Cards from Night Owl

I hate trading.  Not really, but kinda. A month or so ago I found a 1963 Johnny Podres in a dollar box and sent it off to Night Owl.  No reason other than as a thank you for all the reading pleasure his various blogs give me.  Once the envelope is dropped in the mail, I forget about it.    But, a bit later a bubble mailer shows up with a bunch of nice cards.  Too many nice cards given that I only spent a dollar and a stamp on what I sent you.

I know NO doesn't like Mark Teixeira, but I do. His production has been down the last three years, but I am not convinced that it is an age-related decline.  His power numbers remain good. I think the drop off may have to do with more teams playing Tex, a dead pull hitter, in a shift. Consequently, less hits are getting through the right side of the infield.  That said, it still isn't clear NY is getting their money's worth out of the big contract that gave him.

Speaking of big contracts, CC got one last year and I am afraid it may end up being an albatross before too long. Last year, CC looked less  dominant.  His pitch speed is down and he took a couple trips to the disabled list.  He is still a great pitcher, by virtue of his great control and ability to eat innings.  But, it isn't clear that he is going to pay back his large contract for many more years.

I love Brett Gardner.  Not much power, but a solid leadoff man and baserunner.  Plus, he is a Gold Glove caliber outfielder.  He has been playing centerfield while Curtis Granderson has been on the DL. I am hoping they leave him there when Grandy comes back.  Curtis, another favorite, just looked lost in CF last year.  I can't count how many times he started in on a flyball and had to stop short and head back in the opposite direction in a hurry.  Gardner is just a more natural center fielder.

 Ah, two Robbie Canos.  The heart of the Yankee team the last few years.  Robbie stands to cash in big this coming off-season as he hits free agency.  I expect he'll re-up with NYY before then, but I expect that it will come with a big payday. I am fine with the Yankees giving him a big check, but for goodness sake, don't sign him for more than 5-6 years.  Learn from that lousy contract you gave Alex Rodriguez. You know, the one you'll be paying through 2017.

Mini!

I believe Andruw is now in Japan.  He did well for the Yanks in 2011. Not so much in 2012.  Although, even at his worst in pinstripes, he was still better than he was during his mercifully short stint with the Dodgers. Hoo-boy!

Another mini!

I am looking forward to collecting 1972 Topps.  It is a fun looking set.  I hope to get to it in 2014.

A real 1975 Topps mini!

My second one. The first was Paul Blair which is part of my Blair player collection.  I don't think I'll ever try to put the set together. I once asked my local LCS if he had any '75 minis and he did not.  I would imagine it would be well nigh impossible to complete the set and that would frustrate me to no end.  But, I sure do like this card and it will take a place of honor in my vintage/mojo binder.

Thanks Night Owl!