Good Bye Josh Anderson….Hello Jordan Schafer!

Posted by Jeremy on March 31, 2009 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

HGH free and still hitting

The battle for the centerfield slot in Atlanta got a bit clearer on Monday as speedster Josh Anderson was traded to the Detroit Tigers for right-handed relief pitcher Rudy Darrow.  Anderson struggled with consistency this spring earning a .263 OBP in 19 games while 21 year old phenom Jordan Schafer has stung the ball, hitting .373 with 5 SB and 13 runs scored.

Despite his lofty upside, Schafer has yet to win the job outright as last year’s starter Gregor Blanco still figures to be in the mix.  However, if I were a betting man, I would readily throw my support behind Jordan’s chances to land the opening day job.

First year cards for Schafer can be found in the 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft ($3.50-5.00 each) and Bowman Heritage ($2.00-3.00 each) sets.  His first certified autos in the 2008 Bowman Chrome set command prices ranging in the $17-20 range and his Donruss Threads autos (#/275) can be found for $10-12.50 on eBay.

Schafer has a skill set similar to St. Louis’ Colby Rasmus and Indians all-star Grady Sizemore, but the refinement of them is still a work in progress.  Schafer has earned a 3 BB/16 K ratio in his 17 games this spring and averaged more than one punchout per game in his suspension-shortened 2008 season.  Additionally, he has never played a game above AA and his .269 BA last year at Mississippi hardly set the Southern League ablaze.

He may not be ready….but talent has a way of trumping polish sometimes.  Schafer has an abundance of talent and it is increasingly looking like the Braves are quite anxious to see it manifest itself in their opening day lineup and throughout the 2009 season.

3/30 Spring Training Report

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With one week left to go, all of the clubs have been or will be calling up some of their younger players from the minor league camps for a final round of innings in the big league camp before heading to their minor league destinations. Today’s action saw Adam Jones belt his 3rd HR of the season, as did the red hot Erick Aybar. Taylor Teagarden and Justin Smoak went deep for the Rangers and Alex Gordon did it twice. On the mound, Glen Perkins pitched to his 3rd win of the spring and Brett Anderson gritted through 6 innings for his 2nd victory. The youngster of the day, though, was Seattle Mariners OF prospect Mike Wilson who blasted his 6th and 7th HR of the spring, knocking in 5.

Youngster of the Day—MIKE WILSON

Other Notable Performances:

• Kenshin Kawakami—6 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K
• Adam Rosales—2-2 2 2B 2 RBI
• Wellington Castillo-2-2
• Ross Ohlendorf—5.1 IP 3H ER 2 BB 3K
• Johnny Cueto—5 IP 3H ER 4 BB 2K
• Ryan Perry—IP BB SV(1)
• Andrew MIller—6 IP 4H UER 3K
• David Purcey—6 IP 2H ER 5 BB 2K
• Adam Lind—2-3 2B
• Glen Perkins—6 IP 4H Bb 4K W(3)
• Adam Jones—1-3 HR(3) RBI
• Daniel Murphy—2-3 HR(1) RBI 2B
• Trevor Crowe—1-2 2R 2 BB SB(7)
• Josh Whitesell—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Taylor Teagarden—1-2 HR(4) 3 RBI BB
• Justin Smoak—1-2 HR(2) RBI
• Jesus Guzman—1-1 HR(5) RBI
• Mike Wilson—2-3 2 HR(7) 5 RBI
• Casey McGehee—1-2 HR(6) 2 RBi 2R
• Alcides Escobar—1-1 2R RBI SB(4)
• Brett Anderson—6 IP 6H 3 ER bB 4K W(2)
• Chris Denorfia—2-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Alex Gordon—2-5 2 HR(5) 3 RBI 2R
• Josh Fields—2-4 2B R
• Kendry Morales—3-4 2B 3B 3 RBI R
• Erick Aybar—2-3 HR(3) RBI 2R

3/29 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 30, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Offense was the name of the game Sunday as the Cactus League was afire with several spectacular performances.  Josh Hamilton belted two HR and drove in five and Chris Davis chimed in with his 5th HR of the spring in Texas’ romp over the Angels.  Chris Getz and Brent LIllibridge each logged three hits in the White Sox win.  On the mound, Kevin Slowey continued his solid spring tossing 6 innings of two run ball en route to his second win and Phil Coke and Brandon McCarthy each notched their third victory of the spring.  The player de jour, though, was light hitting Alberto Callaspo of the Kansas City Royals.  Callaspo went 4-6 with three doubles, three runs scored and two runs batted in.

Youngster of the Day—ALBERTO CALLASPO

Other Notable Performances:

• Chris Carter—2-4 HR(6) RBI
• Koji Uehara—IP 2K (W)
• Adam Jones—2-3 2R
• Kevin Slowey—6 IP 8H 2 ER 5K W(2)
• Carlos Gomez—1-3 2B 2 RBI
• Matt Joyce—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Jay Bruce—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Ricky Romero—7 IP 8H 2 ER 6K
• Lou Santangelo—1-1 HR(2) RBI
• Dallas McPherson—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Cameron Maybin—2-3 R BB
• Andy LaRoche—1-4 2B RBI
• Phil Coke—2 iP H 4K W(3)
• Brett Gardner—2-3 R
• Joe Martinez—4 IP 3H 2 BB 3K
• Alberto Castillo—4-6 3 2B 3R 2 RBI
• Billy Butler—3-5 2R RBI BB
• Chris Denorfia—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R 2 BB
• Dexter Fowler—2-4 2 2B RBI R SB(6)
• Ian Stewart—1-4 HR(4) 2 RBI
• Chris Getz—3-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Brent Lillibridge—3-4 2B 2R RBI
• Donny Lucy—2-2 2B R
• Gerardo Parra—1-1 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Justin Upton—1-2 R BB SB(2)
• Chris Davis—3-4 HR(5) 2 RBI 2B 3R
• Taylor Teagarden—1-1 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Elvis Andrus—2-3 2R
• Brandon McCarthy—4 IP 6H 2 ER 2K W(3)

3/28 Spring Training Report

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Saturday’s spring training action saw some outstanding performances from several top prospects.  Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar both collected 4 hits (one of Morales’ cleared the fence).  Sean Doolittle, Chase Headley, Adam Jones, and Nelson Cruz all blasted HR’s as well.  On the mound, Max Scherzer pitched 5 innings of 4 hit ball en route to a win, then promptly went on the DL.  Edison Volquez threw 5 solid innings for a win and Ryan Perry continues to look like Detroit’s long awaited dominant closer, lowering his spring ERA to 0.93.  Today’s top youngster was none other than Andrew McCutchen who went 5-5 with his 2nd HR, 3 doubles, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored.  McCutchen raised his average to .308 and is increasingly looking like a Major League outfielder.

Youngster of the Day—ANDREW MCCUTCHEN

Other Notable Performances:

• Adam Jones—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Brian Barden—2-4 3B R BB
• Colby Rasmus—2-3 3B 2R 2 BB SB(4)
• Jay Bruce—2-4 2 RBI SB(1)
• Paul Janish—2-4 2B R
• Edison Volquez—5 IP 4H ER 4 BB 3K W(2)
• Ryan Perry—IP H 2K
• Carlos Gomez—3-3 R 2 SB(5)
• George Kottaras—1-2 2B R RBI
• Jordan Schafer—-3-5 2B RBI
• Andrew McCutchen—5-5 HR(2) 3 2B 2 RBI 3R
• Brian Bixler—2-4 2B R
• Garrett Jones—1-1 HR(4) 3 RBI
• Dillon Gee—3.1 IP 4H 2 ER 2 BB 4K W
• Damaso Espino—2-3 3 RBI 2B
• Max Scherzer—5 IP 4H ER 3K W (1-2 RBI)
• Alexei Ramirez—2-4 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Josh Fields—2-3 2B 2R BB
• Brent Lillibridge—2-3 2B 2R RBI
• Sean Doolittle—1-1 HR(2) RBI
• Jeff Clement—1-1 2B 2 RBI
• Reegie Corona—2-4 HR(1) RBI 2R
• Mike Wilson—1-4 2B R RBI BB
• Rob Johnson—1-3 2B 2R BB
• Kendry Morales—4-4 HR(3) 2B 3 RBI 2R
• Erick Aybar—4-4 2B 3B 2R 3 RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—1-1 2B RBI R
• Chase Headley—4-5 HR(3) 2B 3 RBI 2R
• Nick Hundley—2-3 2B R RBI
• Pablo Sandoval—2-2 R RBI
• Emmanuel Burriss—0-3 2 BB 2R 2 SB(4)
• Nelson Cruz—2-4 HR(6) 2 RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—1-3 3B R
• Micah Hoffpauir—2-5 HR(5) 2B 3 RBI 2R
• Geovanny Soto—2-4 2B
• Seth Smith—2-5 2B 3B 2R RBI

Brett Gardner Wins NY Yankees CF Job

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50 SB in 2008...1 Stolen Job in 2009

It’s official.  Brett Gardner has beaten out Melky Cabrera for the honors of being the first player to patrol the CF confines of the new Yankee Stadium.  While this news is not as juicy as the condition of A-Rod’s surgically repaired hip or the off season signings of C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the fact that the 25 year old OF, and future #9 hitter has won the position outright does carry some merit in the baseball card world.

It wasn’t but three seasons ago that a journeyman outfielder with a name that belied his demure frame captivated the hearts of the Bronx Bombers’ faithful during a brief late-summer stint with a walk off HR and dazzling defensive plays.  Bubba Crosby mania swept through the hobby as well rapidly pushing the prices of his 1999 Bowman Chrome rookie cards from mere pennies into the $10 range.

Gardner is a much better player than Crosby and his hard-nosed style of play is surely going to be a hit in the Big Apple.  Last season, Gardner looked overmatched against MLB pitching, but once he reached base, he wreaked havoc on opposing batteries, stealing 13 bags in 14 attempts.  Gardner’s bat has looked much better this spring as he has torched Grapefruit League pitching for a .385 BA including three dingers and five stolen bases. 

Currently, Gardner’s first year cards from the 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft set are selling on eBay for $1.50-2.50 each.  With no certified autos available yet, these should be highly profitable speculative buys if Gardner can continue to produce during the regular season.

The Yankees are primed to avenge their playoff snub from a year ago and their lineup is a formidable one.  Opportunities abound for Gardner to make a profound impact as a catalytic component of this lineup and his defense in CF should give him some Web Gem love in the near future. 

While his success is not a foregone conclusion, Gardner has the perfect blend of playmaking ability, grittiness, athleticism, and polish to be a fan favorite in MLB’s largest media market.  At $2 a pop, his 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft is a solid BUY.

3/27 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 28, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Trevor Cahill took himself out of the running tonight with a mediocre performance against the Padres.  Gerardo Parra has been red hot since his return from competing with the Venezuelan National Team, going 3-3 with his first HR and 2 RBI.  Brad Emaus continued to impress the Blue Jays brass with his 4th HR of the spring, but the top performance of the day goes to Texas Rangers 1B Chris Davis who smacked his 4th HR, hit a double, scored twice and drove in two runs.  Davis is a prime threat to pound 40 HR this season and his bat this spring has given every indication that that is a possibility.

Youngster of the Day—CHRIS DAVIS

Other Notable Performances:

• Luis Montanez—3-4 2R
• Emiliano Bonifacio—2-3 R
• Dallas McPherson—2-2
• Josh Anderson—2-3 R SB(2)
• David Freese—3-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Chris Carter—2-4 R
• George Kottaras—1-2 2B R
• Jose Morales—2-3 2R RBI
• Brandon Wood—1-3 HR(4) RBI
• Miguel Montero—2-5 R RBI
• Gerardo Parra—3-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Josh Fields—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI R
• Eider Torres—2-5 2R 2B
• Eugenio Velez—2-5 2B 3B 3R 2 RBI
• Pablo Sandoval—1-2 RBI
• Chris Colonel—1-2 GS HR(2) 5 RBI
• Ian Stewart—1-3 HR(3) 2 RBI
• Mike Aviles—2-3 RBI R
• Brad Emaus—2-5 HR(4) 2 RBI 2B
• Travis Snider—2-3 2B R
• Sean Shoffit—2-3 2B R
• Daniel Murphy—3-4 2 RBI
• Brad Nelson—2-4 HR(3) 3 RBI
• Hernan Iribarren—1-2 3B 2 RBI
• Taylor Teagarden—3-3 2B 3B
• Chris Davis—3-4 HR(4) 2 RBI 2R 2B
• Elvis Andrus—1-4 RBI

3/26 Spring Training report

Posted by Jeremy on March 27, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Joba Chamberlain earned his 3rd win of the spring, Jordan Schafer and Pablo Sandoval continue to post multi-hit games, and sparsely used prospects David Cooper and Gerardo Parra tacked up a couple of base knocks yesterday.  However, the top youngster was Kansas City Royals’ SS Mike Aviles whose 2-3 afternoon included his 2nd HR 5 RBI and 2 runs scored.  The Royals young offense is rounding into shape and I fully believe that this team is one that will turn some heads this season.

Youngster of the Day—MIKE AVILES

Other Notable Performances:

• Emilio Bonifacio—2-4 3B 5 RBI R
• Cameron Maybin—2-3 2B 2R
• Adam Jones—3-4 HR(1) 2B 2 RBI 2R
• Joba Chamberlain—4.1 IP 3H 2 ER 3 BB 3K W(3)
• Aaron Mathews—2-3 2R RBI
• David Cooper—2-3 R
• Jordan Schafer—2-4 3B R
• Freddie Freeman—1-2 RBI
• Matt Joyce—1-3 RBI R BB SB(1)
• Rick Porcello—2.1 IP 3H ER 3 BB K
• Pablo Sandoval—2-4 2 RBI 2R SB(1)
• Blake DeWitt—2-4 2B 2 RBI R
• Jason McDonald—3 IP 2H 2 BB 3K W(2)
• Elvis Andrus—1-2 R RBI
• Mike Aviles—2-3 HR(2) 2B 4 RBI 2R
• Alex Gordon—2-3 R
• Billy Butler—2-4 R
• Mitch Maier—1-1 R RBI SB(2)
• Gerardo Parra—2-4 2B R RBI
• Chris Getz—1-4 R 2 SB(4)
• Nick Adenhart—6 IP 5H ER 2 BB 3K W(2)

3/25 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 26, 2009 under Uncategorized | 3 Comments to Read

Yesterday my weblink wasn’t working for some reason, but it looks as if that problem is now resolved.  Clay Buchholz lowered his spring ERA to 0.48 with 6 dominant innings of 3 hit ball, Brett Anderson tossed 4.1 innings allowing 7 hits and 2 runs while striking out 4.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia continued to show that he is the starting catcher for the Rangers this season belting his 1st spring HR, but Rangers 1B Chris Davis upstaged him belting his 3rd HR and collecting 4 RBI.  Sean Rodriguez also continued his strong showing with his 1st HR as well.  Johnny Cueto locked horns with Buchholz and fired 6 innings of 2 hit 5 strikeout ball.  Though he received a no-decision for his efforts, he is dedidedly today’s top youngster.

Youngster of the Day—JOHNNY CUETO

Other Notable Performances:

• Clay Buchholz—6 IP 3H UER 3K
• Aaron Reza—1-1 2B 2 RBI
• Johnny Cueto—6 IP 2H 5K
• Ryan Perry—1.2 IP 2H 2 BB 2K
• Jeff Larish—3-5 2 2B 3 RBI R
• Kenichi Kawakami—5 IP H UER 2 BB 3K
• Jeff Niemann—4 IP 5H ER 2K
• Jeff Karstens—5 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 5K
• Chris Davis—2-4 HR(3) 4 RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Elvis Andrus—1-3 R SB(3)
• Brett Anderson—4.1 IP 7H 2 ER 4K
• Casey McGehee—2-3 HR(5) 2B 4 RBI
• Sean Rodriguez—2-2 HR(1) 2B 2 RBI
• Erick Aybar—4-5 2B 3 RBI 3R
• Dexter Fowler—1-4 2B R BB
• Trevor Crowe—2-4 HR(1) 2B 2 RBI
• Erick Aybar—4-5 2B R BB

Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson: Closing in on a Roster Spot

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The Oakland A’s made a concerted effort this offseason to shore up an offense that was one of the worst in all of baseball in 2008.  Highlighted by the trade for Colorado Rockies All-Star OF Matt Holliday, Oakland also made waves with free agent signings of veterans Jason Giambi, Orlando Cabrera, and Nomar Garciaparra.  The pitching staff, however, has been largely unchanged from last season with Dana Eveland, Dallas Braden, Gio Gonzalez, and Sean Gallagher all battling to slot themselves behind ace Justin Ducshcherer. 

Enter Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson…

Cahill has been as good as advertised this spring going 2-0 with a 3.94 ERA and 3 BB/10 K in 16 IP.  Anderson, for his part, has impressed as well, garnering a 1-1 record with a 1.54 ERA and 4 BB/2 K in 11.2 IP.  Rotation hopefuls Gallagher, Eveland, Gonzalez, and Josh Outman have had up and down performances this spring, further muddyinig the waters, making manager Bob Geren’s decision more difficult.

Anderson starts today against the Chicago White Sox, and Cahill should get one more start later this week.  Their performances should go a long way toward dictating the odds of either or both of them snagging a spot on the opening day 25 man roster.

The market has responded favorably to Cahill’s strong spring with his 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto selling for $27-30 each.  A more wallet-friendly purchase can be found with his ‘07 Bowman Heritage cards which can be had for $1-2 each.  Anderson has 1st year cards in the 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects set that sell for $1-2 each and autographed cards in the ‘07 Donruss Elite Extra set (#/549) available for $25-28 each.

My Take: Both of these kids are just 21 years old and have fully wound arbitration clocks.  Pennants are not won in April, and the A’s have enough talent to stay in contention in the A.L. West.  I think the prices for their autos are peaking right now in expectation that one or both of them will earn a spot in the A’s’ rotation.

I don’t think so.

Once either Anderson or Cahill (or both) get sent down to AAA Sacramento, the demand for their cards will subside significantly.  Odds are that they will be back by June, and so will the clammoring for their cards.  If you can land a chrome lot of Anderson or a Heritage lot of Cahill at around $2.00 each, it should be a good value buy right now.

Current Trevor Cahill Auctions:

Current Brett Anderson Auctions

3/24 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 25, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Today was a day for the pitchers.  Pittsburgh’s Ross Ohlendorf continued his impressive spring by tossing 6 shutout innings en route to his first win, Shairon Martis and Koji Uehara locked up in a duel with Martis’ 6 scoreless innings trumping Uehara’s 3.2 IP of one-run, 7K ball.  David Purcey looks like the real deal in his 6 one-run innings, but no one matched up to Kevin Slowey’s performance.  The 24 year old Twin hurled 5 innings allowing one run while striking out 5 and knocking in 3 runs with a perfect 2-2 day at the plate.

Youngster of the Day—KEVIN SLOWEY

Other Notable Performances:

• Austin Jackson—1-1 GS HR(3) 4 RBI
• Brett Gardner—1-2 3B R
• Ross Ohlendorf—6 IP 5H 3K (W)
• Brian Bixler—3-5 R 2 SB(3)
• Shairon Martis—6 IP 3H BB 4K (W)
• Koji Uehara—3.2 IP 3H ER 7K (L)
• David Purcey—6 IP 8H ER 2 BB 3K
• Travis Snider—1-3 R SB(1)
• Scott Campbell—1-1 2B R RBI
• Reese Havens—1-2 BB
• Kevin Slowey—5 IP 2H ER 5K (W) 2-2 2B 3 RBI
• Cameron Maybin—2-3 3B BB
• Gordon Beckham—1-2 SB(2)
• Aaron Poreda—3 IP 2H 2 ER 4 BB K
• Chris Gimenez—2-3 R BB
• Chris Colonel—2-4 2 RBI 2B
• Geovanny Soto—1-2 2B R 2 RBI
• Dexter Fowler—1-2 R SB(4)
• Erick Aybar—1-2 HR(2) RBI
• Nick Hundley—2-4 2B R
• Emmannuel Burriss—2-4 3B 3 RBI
• Gerardo Parra—2-2 2B
• Reegie Corona—2-5 RBI R SB(1)
• Tyson Gillies—2-3 2R RBI SB(1)
• Nelson Cruz—2-4 HR(5) 3 RBI 2R
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—2-3 2B 2 RBI
• Joquin Arias—2-2 RBI
• Sean Gallagher—4.2 IP 6H BB 3K
• Mike Aviles—2-4 GS HR(1) 5 RBI
• Wladimir Balentien—1-4 3B 2 RBI
• Clayton Kershaw—5.1 IP 3H 3 ER BB 6K