7/30/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

I didn't bother going to the game until around the 8th inning, as this series does not excite me. You have a Syracuse team that is no longer in a playoff hunt, which in itself is annoying at some of the effort issues. But when you add that to the fact that there are an extra thousand or so Yankee fans, with at least 100 being obnoxious, it is not worth dealing with most of the time. In fact, I will miss the series finale on Friday as I figured picking up extra hours at work would be a better usage of my time. This means tomorrow (Thursday) will be my last game of the series. This means that I will probably have my least successful series in a long time, but its a Yankees team so it was expected. After the game tonight, the gates were up again, but luckily I chose the right spot for the few that did sign. And by few, I mean very few.

Books:

Chris Britton (2006)
Ian Kennedy (2008)

Cards:

Chris Britton - 2
Ian Kennedy - 1

7/29/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

On a day where Ron Guidry was signing for free, Ian Kennedy was starting pitcher, and the opener to a Yankees series, it was pretty easy to decide to go to the Chiefs side pregame. It also helped that I had a ticket to get Guidry to sign before most of the public, but I was still too late to get a shot at the Yankees side pregame. Things didn't go too bad pregame. The best part was the fact that all 4 pitchers charting were willing to sign easily. I was able to get Kei Igawa, Chase Wright, Jesse Litsch, and Brett Cecil there. Kind of funny that less than a week ago, only Kei was in Triple A. What a difference a few months makes with him, too. Last time he charted, he was mobbed. This time, I was one of only a handful who asked him. After the game was awful. Barricades were put up, and I was having a hard time telling faces on the Yankees side.

Books:

Syracuse
Brian Jeroloman (2008)
Brett Cecil (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse
Brett Cecil - 1
Jesse Litsch - 6
Russ Adams - 2
Michael MacDonald - 1
Buck Coats - 1
Pedro Lopez - 1
Robinzon Diaz - 2

Scranton/WB
Kei Igawa - 1
Alberto Gonzalez - 2
Eric Duncan - 1
Chase Wright - 2

Misc Card
Ron Guidry - 1

7/28/08: Connecticut Defenders vs Binghamton Mets

Another nice trip to Binghamton, with an early arrival for batting practice. I still have not gotten a vibe towards getting Binghamton Mets players during BP, but I was able to get a bunch that I needed from the Connecticut Defenders (Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants). Unfortunately, with the game being a doubleheader and BP being normal time, I arrived back at the game after dinner around 10 minutes before first pitch and only got one guy. Between games, I was able to shore off a few more Connecticut players, which was my main goal since they are the only San Fran affiliate we see. I may have to make one more trip to Binghamton, as I picked up the team set there today (from a $20 gift certificate we won at the last B-Mets game!)

Books:

Pablo Sandoval (2006) - 150th signature in that book
David Maroul (2006)
Ben Copeland (Both)
Eddy Martinez-Esteve (2006)
Kelvin Pichardo (2008)
Ben Snyder (2008)

Cards:

Binghamton
Eddie Kunz - 2

Connecticut
Pablo Sandoval - 1
Ben Copeland - 1
Nate Bump -1
Eddy Martinez-Esteve -1
Bob Stanley (Pitching Coach) - 1

7/25/08: Williamsport Crosscutters vs Auburn Doubledays

Free general admission seats for everyone convinced me to go to this game. I came with my handy logo page, as I only had two players from Williamsport (Short Season A for Philadelphia Phillies) in my book and only two cards (both of one of the players from the book). I only tried for signatures before the game, as we are still unsure of the best place to go after the game, after Auburn worker threw a fit because we (the whole 3 of us there) were in the way of them taking trash out (which we were no where near but I digress). Oh well, I guess if I was as ugly as that kid and had a job taking out trash, I'd be bitter at life, too.

Books:

D'Arby Myers (2008)
Travis d'Arnaud (2008)

Cards:

Travis d'Arnaud - 2

Misc:
Williamsport Logo Page (12)

Pitchers (4)
Freddy Ballestas
Justin De Fratus
Jacob Diekman
Robert Roth

Infielders (4)
Bryan Frew
Jeremy Hamilton
Troy Hanzawa
Daniel Hargrave

Outfielders (4)
Tim Binkoski
Brandon Haislet
Doug Morales
Steve Susdorf

7/20/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Didn't bother going to the game due to work, but I did show up after the game, figuring that it'd be worth a shot at finishing up some. I found it funny watching Dan Johnson's progression during the week. He went from barely signing, to signing and barely grunting a "your welcome", to actually being a bit chatty the last day. Also, it's nice to see that Fernando Perez actually has a signature. Pregame on the first day, he signed 3 squiggles on my 2006 book, this time its a real signature in the 2008....oook.

Books:

Wade Davis (Both)
Fernando Perez (2008)

Cards:

Dan Johnson - 2
Gary Gaetti - 2
Joel Guzman - 1

7/19/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another night that went pretty well. I am still lacking a Fernando Perez in a book as well as Wade Davis in both, though. Neither of them were around pregame, and I didn't notice either as they exited. I realized Davis went by as he hopped into a car, which sucked. Other than that, only a last card or two of guys I have already gotten, so if I miss them there is no big deal. The only one I really hope to get is Joel Guzman, as the card he keeps skipping over is the Topps 52, which are the best to get signed. Manager Charlie Montoyo was fun after the game, as he was shocked to have anyone ask for him to sign. He was surprised I was not rushing Gaetti like the rest.

On a good note, pitching coach and ex-major leaguer Xavier Hernandez gave me the lineup card after the game, which was pretty sweet.

Books:

Calvin Medlock (2006)

Cards:

Justin Ruggiano - 2
Juan Salas - 2
Dan Johnson - 1
Jeff Niemann - 3
Gary Gaetti (Coach) - 4
Charlie Montoyo (Manager) - 2

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 367

7/18/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another late inning Syracuse collapse left the Durham players in decent moods again. I have to say that I think Xavier Hernandez is the nicest ex-major leaguer coaching in the International League. He has been personable every day I've seen him and pretty much will sign what you have. Even Gary Gaetti came out pregame, even though he looked me up and down a few times before signing..the Matt DeSalvo treatment, which was odd. Was lucky to get a lot of my Jeff Niemann's signed as he was charting, and I was even one of the few to get Dan Johnson after the game.

Books:

Mitch Talbot (Both)
Elliot Johnson (2006)
Ben Hendrickson (2006)
Jeff Niemann (Both)

Cards:

Chris Richard - 1 (Numbered to 50 insert)
Juan Salas - 1
Justin Ruggiano - 1
Gary Gaetti - 4
Joel Guzman - 1
Jeff Niemann - 2
Dan Johnson - 1

7/17/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Finally another home game, and this time I got my first shot in either book at the Tampa Bay organization's AAA affiliate. Didn't do too bad, but unfortunately missed out barely on Dan Johnson and Jeff Niemann. Luckily, I still have three days left.

Books:

Chris Mason (Both)
Juan Salas (Both)
Joel Guzman (Both)
Justin Ruggiano (2008)
Fernando Perez (2006)
John Jaso (Both)
Reid Brignac (Both)

Cards:

Ben Hendrickson - 2
Gary Gaetti (Coach) - 3
Scott Dohmann - 2
Joel Guzman - 1
Reid Brignac - 1
Juan Salas - 1 (Nice game used card)
Xavier Hernandez (Coach) - 4
Andy Cannizaro - 2
Elliot Johnson - 1
Nathan Haynes - 1
Kurt Birkins - 1

7/12/08: Lowell Spinners vs Auburn Doubledays

Since I had very little that I needed for the Syracuse/Lehigh Valley series, I decided to go to Auburn to catch the first game of their 3 game series with Lowell (Boston's short season A affiliate). Not having much for them besides 2 prospect book players, I brought a piece of photo paper with the Lowell logo on it for the players to sign. It was also military jersey night, where you could win a jersey for $1. You picked from boxes to put your raffle tickets into depending on the player you wanted. I ended up spending $7 total, one in 7 different player's boxes and won Mike McDade's jersey. Unfortuately, the jersey was soaked from sweat and even though the place he signed was dry, it somehow smeared on the way home. Yes, you got the jersey off their back and then they signed it. Not a bad thing if you have a pitcher or coach, but when you have the biggest guy on the team who had been running hard all night, it's gonna be soaked. It still looks decent, so I'm not that upset about it. Ironically, McDade was also the only Auburn player I needed a card signed for, so I got that as well. Lowell's manager Gary Disarcina was talking all of pregame and I missed him after the game, my only disappointment of the night.


Books:

Will Middlebrooks (2008)
Ryan Dent (2008)

Cards:

Auburn
Mike McDade - 1

Lowell
Tom Goodwin (Coach) - 3

Misc:

Jersey
Mike McDade

Lowell Logo Page (24 signed)

Pitchers (8)
Daniel Buller
Yeiper Castillo
Stephen Fife
Seth Garrison
Mitchell Herold
Brock Huntzinger
Michael Lee
Hunter Strickland

Catchers (3)
Matthew Cooney
Tim Federowicz
Rafael Gil

Infielders (7)
Darren Blocker
Deshaun Brooks
Ricardo Burgos
Ryan Dent
Zach Gentile
Jonathan Hee
Will Middlebrooks

Outfielders (6)
Ronald Bermudez
Rafael Cabreja
Mitch Dening
Carlos Fernandez-Oliva
Kade Keowen
Luis Sumoza

7/11/08: Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

Arrived about a 1/2 hour before the game, and I was literally down to the Syracuse side seconds before Kevin Melillo stopped signing. Luckily, he did 1 of my 3 cards, as I have heard he is disastrous to get after the game. I was then able to get to the other side and complete all but my Kris Benson cards. Since the game went into extra innings, and since I only needed Benson, I did not stay after for autographs. I was very disappointed to find out after the game before this, that Kevin Mench was recalled from Syracuse, which meant I ended up empty handed on autographs from him.

Cards:

Syracuse
Kevin Melillo - 1

Lehigh Valley
Jon Knott - 2
Joe Bisenius - 3

7/10/08: Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

I have to say, this was probably my best autograph day of the season. The only player I had anything of that did not sign was Mike Rouse, who played the avoid everyone game. Even Kris Benson signed after charting pitches. He only did 2 of my 8 cards, but it's 2 more than I expected! It looks like the next couple days could just be to clean up the rest of my leftovers (ie. Jon Knott signed 5 of my 7, etc). Also, I need to find a few NBA cards, as 4 players will be signing at Sunday's game. Weird.

Books:

T.J Bohn (2006)
Joe Bisenius (2008)

Cards:

Brandon Watson - 4 (2 were doubles from a previous time, however)
Rich Thompson - 1
Jon Knott - 5 (Including my 300th signed of the year)
Oscar Robles - 1
Andy Tracy - 1
John Ennis - 1
Kris Benson - 2
Gary Knotts - 1
Rod Nichols (Coach) - 1
T.J. Bohn - 3
Travis Blackley - 1

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 313

7/8/08: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Buffalo (Cleveland's Triple-A) is in for a short 2 day series. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much I can do tomorrow, with having to work 3pm-7pm and 11pm-7am shifts, and the game starting at 7:15. I may have a shot at the first couple straggling to the bus, but I doubt it is even worth it. At least tonight was a doubleheader, which meant good opportunities since not many people arrive at the stadium for the 5pm start time. I got a decent amount before the game, only got Rich Rundles between the game, and finished off decent after the games were done. Morgan Ensberg was very disappointing, as he spent the whole day not even acknowledging anyone. He walked out to a car that was parked relatively far away. A few people chased him and the rest of his group (John Halama and possibly Jeff Harris, but I am not sure about him), but only Halama signed for anyone. Besides that, Jeff Weaver was the other main ex-major leaguer on the team. Weaver was extremely nice and pretty much was willing to sign whatever you had (within reason). Overall, not a bad experience..but most usually aren't unless they are Toledo or a Boston affiliate.

Books:

Zach Jackson (2006)
David Huff (2008)
Jeff Stevens (2008)

Cards:

Tony Graffanino - 2
Todd Linden - 1
Jeff Weaver - 4
Torey Lovullo (Manager) - 1
Rich Rundles - 1
Matt Ginter - 1
Jason Tyner - 1
Zach Jackson - 1
Asdrubal Cabrera - 1

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 294

7/7/08: Staten Island Yankees vs Auburn Doubledays

Finally made my first trip to the NY/Penn League this year. This was between the Short Season Single-A affiliates of the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Unfortunately, there isn't much product out for the guys in this league, as they are usually recent draft picks. Each team usually has one or two guys with a prospect card out or a late numbered prospect in my book. The best thing in most cases to get are the coaches, who are usually minor stars from the majors. A couple guys coaching in this league for 2008 are Travis Fryman and Sid Bream. Anyways, I did what I could on each side, including grabbing a couple guys I missed from the Auburn team set from last year, along with getting a few signed in the program insert.

Books:

Auburn
Joel Carreno (2008)

Cards:

Staten Island
Braedyn Pruitt - 1 (2008 Bowman..Chrome card)

Auburn
Jason Monti - 1 (2007 Bowman Prospects and DP)
Carlos Vasquez - 1 (2007 Auburn Set)
Leance Soto - 1 (2007 Auburn Set)

Misc:

Staten Island
Pat Venditte - Index Card (He is the ambidextrous pitcher)

Auburn
David Cooper - Index Card Inscribed '08 1st Round Pick
Karim Turkamani - Program Player Profiles Insert
Marcus Walden - Program Player Profiles Insert
Dan O'Brien - Program Players Profile Insert

7/1/08: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another day, another bunch of crap and disappointment. Every decision I made tonight involving Clay Buchholz was horribly wrong. He was charting, so I figured that he wouldn't sign right after the game, as it would cause a pretty big gathering, so I ran outside to where the gate is, which the pitchers pass right by to get to the locker room after charting. Of course, he ends up signing the whole way, and he has to be taken by security through the dugout to the locker room that way. Then, they bring out the security for him. Bare in mind, the only other time they had security was for Scranton, and the guys didn't do anything. They went to get autographs, too. Well, it happened again tonight. Everyone budged, so those of us who were doing as were asked got screwed. This is because once security and their friends got autographs, they whisked Clay to the bus. Needless to say, I wasn't too happy.

The only positive tonight is that I think I may be one of the only people George Kottaras has broken his one per rule for. I had two cards of him, a regular and gold card from 2005 Topps. As I ask him to sign the gold, he ends up starting to sign the regular. He finished it up and decided to also do the gold for me, which was pretty cool.

I went to the Syracuse side pregame, a good decision when I only needed Pawtucket pitchers (besides Jonathan Van Every..who is horrid at signing anyways).


Books:

Hunter Jones (2008)
Lincoln Holdzkom (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse
Mike Gosling - 1
Pedro Lopez - 6

Pawtucket
George Kottaras - 2
Lincoln Holdzkom - 1
Devern Hansack - 1