Night Owl Trade!!!

So a couple of weeks ago, Greg at NIGHT OWL CARDS posted a picture of a Goodwin Champions Anderson Silva card. Being a huge MMA fan I requested the card after it was apparent Greg did not collect "THE SPIDER". His response was, positive. I told the nocturnal bird of prey I also collect Rays and Rickey Henderson. So Greg put together a great little package and shipped it to me here in the sunshine state all the way from NY. I could not be any more excited about what was in the package after I cracked it open. Here are the little gems from the man behind NIGHT OWL CARDS.

First up a trio of BJ UPTON cards.

I love all three of these cards. The Upper Deck Timeline card is especially nice. What a great chrome embossed logo, and very typical BJ pose, running what looks like half speed.

The Owl also scraped up a few Rays pitchers to throw in the mix.


The Niemann is a great card, and I also really like the Ginter Garza, but for this blogger, the David Price Goudey card made me as happy as a Dodger fan when Holliday miss played that fly ball! What a great card!!! The baby blue background is PERFECT!

Next I noticed some shiny!!!!!

Diamonds may be a girls best friend, but chrome cards are mine. PENA, SONNANSTINE, and NIEMANN! oh my!

Night Owl also sent me a few former Rays.....

We missed Hinske and his very profession at bats this year. I also am still pulling for Kaz even though he is pitching out west now, I hope he does well against the Yanks. Then there is Rocco, what is a fan to do when you own a Jersey of a guy who is not only not on your team anymore, but is playing for an arch enemy like the Red Sox? Any suggestions?

Random sweetness!!!!!

So according Zistle.com, I have over 300 Carl Crawford cards. I did not have this 2000 Topps though!!!!!! The Garza is also a very cool card!

Last but not least, the cards that got the ball rolling: ANDERSON SILVA

This guy is one bad mamma jamma. If you are not a fan of MMA I totally understand if you do not know who Anderson Silva is, but if you do follow mixed martial arts I am sure you will agree this is one of the toughest men on the planet..... Thank you so much Night Owl for the cards. I will get your package in the mail shortly! What a great package to come home to!

The Card Addict

American League Rookie of the Year winner is.......

American League Rookie of the Year Race tightens...... UPDATED as of 10/6/09

The regular season is over. The ROOKIE starter in the one game playoff is on the bench, and the voters are looking over the final weeks of the season. Lets see how the last week of the regular season treated our class of ROOKS.

Matt Wieters C Baltimore


FINAL STATS: Games 96 Hits 102 Home Run 9 RBIs 43 BA .288

Weiters slowed down a little the last week of the season. He still managed to get 102 hits in 96 games. He hit 9 home runs and 43 RBI. Wieters had a very strong Rookie year, and looks like he could be a superstar in the future. Wieters just did not play enough games this year to earn the ROY Award. If he was playing on a playoff team, the voters may have overlooked the number of games, but the Orioles finished at 64 and 98, last place in the AL EAST.

Jeff Niemann Starting Pitcher Tampa Bay


FINAL STATS: Games 31 Wins 13 Losses 6 K's 125 ERA 3.94 WHIP 1.35

Niemann won his last start of the season against the New York Yankees. He went 5 innings, struck out 5 and only allowed 2 runs. If Niemann would have finished a little stronger the award could have been his, but he and the Rays struggled down the stretch. Niemann led the Rays in wins (13) and ERA (3.94) If we could have picked up 2 or 3 more wins the AL ROY would be his, but he just did not do enough to be the Rookie of the Year.

Brett Anderson Starting Pitcher Oakland


FINAL STATS: Games 30 Wins 11 Losses 11 K's 150 ERA 4.06 WHIP 1.28

Brett Anderson lost his final start of the year to the Mariners. 4-2 was the final score. Anderson went 5 innings giving up all four runs, however only 1 was earned. Anderson the K's, and a great WHIP, but he just did not have the wins.

Elvis Andrus Shortstop Texas


FINAL STATS: Games 145 Hits 128 Home Run 6 RBIs 40 BA .267

Andrus had an amazing year for a rookie shortstop! He helped the Rangers stay in contention all year with his steady glove and bat. Andrus finished with a .267 batting average and 33 stolen bases. It looks like the Rangers have found an everyday shortstop. The Rangers had the best team record of any of the players in the running for the award, and it may be his. This race is too close to call, it will come down to whether the voters like the everyday player of the relief pitcher!

Andrew Bailey Relief Pitcher Oakland


FINAL STATS: Games 68 Wins 6 Losses 3 K's 91 ERA 1.84 WHIP .88 SAVES 26 4 Blown Saves BAA .167

Bailey pitched great all year and gets this bloggers vote for AMERICAN LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. I of course do not have a vote, but this guy was ice cold all year. He only gave up 2 hits in his final 10 innings, if only the A's would have been leading a few more of those games.


Rick Porcello Starting Pitcher Detroit


FINAL STATS: Games 31 Wins 14 Losses 9 K's 83 ERA 3.96 WHIP 1.34

Porcello started the sudden death playoff game against the Twins tonight. He pitched very well going 5.2 innings giving up only 1 earned run however it was his fielding error that allowed the Twins to score a run. When Porcello left the game the Tigers were winning 3 to 2. That is pretty strong for a rookie. The Twins and Tigers are still going at it in the bottom of the 11th as I write this. I wish I could find it on TV!!!! If Porcello wins the award it would not be a surprise.


Gordon Beckham 3B Chicago White Sox


FINAL STATS: Games 103 Hits 102 Home Run 14 RBIs 63 BA .270

Beckham finished the season with 102 hits and 14 home runs. That is a great Rookie campaign, but should fall a little short when the award is handed out.


This was not a really strong year for rookies in the American League with no clear cut winners, but if you believe this blogger, and the readers of this blog then Andrew Bailey should be the winner of this years award. I guess all that is left to do is sit back watch some great playoff baseball, and wait for the votes to be counted.

The Card Addict

American League Rookie of the Year Race tightens...... UPDATED as of 9/29/09

American League Rookie of the Year is an award that many young players started this year dreaming about. With less then a week left in the 2009 season the stats have sorted out the contenders and pretenders. This is my fourth post about the AL ROY and the stats and opinions shown here are updated as of 9/29/09. The stats don't lie, but they also do not tell the whole story. Some of these guys are heating up, and some of them are hitting the rookie wall. I will write one more post after the season is over to help us all sort this out. Here are the most updated stats for each of the AL Rookie of the Year Candidates

Matt Wieters C Baltimore


Games 91 Hits 98 Home Run 8 RBIs 40 BA .296

Weiters has been on fire the last week or so, even though the O's have lost 11 in a row. So far tonight he is 2 for 2 against the Rays. In his last 5 games he has 7 hits, 2 RBIs and has raised his batting average all the way up to .296 If this was the All Star break, and not the end of the season Matt would be hands down the ROY. He just has not gotten enough games and at bats to be the 2009 ROY.

Jeff Niemann Starting Pitcher Tampa Bay


Games 30 Wins 12 Losses 6 K's 120 ERA 3.94 WHIP 1.35

Niemann is no longer a contender in this race. He has not won a game since August 24th. He only lasted 3.1 innings last night and allowed 4 runs and 7 hits. Brian Roberts chased him out of the game with a two run dinger in the 4th. It is just this home town bloggers opinion, but Niemann is no longer in the race for ROY. There are too many other rookies finishing the season strong for the Rays to have their second AL ROY.

Brett Anderson Starting Pitcher Oakland


Games 29 Wins 11 Losses 10 K's 139 ERA 4.21 WHIP 1.28

Brett Anderson is pitching 10/1 against the Mariners. He is 2 and 1 in four starts against Seattle. A win would go a long way, but it may mean that Bailey would get another save.

Elvis Andrus Shortstop Texas


Games 139 Hits 124 Home Run 6 RBIs 35 BA .270

Andrus played against the Rays last week. He had 3 hits, 2 walks a stolen base, and scored 2 runs. He was caught stealing twice though. If you are looking for an every day player to win this award Andrus is your man. If you believe a very strong closer is better then an average SS, the next guy is for you!!!

Andrew Bailey Relief Pitcher Oakland


Games 66 Wins 6 Losses 3 K's 89 ERA 1.88 WHIP .90 SAVES 26

Bailey is still on a rolling, rolling, rolling!!!! 2 more games, 2 more K's and another SAVE. He also lowered his WHIP and ERA. This guy is the man and in this bloggers opinion has been the best ROOKIE IN THE AL this year!


Rick Porcello Starting Pitcher Detroit


Games 30 Wins 14 Losses 9 K's 81 ERA 4.04 WHIP 1.35

Porcello is in the middle of a Division race. He pitched 6.1 innings of ball today against the Twins. In this pressure filled situation Porcello gave up 7 hits, but only 1 earned run. When he left the game the Tigers and Twins were tied at one. This was a very impressive performance, and moves Porcello up in my opinion. If the Tigers end up making the playoffs Rick could be taking home the trophy!



Gordon Beckham 3B Chicago White Sox


Games 99 Hits 99 Home Run 14 RBIs 63 BA .272

Beckham is fading as the season drags on. Was my headline early last week. Beckham must have read it because he has been on fire! 7 RBI's 6 hits in his last 4 games! He has raised his average 5 points over those same 4 games... He is making a strong late season push, but Andrus is better in the field, and the Rangers have been better then the Sox.






Wieters and Porcello are making a strong push at the AL ROY, but it looks like Bailey, the only All-Star, is not going anywhere and may in fact be adding to his slight lead in this race. Was my analysis 4 days ago, and nothing has changed. I do however want to note the voters for the AL ROY tend to favor position players on playoff teams. We do not have any of those though so this award is still up for grabs!

VOTE IN THE POLL AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR FAVORITE TO WIN THE AL ROY!!!!!!! Looks like the readers like Bailey as well!

The Card Addict

AL ROY Race updated as of 9/25/09

American League Rookie of the Year Race tightens...... UPDATED as of 9/25/09

American League Rookie of the Year is an award that many young players started this year dreaming about. With just a little more than a week left in the 2009 season the stats have sorted out the contenders and pretenders. This is my third post about the AL ROY and the stats and opinions shown here are updated as of 9/25/09. The water has not gotten any clearer and the overall picture is a little blurry but, after a few more games for each position player, and at least one appearance for all of the starters my opinion may have changed again.

Matt Wieters C Baltimore


Games 86 Hits 91 Home Run 8 RBIs 38 BA .290

Wieters played a series at Toronto this week. In 13 at bats he had 1 home run, 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Overall he collected 6 hits and only struck out 4 times. Wieters has also been strong behind the plate this year. His .990 Fielding percentage is testament to that. Wieters problem is he just was not brought up early enough to win the award this year......

Jeff Niemann Starting Pitcher Tampa Bay


Games 29 Wins 12 Losses 6 K's 117 ERA 3.81 WHIP 1.32

Niemann pitched against the Mariners this week. He lasted 6.2 innings giving up 3 runs on 4 hits, 4 walks while striking out 5 batters. Ichiro took Niemann deep once and was the batter that forced Joe Maddon to pull Niemann in the 7th. With this no decision performance it is this bloggers opinion Niemann would have to have an almost perfect game to finish the season to take home the award.

Brett Anderson Starting Pitcher Oakland


Games 29 Wins 11 Losses 10 K's 139 ERA 4.21 WHIP 1.28

Brett Anderson beat the Rangers this week. He lasted 5.2 innings. The Rangers got 6 hits and 3 runs, but only 1 was earned. Anderson struck out 6 and won his 4th game in a row. He is heating up as the season is winding down.

Elvis Andrus Shortstop Texas


Games 135 Hits 120 Home Run 6 RBIs 34 BA .267

Andrus and the Rangers played the A's this week. He had 19 at bats, scored 4 runs with 3 hits. Elvis struck out 4 times. If Andrus wins the award though it will not be due to his offense. He has been outstanding at short for the Rangers this year. He does have 22 errors in 1163 innings. But his .967 fielding looks very good to Ranger fans.


Andrew Bailey Relief Pitcher Oakland


Games 64 Wins 6 Losses 3 K's 87 ERA 1.93 WHIP .91 SAVES 25

Bailey is still on a roll. He only had one non-save opportunity this week, but he struck out 2 and did not give up a hit. I believe Andrew Bailey is still the front runner in this race. He has only blown 4 saves all year. I bet the fans in Philly wish Bailey was there closer at this point.


Rick Porcello Starting Pitcher Detroit


Games 29 Wins 14 Losses 9 K's 80 ERA 4.14 WHIP 1.35

Porcello picked up a win agains the Indians this week. He gave up 1 run on six hits and 3 walks, but only lasted 5 innings. He now has 3 more wins then Niemann, and the Tigers are still playing meaningful ball. If the award is going to a starting pitcher, I would now say Porcello is the favorite.

Gordon Beckham 3B Chicago White Sox


Games 95 Hits 93 Home Run 13 RBIs 56 BA .266

Beckham is fading as the season drags on. He did have 3 hits and score 2 runs this week, but it is probably not enough for Gordon to bring home the bacon.






Wieters and Porcello are making a strong push at the AL ROY, but it looks like Bailey, the only All-Star, is not going anywhere and may in fact be adding to his slight lead in this race. Most of the pitchers should get at least one more start, and the position players will get a few more opportunities so a lot still could change.

VOTE IN THE POLL AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR FAVORITE TO WIN THE AL ROY!!!!!!!

The Card Addict

Carl Crawford reaches 500 Career RBI's

With Jason Bartlett on first, Carl Crawford took Roy Halladay over the right field wall at Tropicana Field on Sunday in the first inning to collect his 499th and 500th career RBIs. It was the third career homerun for Crawford against Halladay. The only pitcher Crawford has hit more homeruns off is is Josh Towers.

Crawford went 2-4 in the game, and the Rays swept the Jays. There was some controversy in the game for the Rays speedster. While trying to steal third in the 7th inning. Crawford was called out by umpire Damien Beal. TV replay showed Crawford was probably safe. See what Crawford had to say about the call here.

It was the 15th time Crawford was caught stealing this year. Crawford is 3 stolen bases behind Jacoby Ellsbury for the AL lead in stolen bases.

Halladay is now 1-4 against the Rays in '09. The Rays rookies, Niemann and Price, have both earned two wins this year against the Jays ace. Niemann was the first Rays pitcher to beat Halladay twice in a season. The Rays have beaten Halladay 7 times in the last two seasons.

American League Rookie of the Year Race tightens......

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about Jeff Niemann possibly winning the AL rookie of the year award. I also put up a survey to see who everyone else thinks should be the AL ROY. Here is an update on that post along with some stats that show the race has tightened.

Matt Wieters C Baltimore

Games 79 Hits 78 Home Run 7 RBIs 35 BA .273

Wieters threw out Carl Crawford two times in last nights game! If this guy would have played the full year I believe he would have been the hands down winner of the ROY award.

Jeff Niemann Starting Pitcher Tampa Bay

Games 27 Wins 12 Losses 6 K's 112 ERA 3.80 WHIP 1.32

Niemann was my vote a few weeks ago, and has pitched pretty well, but I think my vote is starting to be swayed to the only closer on my this list. He had a real bad outing against Baltimore this week. Going a little over 4 innings giving up 6 earned runs and 11 hits.

Brett Anderson Starting Pitcher Oakland

Games 27 Wins 9 Losses 10 K's 129 ERA 4.37 WHIP 1.29

Andersons numbers are comparable to Niemann considering Oaklands team record, 67-78. If this award is going to a starting pitcher, Niemann is still the leader.

Elvis Andrus Shortstop Texas

Games 129 Hits 114 Home Run 6 RBIs 33 BA .273

Andrus has done a very good job all year at short for the Rangers however Wieters numbers are a little bit better and he has played 36 fewer games. Andrus has a bright future and it looks like the Rangers have a steady SS for years to come.



Andrew Bailey Relief Pitcher Oakland

Games 62 Wins 6 Losses 3 K's 82 ERA 1.98 WHIP .92 SAVES 24

Bailey is one of the league leaders in ERA, K's and WHIP for relievers. He also has 24 saves and 6 wins. If the ROY race were to end today, I would have to give the AL version of the award to this hard throwing A's closer. He has an electric fastball, good curve, and effective cutter. He seems to be able to throw all three pitches to righties and lefties for strikes.

Rickey Romero Starting Pitcher Toronto

Games 25 Wins 12 Losses 8 K's 119 ERA 4.22 WHIP 1.51

I think Romero has some very strong stats considering he is pitching in Toronto and playing against the AL East, but his numbers are not as strong as Niemann or Bailey in this bloggers opinion.

Rick Porcello Starting Pitcher Detroit

Games 27 Wins 13 Losses 8 K's 78 ERA 4.21 WHIP 1.33

Porcello also has good numbers for a rook, but again not quite up to the level of Bailey or Niemann. Most of these starting pitchers should get a couple more starts this season, so a lot could change, and any of them could be awarded ROY.

Gordon Beckham 3B Chicago White Sox

Games 88 Hits 88 Home Run 12 RBIs 54 BA .274

Beckham has been solid at third this year for the sox, but he is in the same situation as Wieters, just not enough games to put up the stats needed to win the award. Unless he has a great final month and can put up big numbers, I think this award is going to a pitcher.

Brad Bergesen Starting Pitcher Baltimore

Games 19 Wins 7 Losses 5 K's 65 ERA 3.43 WHIP 1.28

Bergesen is on the 60 day IR he has most likely pitched in his last game this year.

So after looking over the stats I think if the season were over tomorrow, I would give the award to ANDREW BAILEY. That is right I said Bailey. I am a huge Rays fan, and have really enjoyed watching Niemann pitch this year, but Bailey has been really good for the A's and is one of the AL's better closers right now. I still think Niemann has a really good shot at taking this award home with a couple more quality starts this year.

The Card Addict