Oh...There You Are!

The Northeast has been tormented by snow this last week and somehow my driveway, walk and cars were not spared. In total 40+ inches of snow has needed to be cleared, not fun. Oh I also work in the car rental business and have had to clear a parking lot and two dozen cars there as well, twice. I am a tired, sore boy.

Each night after coming home from work or finishing up my shovelling I open the mailbox in hopes of a little respite from my day. Just a little token from the baseball community to remind me Spring Training is right around the corner. I was continually let down. Friday...no mail. Saturday...no mail. Monday...mail! Tuesday...no mail. Wednesday...no mail. Thursday...no mail.

Seriously, six days of available mail delivery and five of those without even a piece of junk mail? Nothing at all except Monday, and Monday paid off pretty well. However, since I praised the postal service for Wayne Krenchicki, I will blast them for this week. Doesn't the USPS realize that my sanity hinges directly upon whether or not I receive baseball cards in the mail? How thoughtless of them.

What I did receive warmed my core a little, finally a few names I can cross off my lists.

Jimmy Key 1998 Pinnacle #41

It only took seven days for this success and its a good thing it came. His limited time in Baltimore only supplied me with one card of his. 1 for 1 and I didn't have to go looking for base cards, that's efficiency baby.

Chris Tillman 2009 Bowman Sterling Autograph #BS-CT

This card came via trade with a collector Luis from www.thebenchtrading.com. It's the first autograph trade I have made in a while and had to give up a Saul Rivera and Jose Morales autograph in return. I, and all of Baltimore for that matter, have extremely high hopes for Tillman. I am looking forward to seeing how he develops in the young staff we have this year.

Larry Brown 1991 Orioles Crown #55

Mr. Brown has been a good signer recently and this success took just over a month. Brown only spent one season in Baltimore near the end of his 12 year major league career. He had below average offensive numbers but his defense was what kept him around.

Ken Rudolph 1991 Orioles Crown #398

Yet another seven day return from a strong TTM signer. This is a good solid autograph getting me another card closer to 50% for the set.

Travis Snider 2009 Finest Autograph Redemption #152

I hate redemptions. It took almost nine months for this to come back to me and it's a high serial number. Of course it takes nine months to sign cards when he;s required to sign 500+. I like the premise of these cards but the letters are so small few signatures look good to me. This card has already been traded on The Bench for two Brian Roberts Sweet Spot Autographs I need for my player collection. At least I get something I need for waiting so long.