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August 14, 2008

This is one of the last posts I'll make for the baseball season. Maybe 2 more I'd say. I'm getting geared up for the football season as I'm pretty much burnt out with baseball, though I am looking forward to seeing a team that hasnt' come through town yet which is the Durham Bulls which happens to have David Price on the team. Note: I'll have a lot of scans when football season comes around, I can't wait!

On a side note, I was in Chicago a couple weekends ago to visit my best friend and to spend a day at the National Sports Collectors Convention - a lifetime dream of mine (which sounds kind of silly but I've always wanted to go since I was a kid growing up in Texas). And all I've got to say is wow. Granted, most of the stuff that was there I have no interest in purchasing, but it was pretty neat to walk around in a temporary sports museum. So many great historical items that any sports lover would appreciate. Cards and gear from the turn of the century, autographs of guys who have been dead for a really long time, presidental autos and just the quantity of vintage wax. Really neat. Looking back, I would have needed an extra day just to see everything, and I really wished I had the time to do that but I met up with some friends at Wrigley the next day to graph the Pirates and catch up. Nonetheless, it was a cool experience and I hope to make the trip to the National an annual event along with a trip to Spring Training which were both firsts for me this year. Here are some pics, though not very exciting:





Finally, Columbus was in town for one last time this year for a 2-game series. I was able to attend one postgame and landed 24 autographs. I was able to get Pokey Reese and Aaron Boone. Being a liefetime Reds fan, it was pretty cool to get those guys.

Columbus:
Tyler Clippard 4/5, Aaron Boone 1/2, Tim Foli 3/3, Mike O'Connor 4/4, Chris Schroder 4/4, Levale Speigner 3/4, Mike Bascik 1/1, Pokey Reese 1/1

Indianapolis:
Ross Ohlendorf 3/6


July 31, 2008

Made a trip to Lansing, Michigan to catch an A-ball game between the Lugnuts and River Bandits of Quad Cities. Here is what I got for you people who I'm doing 50/50's with. I managed to get almost everything signed that I brought with me. A few guys were promoted previously to my arrival. 83 cards in one nights work.

Lansing:
Eric Eiland 4/4-7/7, Trystan Magnesun 7/7-3/3, Darin Mastroianni 12/12, Kevin Ahrens 7/7, Raul Barron 6/6, Justin Jackson 7/7, John Talisano 10/10, Frank Gailey 1/1, Chi-Hung Cheng 2/2-2/2

Quad Cities:
Steve Dillard 6/6, Peter Kozma 2/2, Oliver Marmol 6/6, Bret Wallace 1/1, Wayne Daman 1/1


July 28, 2008

Woah, I've been really late with updating what I've gotten lately. It's truly the dog days of summer for me.....and I'm not even sure what that means but I think it applies. I've got numbers for 3 teams that have come to Indy this month, plus some scans from a charity event former NFL quaterback Jeff George hosted. My next post will have the numbers from my trip to Lansing.

I'd have to say that Columbus is my favorite team in the International League to go after, and Charlotte is one of my least favorite. I did horrible. A few of the guys I never saw as they would leave a different way after every game. No one all season has done that. I wasn't able to attend any of the Charlotte games and I went on vacation the day of the last game so I was limited to 3 post-game attempts.




Columbus:
Ryan Langherhans 5/5, Michael O''Connor 4/4-4/4, Ed Rogers 4/4, Levele Speigner 2/2, Pete Orr 1/1, Tim Bittner 1/1, Steve McCatty 6/6, Tyler Clippard 4/4, Tim Foli 3/3 (says he only signs 3 max at a time), Brian Sanches 5/5, Chris Schroder 4/4, Mike Bascik 2/2, Alex Escobar 1/1

Toledo:
Francisco Cruceta 3/3, Mike Hollimon 2/3, Chris Lambert 3/3-1/1, Anastatio Martinez 3/3, Timo Perez 1/1, Larry Parrish 4/4, Clay Rapada 6/6, Brian Rogers 3/3, Fernando Seguignol 2/4-3/3, Nick Trzesniak 3/3-4/4, Max St. Pierre 1/1, Mike Hessman 1/1, Erick Almonte 3/3, Zach Miner 2/2, Derek Wathan 6/6, Leon Durham 1/1

Charlotte:
Brad Eldred 2/6, Charlie Heager 4/4, Josh Fields 1/1, Mike MacDougal 4/4-3/3, Jerry Owens 1/4-1/1, Ehren Wassermann 4/4-4/4, Tomo Ohka 1/1, Cole Armstrong 1/1, Jason Bourgeios 1/1, Paul Phillips 2/2, Derek Rodriguez 1/1, Nicholas Blasi 1/1, Adam Russell 2/2, Wes Whisler 2/2, Richard Dotson 6/6, Fernando Cortez 1/6

Indianapolis:
Nyjer Morgan 4/4-3/3, Neil Walker 2/2, Josh Wilson 4/4, Jorge Cortes 3/3, Franklin German 3/5, Carlos Maldonado 4/4, Marino Salas 2/2, Juan Perez 3/3, Ryan Drese 3/3, Jimmy Barthmaier 4/4, Tom Gorzelanny 1/2, Franquelis Osoria 2/2

Jeff George Charity Function:
Terrance Mathis 9/9, Bill Brooks 4/4, Jeff Herrod 7/7, Eric Dickerson 2/2, John Randle 6/6, Jeff George 6/6-7/7-7/7

Dickerson for some reason would sign cards very poorly comparted to premium items. I'm guessing he's one of those guys who thinks cards sell for a lot of money, so he decides to sign them poorly. I've encountered that with other football players.

June 27, 2008

I've been a little behind showing scans of recent in-person successes. These are some of the cards I got in April - most of these are for 3 different basketball sets I'm working on. The Scott Skiles/Dennis Scott dual card is one of my favorite in my collection.





Regarding recent 50/50's, I did pretty well with the past two teams that came through Indianapolis. Both Rochester and Buffalo were fun teams to go after considering they only come through town once a year and they have some interesting prospects and former everyday Major Leaguers. I managed to get quite a few Topps '52 cards done from these two teams.

Regarding Rochester, Liriano was the first guy to leave the stadium 3 of the 4 games though he would sign when he was charting. Phil Humber was not as scary as I thought he'd be though he only signs one at a time. It may have helped that he had his girl with him the entire series.

For Buffalo, it seeemd that Asdrubal Cabrera only signs on getaway day. He didn't sign one auto the previous 3 days.....he seems to either have a ritual he sticks to or he is incredibly arrogant. John Halama is a piece of work too. If you don't need him, don't waste your time. He makes it seem like a chore for him to sign autographs.

Below is a list of how many I got for you guys. I try to include a note next to the player's name to fill you in on any pertinent information regarding their signing habits.

Rochester:
Alejandro Machado 3/3-1/1, Brian Duesing 4/4, Carmen Cali 1/1, Casey Daigle 4/4, Danny Graves 1/1, Denard Span 2/2, Francisco Liriano 1/3, Garret Jones 6/6-1/1 (seems to sign everything), James Pridie 1/1, Julio DePaula 2/5-2/3, Kevin Mulvey 5/5-4/4 (signs everything), Philip Humber 1/1-1/1-11/1, Ricky Barrett 3/6, Ryan Jorgenson 4/8-2/2, Stu Cliburn 3/6-4/4, Tommy Watkins 4/4-1/1 (really nice guy)

Buffalo:
Andy Gonzalez 4/4-3/3, Asdrubal Cabrera 1/1, Brad Snyder 7/7-5/5, Chris De La Cruz 1/1, Dan Reichert 4/4, David Huff 1/1, Jason Cooper 4/4 (solid as usual), Jason Tyner 1/1, Jeffrey Stevens 1/1, Jensen Lewis 1/3-1/1-2/2 (quantity seemed to depend on mood), John Halama 1/1-1/1, Jordan Brown 4/4-7/7-2/2 (signs everything and talks with you), Matt Ginter 4/7-3/3-3/3, Michael Aubrey 2/3-2/2, Rich Rundles 4/4-3/3, Scott Radinsky 4/8-4/4, Todd Linden 3/3, Tom Mastny 2/6, Torey Luvello 2/2

Indianapolis:
Andrew McCutchen 1/3, Bryan Bullington 1/1 (has gotten tougher), Carlos Maldonado 6/6 (signs everything), Craig Wilson 1/1, Don Buford 1/1 (honored before a game, was only signing one), Esteban German 3/3, Evan Meek 1/1-1/1-1/1-3/3 (really nice guy), Jason Davis 1/1, Kevin Thompson 1/3, Neil Walker 3/4, Ray Searage 4/4, Ronny Paulino 2/4-1/1, Steven Pearce 2/4, Ty Taubenheim 1/1


June 18, 2008

Columbus just left town after a 2 game series and Paul Lo Duca was here for one of them before being recalled by the Nationals. We also had Lehigh Valley two weeks ago. Not a very interesting team to go after and this Mike Rouse guy didn't pick up a pen all series. Any ideas why?

Columbus is always a great team to go after and they'll be here for a 4-game series in July. Here is how I did for you guys:

Columbus:
Alex Escobar 1/1 (always one per), Colin Balester 5/5 (seems to sign everything), Dennis Tankersley 1/1, Ed Rogers 3/3, Frank Diaz 2/3 (always 2), Garret Mock 3/3 (cool dude), Jemel Spearman 2/2, Mike Bascik 2/2 (super nice guy), Mike O'Connor 3/6, Paul LoDuca 2/2, Pete Orr 2/2, Steve McCatty 3/3, Steven Shell 4/4, Tommy Murphy 4/4-4/4 (horrible graph), Tyler Clippard 4/4, Yurendall de Caster 4/4-1/1

Lehigh Valley:
Brandon Watson 2/4-2/2, Brennan King 1/1, Casey Smith 1/1, Matt Childers 6/6, Gary Knotts 4/4, Greg Gross 4/4, JA Happ 3/5-2/4, Javon Moran 2/2, John Suomi 1/1, Jon Knott 5/5-4/4, Les Walrond 2/2-1/1, Oscar Robles 1/1-2/2, Rod Nichols 1/1, Steve Green 2/2, Steve Kline 3/3, Steven Randolph 1/1-4/4, TJ Bohn 3/6-4/4, Travis Blackley 3/3

Indianapolis:
Carlos Maldonado 5/5, James Barthmaier 2/2-3/3, Ray Searage 2/2, Jason Davis 4/4, Franklyn German 1/1, Jonah Bayliss 1/1, Ronny Paulino 1/5, Romulo Sanchez 4/4, Michel Hernandez 1/1, Chris Hernandez 1/1, Josh Wilson 4/4, Craig Wilson 1/1

June 3, 2008

For you guys who I'm doing 50/50's for, here is what I've gotten from the Mud Hens. Not that great but ok - we'll be seeing them 2 or 3 more times. We just had an autograph signing day for the hometeam so I concentrated mostly on those guys over the weekend. We haven't had any ball games for the past 10 days or so until this past Friday so that is why there hasn't been much activity on my website. I can currently take more cards for Jimmy Barthmaier, Evan Meek, Brian Bixler, Jonah Bayliss, Franklyn German, Michel Hernandez, and Ty Taubenheim.

Toledo:
A.J. Sager 4/4, Brent Clevlyn 2/6-2/3, Casey Fossum 5/5, Chris Lambert 6/6, Dane Sardihna 1/1, Denny Bautista 4/4-2/2, Francis Beltran 2/2-3/6, Freddy Guzman 6/1-1/1, Jackson Melian 1/1, Larry Parrish 4/4, Leon Durham 1/1, Matt Joyce 1/1, Mike Hollimon 1/1, Yorman Bazardo 5/5

Indianapolis:
Adam Boeve 1/1, Brian Bixler 4/4, Brian Rogers 4/4, Carlos Garcia (roving) 2/7 ,Carlos Maldonado 6/6, Craig Wilson 2/2, Jonah Bayliss 3/3, Jorge Cortes 3/4, Josh Wilson 4/4, Kevin Thompson 3/3, Luis Munoz 2/2, Matt Kata 1/4, Neil Walker 3/3-1/1, Nyjer Morgan 4/4, Steve Pearce 2/2, T.J. Beam 2/2, Ty Taubenheim 6/6


May 20, 2008

Richmond was in town for a 4-game series. I wasn't impressed by their roster. Nonetheless, I spent 3 post-games hunting for autographs. Scott Williamson seemed to leave from a different place every night so I never saw him. Mike Hampton did not travel. Chris Chambliss and Scott Thorman were one per.

Richmond:
Brandon Jones 4/4, Brent Lillibridge 2/5, Charlie Morton 2/2, Chris Chambliss 1/3-1/1-1/1, Clint Sammons 4/4-2/2, Diory Hernandez 1/1, Joe Borchard 6/6-7/7, Jeff Ridgway 5/5, Josh Anderson 8/8, Matt DeSalvo 1/1, Phil Stockman 6/6-2/2, Reggie Taylor 4/4, Sal Fasano 3/3, Scott Thorman 1/2

Indianapolis:
Jack Wilson (rehab) 3/3, Nyjer Morgan 3/3


May 14, 2008

A pretty bad series with Scranton last week. One day was rained out entirely and a lot of the players were sneaky when leaving the ballpark after every game. Not to mention, there have been a ton of roster moves over the past month. It was a pretty weak team for autograph hunters compared to who was on the team when the season started. Only 55 cards signed.

Scranton:
Chris Stewart 4/4, Cody Ransom 2/2-4/4, Dan Giese 2/6, Dave Miley 1/1, Eric Duncan 3/6, Greg Porter 5/5-2/2, Heath Phillips 3/3, Ian Kennedy 2/2, J.D. Closser 1/1, Jason Lane 1/4, Jeff Marquez 4/4, Juan Miranda 3/5, Justin Christian 4/4, Matt Carson 1/1, Nick Green 2/6, Scott Strickland 1/1-1/1, Steven White 2/2

Indianapolis:
Andrew McCutchen 3/3, Carlos Garcia 1/1 (roving instr.), Carlos Maldonado 6/6, Josh Wilson 1/5

April 30, 2008

Sorry for the late post everyone. But no worries, I've got results for the two teams that have come through Indy over the past week. Louisville was here for four games and Columbus left today after playing a short two-game series. Not sure why they waste their time for such a short stint.

In total, I got 180 cards signed from the Reds minor-leauge affiliate and 64 cards from the Nationals top farm club. Jorge Orta and Tom Browning made the trip with Louisville so that was a nice surprise. For everyone who I'm doing 50/50's for, here are the results:

Louisville:
Adam Pettyjohn 4/4 (really nice guy), Alvin Colina 2/3-1/1 (no dupes), Andy Green 6/6, Andy Phillips 1/3, Bill Bray 2/4-3/3-3/5, Chris Dickerson 3/3, Drew T. Anderson 4/5-3/5-3/3-2/2 (does not sign dupes), Gary Majewski 3/3, Homer Bailey 1/3-2/2-1/2 (was either in a great mood or a really bad one), Jay Bruce 2/2-1/4-2/2-2/2, Jerry GIl 4/4, Jim Brower 2/2, Jim Lehr 6/6-7/7, Jorge Orta 6/6, Kevin Barker 3/4, Matt Maloney 6/6-4/4, Paul Janish 4/4-3/3, Rick Sweet 1/1, Ryan Hanigan 3/3, Scott Sauerback 1/1, Ted Power 6/6-7/7, Tom Shearn 5/5-6/6, Tyler Pelland 4/4

Columbus:
Alex Escobar 1/1-1/1, Brian Sanches 6/6, Chris Booker 6/6, Collin Balester 4/4, Dennis Tankersley 4/4-4/4, Ed Rogers 2/2, Garrett Guzman 3/3, Garrett Mock 6/6, Jason Bergmann 2/2, Javi Herrera 2/2, Jesus Flores 3/6-2/4, Mike Bascik 2/2, Pete Orr 6/6, Steven Shell 5/8, Tim Foli 3/6, Tony Bautista 1/1, Tyler Clippard 4/6

Indianapolis:
Andrew McCutchen 2/2, Craig Wilson 1/1, Jesse Chavez 2/2, John Van BenSchoten 3/3, Jonah Bayliss 1/1, Kevin Thompson 2/2, Luis Munoz 1/1, Mike Thompson 3/3, Neil Walker 3/3, Ray Searage 2/2, Raul Chavez 4/4, Romulo Sanchez 4/4, Sean Burnett 6/6, Steven Pearce 6/6, TJ Beam 3/4, Ty Taubenheim 7/7

April 19, 2008

Just finished the Pawtucket vs. Indianapolis series and now we have a couple days off. I'd say Pawtucket is the worst signing team in the International League from my experience but that's not saying a whole lot - it's the minor leagues. I still got quite a few cards signed but still missed out on a couple guys. I only made it to one game, which was the last game of the series and after that game it rained, so I wasn't able to get any of the guys I hadn't got previously. But I did go after guys after every game. Turns out Van Every and Chad Spann were the toughies - "not tonight guys." It's interesting for me to see, that in general the guys who didn't come up through the Boston system are the better signers (Hull, Gronkiewicz & Switzer, etc.) But with that said, Brandon Moss and David Pauley are great signers along with a couple other career Red Sox system guys. But overall I'm not impressed. And holy crap Craig Hansen signed.

I also went after some Indy Indians and managed to get visiting Pirates instructor Kimera Bartee who was in town for a brief stay. A really nice guy. Not huge but he's a former Tigers player - which I'm a big fan. Regardless, here are the numbers:

Pawtucket:
Abe Alvarez 2/2, Bobby Keilty 1/1-1/1, Brandon Moss 3/6-3/3-3/3, Craig Hansen 1/1-1/1, Dan Kolb 3/4, David Pauley 7/7-7/7, Devern Hansack 3/6-3/4-2/3-1/1, Dusty Brown 2/2, Edgar Martinez 2/4-3/3, Eric Hull 1/1, George Kottaras 1/2-1/1, Jeff Bailey 6/6, Joe Thurston 2/4, Jon Switzer 3/5-2/2, Keith Ginter 3/6-3/3, Kyle Snyder 1/1, Lee Gronkiewicz 6/6-4/4, Lincoln Holdzkom 3/6-3/6-3/4, Michael Tejera 2/2

Indianapolis:
Andrew McCutchen 2/2-3/3, Bryan Bullington 3/3, Carlos Maldonado 4/4, Kevin Thompson 2/2, Kimera Bartee 2/2 (instructor), Neil Walker 3/3, Ray Searage 6/6, Romulo Sanchez 4/4, Sean Burnett 5/5, Steven Pearce 4/4

My next post I'lll upload some scans of my IP basketball graphs from the end of the season and will update my trade and sets pages.


April 15, 2008

For those of you that I'm doing 50/50's with, I'll post here after every home series who I got so you can get a general idea if your stuff got signed or not. This is an easier way for me to let you know, otherwise I'd be sending a lot of emails and that would be a huge headache for me.

Norfolk:
Adam Stern 2/2, Chris Heintz 5/5-5/5-6/6, Chris Roberson 4/4-4/4, Esteban Yan 4/4-3/3, Garrett Olson 4/5-5/5, Gary Allenson 6/6-5/5, Hayden Penn 6/6-6/6, Jon Leicaster 1/1-6/6, Lance Cormier 4/6, Luis Terrero 1/3, Mike Constanzo 4/4-5/5, Omir Santos 5/5, Oscar Salazar 2/2, Radhames Liz 2/2-2/2, Robert Novoa 2/2-4/4, Ryan Buckvich 4/4, Scott Moore 2/2, Sebastien Boucher 6/6-5/5, Tike Redman 3/3-4/4,

Indianapolis:
Adam Boeve 3/3, Andrew McCutchen 2/2-3/3, Jonah Bayliss 2/2, Josh Wilson 6/6, Kevin Thompson 2/4, Luis Munoz 1/1, Marino Salas 4/4, Michel Hernandez 2/2, Mike Thompson 3/3, Steven Pearce 6/6 + GU broken bat

Overall, a really good way to break in the season. I got almost every Norfolk card signed that I had totally about 120 total sigs. Radhames Liz is strictly two but did sign 3 for some people. A very soft spoken guy. Luis Terrero is the toughie on the team and passed up many of us. Otherwise, everyone signed multiples and they were swept by Indy!! I managed to get 9 set cards done.

Pawtucket arrives tomorrow for a 4-game series. Fingers crossed Bartolo Colon will be here.


April 10, 2008

Small update today. Over the past couple weeks I've gone after the Nets, Hornets and Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati. Managed to get quite a few new sigs from these 4 teams. A highlight is defintely getting Jimmy Rollins. Ryan Howard also signed but I missed out on that. Managed about 10 cards for various sets I'm working on in the two sports.

In other news, notice that the URL is now www.canyousign.com. I'm also working on some new features and adding more scans. Tomorrow is our home-opener here in Indianapolis for the AAA Int'l League season. Our roster is very impressive compared to the others in the league. Look for a lot of action on my trade pages once the season gets rolling.

Only a few more Pacers home games. I'm kind of glad it's almost over and the warm weather is rolling around. Next post will have my results from the Bucks, Knicks and Norfolk TIdes.