Bucs during his playing career and the chance to add a jumbo size dual autograph of Jason with Miggy numbered to 10 presented to good an opportunity to pass up. 

I submitted a best offer  on this card after contemplating a reasonable price for a few weeks and I can proudly say I am the new proud owner of this 2006 Hawaiian Trade Conference card. 

To show how large this card is I compared it to my 1991 Bobby Bonilla.

Hey Now! You're An All-Star...

The Pirates sent three All-Stars to the 2014 All-Star game held in Minnesota this year.  The obvious choice was Andrew McCutchen as he was voted in by the fans.  The secondary and questionable choices were Tony Watson and Josh Harrison.  Watson was just downright filthy prior to the All-Star break and was arguably the best setup man in the NL.  Harrison was the most questionable player selected as an All-Star especially since he wasn't even a starter for the team he plays for.  It was obvious that Clint Hurdle probably did some lobbying to get Harrison on the All-Star team.  Harrison was a huge spark plug for the Pirates starting in May and carrying all the way to the current games.  He is incredibly versatile being able to play 2B, SS, 3B, and either corner outfield position.  He's the only MLB player this season to throw a runner out at home from both RF and LF.  He's also done it from 2B and 3B this season.

At this year's All-Star FanFest Topps distributed oversized blank back cards of the members of the All-Star teams for fans to try and get signed.  I grabbed both Harrison and Watson off the Bay.  These two cards cost me $17 each.  I also grabbed a Clayton Kershaw which cost me only $6.  Evidently there is a lot more Pirates fans out there than I thought.

I've included a 1988 Bobby Bonilla to compare the size for these jumbo size giveaways.

The past two nights have been tough losses for the Bucs against the Nats. Josh Harrison had a chance to win it for them Friday night but popped out in foul ground with both the tying and winning runs in scoring position. Tony Watson struggled mightily last night and gave up a 3 run lead in the 8th which the Pirates eventually lost in the 10th. Hopefully they can turn things around soon.