I spend beautiful, sunny weekends going to card shows

It was a beautiful weekend. Some people might spend these gorgeous days going for walks or having a picnic.

I go to card shows.

I learned about what I thought might be a card show on Saturday. I saw a listing that said it was supposed to have 200 tables. My eyes lit up. The show was about an hour from NYC, so I was little surprised I never heard of it. A quick Google search turned up what it really was – an autograph show.

Saturday’s show was filled with football guests: Terry Bradshaw, Cam Newton, Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Jamaal Charles, Matt Stafford, Eddie Lacy and more. Impressive.

And out of my price range.

A Bradshaw autograph was at least $175 for a flat or mini-helmet. A helmet, football or jersey autograph was $195.

Sunday’s show had a few different sports figures including basketball’s Trey Burke, football’s Ryan Tannehill and Eli Manning ($250 for a helmet!) and a couple of baseball players.

One of the baseball players caught my eye – Yangervis Solarte.

I know. I know. Solarte has been stuck in the minors for eight years and is 26 years old now. He’s starting for the Yankees right now, but has been a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed watching him play and Solarte’s signing fee was right in my budget – $35.

I picked up an MLB baseball on Saturday and brought it to the show. Just one autograph for me, although there were people on line who were getting multiple signatures on bats, balls, and pictures. The short-term investment could work in their favor.

Since Solarte hasn’t had anything on the market – no cards or autographed items – the ones that have popped up on eBay recently have sold between $100 and $150. Of course, since he had what is probably his first public signing, more of these items have now showed up on eBay, likely to soften the market slightly.

But the only thing that will hurt Solarte’s market is if (and it will likely happen) he comes back down to earth. Solarte is batting .301 with .400 OBP and .852 OPS. However, Solarte is 2-for-19 over his last five games. He was a late scratch from Sunday’s game against Anaheim with a sore shoulder.

Whoops! I hope it wasn’t from signing too much.

Steiner Sports lets you offer a price in its Amazon shop

Steiner Sports is letting collectors offer them a lower price on certain items through Amazon

I know … I know. A couple of thoughts popped into my mind when I saw this.

1.       Why do they need to sell on Amazon when they have their own store?

Amazon obviously reaches millions upon millions of people. The first place I tend to go to when looking for something is Amazon – although not usually collectibles. I think collectibles is still a market that Amazon is trying to build.

2.       Steiner prices are pretty high to begin with.

Sure enough, you can only offer on items that are more than $200. So, you’re still going to put out a few hundred dollars if you want to get something from its Amazon store.

Some of the cheapest items in the Steiner Amazon shop include Andy Pettitte Pants, a Cesar Cabral jersey, a Curtis Granderson windbreaker, and a David Robertson Hat .

On the other side of that, there is a Mariano Rivera uniform set from his 40^th save of 2013 for the low, low price of $50,000.

And, I always have to look.

There are some Derek Jeter items. All the jerseys seem to cost about $25,000. I wonder if I offer the $4 in my wallet, they could take it. 

The most expensive item at Yankee Stadium (that is not a suite)

When you go to a game at Yankee Stadium, you don't have to leave empty-handed. The Yankees team store is huge and filled with anything you can imagine.

Hello Kitty as a Yankees fan. Check.

Masahiro Tanaka collectibles. Check.

Miniature Yankee corvettes. Check.

Amazingly overpriced cards that aren't worth the plastic they are in. Double check.

I saw pajamas, nightgowns and panties just in case women wanted to get a little cozy in their Yankees gear.

So, yeah, you can get anything - even on any budget. If you're looking for something a little pricier that has a better story, Steiner Sports has a shop at the stadium. It's not terribly big, but it does have the most expensive items in the stadium.

That Amex card could really come in handy in a place like this. Fans can find autographs, stadium dirt, game-used memorabilia in the Steiner Store. But there was one item that caught my eye -- a Thurman Munson signed baseball.

You don't see too many of his autographs around because he died in 1979 at 32 years old.

However, I wasn't walking out of the shop with that autograph ball. Did you see the price tag?

$10,000.

The Core Four once again

I am not going to be sentimental all season as Derek Jeter's last everything is shoved down baseball's throat. But it was New York's home opener, so today I will accept it.

It's cool seeing The Core Four (why do we hate Bernie Williams so much?) at the stadium again. I'll enjoy this for now, but tomorrow it's back to baseball.

The Core Four honored before Derek Jeter’s final home opener pic.twitter.com/ZV2Puzf2vw

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 7, 2014

Photo: The Core Four for the first pitch: New York Yankees former pitchers Mariano Rivera (left)... http://t.co/kWQZwaLf6N #Yankees #NYY

— Steven Gorges (@GorgesSteven) April 7, 2014

Tanaka makes MLB debut, but no stranger to collectors

Masahiro Tanaka makes first Major League debut against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight.

The Yankees new starter doesn’t have any MLB cards, yet, but Tanaka does have cards available for collectors. Tanaka has at least 50 cards on the market, including three autographs. Of course, many of the cards are from Japan, but a handful are more readily available

Tanaka’s cards appeared in 2009 World Baseball Classic subsets such in Bowman Chrome, Topps Update, and Topps Chrome.

His cards appeared again in 2013 WBC sets such as ToppsTribute.

Even though he hasn’t pitched in the Majors yet, Tanaka’s cards aren’t cheap. Some of the Japanese cards can be had for a few dollars, but his Topps cards have commanded more money with base cards selling for at least $10.

Autographs and low-numbered parallels sell for hundreds.

Topps recently announced Tanaka’s first live cards would appear in Gypsy Queen, which comes out next week. It will also put Tanaka cards in 2014 Bowman with parallels, inserts and a Chrome mini. He will also have cards in Topps Archives and Topps Series 2.

Panini, which has an MLBPA license but not an MLB Properties license, announced Tanaka will be one of the subjects in the Donruss wrapper redemption program.  

Of course, I have none of these cards – that I know of. 

Random card that isn't that random...

Well, it was random a few months ago. At the national I wanted to get my mitts on a 2011 Topps Heritage Dustin Ackley NSCC exclusive RC. As it turns out, I ended up with a Michael Pineda RC which disappointed me then and now I don't know how I feel about it.

When I got the card, I admit I didn't care much for it and really didn't give Pineda a second thought. I actually had planned on selling it on eBay, however like most cards I don't want and plan on selling it ended up in a box next to my desk.

The fact that the Yankees traded Jesus Montero for Pineda is a little bittersweet for Yankees fans. Many of us have been waiting and waiting to see this kid come up and get a look at what he can do. He was up for a short time when rosters expanded this season and showed that he isn't afraid of the New York pressure and can hit. So much for that. While it is very clear that the Yankees desperately need pitching with A.J. Burnett constantly needing therapy for his head and his arm, I think we will all wonder how he would have fit into the Yankees lineup. Luckily, with a team of aging veterans there will be plenty of people to fill the DH slot.

There are plenty of pissed off prospectors out there who were sitting on a boatload of Montero autographs and now will likely take a huge profit hit because he's no longer a Yankee. (My condolences, Wes.)

I don't plan on collecting Pineda other than if I pull a card of his, it will end up in my binder. I would still be willing to trade this one for someone I do collect. So if you have something I want, feel free to give me a shout.

If you want to have a little fun, take a look at current Pineda listings vs. completed ones on eBay.

Even non-Yankee fans can appreciate Mariano Rivera

On May 17, 1996, Mariano Rivera recorded his first career save.

There was no way to know he would become the greatest closer in the history of baseball. At the time, he was still the backup to John Wetteland.

But on Monday afternoon, Rivera stood on the mound at Yankee Stadium and recorded a Major League record 602 saves.

While it’s a statistic made up from a cranky sportswriter once upon a time, Rivera’s accomplishment is a remarkable feat.

As a New York Yankees fan, there is no better song to hear at Yankee Stadium than 'Enter Sandman'. The song brings confidence, joy and an overwhelming feeling that your team is about to win another game.

[Related: You can already buy Mariano 602 items from MLB.com]

Fifty dollar card idea

This time of year is fun for baseball not just for pennant races and playoffs, but also for the September call ups. The Yankees have called up a bunch of kids, including the highly prized Jesus Montero.

Tuesday night Montero showed everyone why he is so highly valued and what all the scouts have been talking about for quite some time by hitting not just one opposite field homerun, but TWO! Then today he had the longest RBI single to RF which put the Yankees ahead, though not for long.

Obviously now is not the best time to start a Montero collection, but the best time to begin unloading one. I have wanted a 2008 Bowman Chrome auto of his for quite some time but it's a wee bit out of my budget, and by wee bit I mean like $100+ out of my budget (I have Cano's to buy remember?).

Someone hands you a $50 who does not go on eBay or online and said, "use this to get a Montero RC for your collection." What would you buy? I have unfortunately become one of those people that would really rather just have an autograph rookie card than a base one so I wouldn't even know what one I would buy with that money or if I would buy a bunch of cards.

Would you go for a 2010 Bowman Platinum autograph instead? Or a Donruss minor league auto? I wouldn't mess with any of those other minor league cards but they are also out there.

I have one autograph of Montero in my collection, but it is a Tri-Star sticker autograph I pulled from a blaster of Yankees I bought at Modells a couple of years ago. While I love the card, the signature goes off the sticker and it looks pretty lame.



If someone can find me an un-graded 2008 Bowman Chrome auto in the $50 ballpark, there will be a prize... I don't know what it will be yet but I will give something away as a finders fee. So.... let's hear your ideas or propose a trade or sale to me. Ready. Set. Go.

P.S. Can someone also tell me why people list things like this on eBay? Idiots.

Two baseball games in two cities

On Wednesday, Marie and I decided to catch a couple of baseball games instead of scouring the floor of the National Sports Collectors Convention.

We went to Milwaukee for the Cardinals game. Marie got to see her boy Albert Pujols (But he did go 0-for-5). Then we drove back to Chicago and hit the White Sox/Yankees where our team destroyed the White Sox.

The only bad part was not winning the 50/50 in Chicago. Ugh. I definitely could have used that money at the National.

Here are pics from both games.

Here is Milwaukee, obviously:

Here is Chicago ...

And the beautiful skyline from U.S. Cellular Field

The Yankees fifth starter could see a jump in card prices

With news that Andy Pettitte may be retiring, prospectors are jumping at the chance to predict the next Yankees fifth starter.

Since New York didn’t land any pitching free agents this offseason, so far, it’s likely the Yankees will have to get someone within the organization.

But who?

Could it be one of the Killer Bs?

That’s what prospectors are hoping for and Andrew Brackman seems to be leading that charge. Brackman was the Yankees 2007 first-round pick. His name hasn't been mentioned earlier because Brackman was recovering from Tommy John surgery he had in August 2007.

On Dec. 16, a Brackman Bowman blue refractor sold for $20 at auction. On Dec. 26, a blue refrector sold for $40 with a BIN listing.

In just 10 days, his cards have jumped significantly.

An orange raw refractor sold for $110 just yesterday.

He also has 60 items listed on eBay right now. Meanwhile, just 18 items of his sold since Dec. 16, including two cards that went yesterday.

Last season in Double-A Trenton, Brackman went 5-7 with a 3.01 ERA. He struck out 126 and walked 39 in 140 2/3 innings.

Current Brackman auctions
- 2008 Bowman Chrome auto refractor /500
- 2008 Bowman Chrome auto blue refractor 9.5 BGS
- 2007 USA auto /30
- Signa Cuts auto /25
- 2008 Just Minors auto 1/1
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Edition auto /500

Gone Fishin'

This week the Yankees are home for 3 games and both Sooz and myself will be attending the games. This means we may be M.I.A. for a few days... I have midterms next week and Sooz is super busy this time of year.

I always wanted to hang a sign like that somewhere, don't ask me why.

I got a sweet bunch of cards in the mail the last few days that I picked up on eBay so hopefully I get a chance to show some of those off at some point.

We will try to tweet from the games and post a pic or two to entertain everyone because we know how much you all LOVE the Yankees.

Let's go Andy!

The Best Worst Time of the Year

Yes, I know how crazy the title of this post sounds but it is exactly that. We are approaching the League Championship Series this week and the World Series isn't that far off, so it is definitely the best time of the year. The downside is that baseball season is almost over, which means a countdown to pitchers and catchers and nothing to watch on tv. I would say this even if the Yankees weren't in the playoffs, I just love playoffs.



What will be great this week, no matter who wins either series are the pitching match-ups between the teams. Obvisously when you have the four best teams playing each other that will happen, but something about this year just feels exciting.

Friday night will start the ALCS, where C.C. Sabathia and C.J. Wilson are scheduled to pitch. Both pitchers had great seasons, Sabathia winning 21 games and Wilson winning 15. Two or three of Sabathia's rookie cards happen to be in toploaders
in my PC, and I think I ended up with it from a bargain pack a year or two ago. He also has one autographed version of his rookie card. What an idea, a few rookie cards to chase and none of them command an $8,000 price tag (ahem, Albert).

-2000 Topps Prospects C.C. Sabathia
-1999 Topps Traded C.C. Sabathia RC Auto
-1999 Bowman C.C. Sabathia RC Auto
-1999 Bowman Chrome C.C. Sabathia RC Auto

-2002 Topps Traded C.J. Wilson Prospects
-2002 Bowman Chrome C.J. Wilson RC
-2003 Bowman's Best Chrome C.J. Wilson RC Auto

This is the part where I say I'm glad Cliff Lee can't start game one. This is also the part where I say I'm not sure if that matters because he can still pitch twice in the series if need be.

Now, the NLCS seems like it will be an absolutely incredible pitching duel. Roy Halladay, who in case you live under a rock, threw a no hitter in the NLDS will be pitching against Tim Lincecum who happened to have pitched a game where he struck out 14 batters. Sounds pretty boring, right? NOT (said in Borat's voice). During the regular season Halladay won 21 games for the Phillies, and Lincecum won 16 for the Giants. I honestly don't know if I have any Halladay rookie cards, but I know I have a bunch of Lincecum base rookie cards in my binder.

-1997 Bowman Roy Halladay RC
-1997 Bowman's Best Roy Halladay RC
-1999 Pacific Paramount Roy Halladay RC
-1999 SP Signature Edition Roy Halladay RC Auto

-2007 UD SP Rookie Edition Tim Lincecum RC #124
-2007 UD SP Rookie Edition Tim Lincecum RC #166
-2007 UD SP Rookie Edition Tim Lincecum RC #264
-2007 Bowman's Best Tim Lincecum RC Auto
-2007 Bowman Sterling Tim Lincecum RC Auto
-2007 SP Authentic BTL Tim Lincecum RC Auto

With all the excitement in the air this week it will be really hard for me to concentrate on studying for my midterms.

Which pitching match-up are you most looking forward to? Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing how Phil Hughes pitches for the Yankees. I feel like Andy is going to go out there and give you everything he has just as he always does, and well C.C. is C.C.