Brewers, Hart get it done

All is well in the land of Cheese & Beer.

Today, the Milwaukee Brewers and rightfielder Corey Hart came to agreement on compensation for the young player's services. The day before the scheduled arbitration hearing, both sides met in the middle on a 1-year, $3.25 million deal. 

In 2008, Hart earned roughly $440,000 and it's not a moment too soon that he and the club came together on a number. A guy like Hart doesn't come around every day. His numbers are not going to crack the record books. Last year, he batted .268, driving in nearly 100 runs while recording 23 stolen bases. As I've expressed before, he is the first and only player in franchise history to record back-to-back 20/20 seasons. 

But like I said, he's not going to set any records offensively. It's his attitude, his demeanor, the way he carries himself. He's a country boy from Bowling Green, Kentucky.  He's a 26-year old father of three. He understands exactly what it's all about. He's paid a lot of money to play a boys' game. The interview he gave this morning from Brewers camp said it all - he would just assume play his entire career in a Brewers uniform. That is something you don't see or hear anymore in baseball.

This is the guy who bought out the lease on his local Chuck E. Cheese restaurant because his kids love to eat there so much. They were being forced to close their doors, and he paid off the loan so they didn't have to close their doors.

I want this guy in Milwaukee until he retires. As long as he doesn't go cold like he did last September, I'm good with him. Thanks for being a great guy, Corey, and lets get down to business for the 2009 season.

2009 Topps Hobby Box Break #4

PACKs 5-6

#240 Ryan Braun

I heart Ryan Braun. I'm pretty sure if I was a girl, I would have already sent a few pairs of panties to him. I don't suppose it's an official "Bromance", because in a bromance both parties share a mutual affection for eachother. Perhaps, then, we can call it a "mancrush". Yep, let's go with that. And if my wife asks you where my missing boxer briefs are, your response will be "sorry, no idea".

#160 Evan Longoria, #TR2 Longoria Turkey Red

Love me some Longoria. Besides Joey Mauer, he's probably my favorite ball player that doesn't wear a Brewers uniform.

#50 David Ortiz

In a 3-year period this guy had 424 RBIs. If we expand that out a year on each end, he had 642 RBIs. I wish the Brewers could count that high.  I really hope, for Red Sox Nation's sake, that he isn't one of the 102 remaining un-named players on the list. I still have some sort of hope that real men (like Braun, Longoria) do exist, and can still play the game of baseball to an amazing level without the aid of performance-enhancing drugs. 

#141 Mark Teahen

#183 Jason Michaels

#321 Scott Kazmir & David Price Classic Combos

#163 Ross Gload (what? 2 Royals in the same pack? Topps, you've outdone yourselves.)

#133 Brandon Jones

#6 Raul Ibanez

I'm glad that he's no longer playing for the M's. In the event that we are still stationed here when the baseball season starts, I must continue to get my life juice from either Safeco Field here in Seattle, or at the Tacoma Rainiers games (the Mariners' AAA affiliate). It's really annoying at the M's games because they only cheer for Felix (if he's pitching), Ichiro (if he's batting) or Raul Ibanez. And it's not a fun sort of cheer, like when the Cowboys used to have Daryl Johnston as their fullback and everyone used to yell "Moooooooooose", causing all the women (no offense) in attendance to turn to their husbands and ask "Why are they booing him? He's on their team!". Yep, been there. Instead, the thundering "Rauuuuuuuuuuuuuuul" echoes up and out of Safeco and out on to Puget Sound. Good times.

#30 Ken Griffey Jr.

Speaking of the Mariners, how about this story? They really need to bring Griffey back, even if it's only for a year or two. Richie Sexson turned out to be a failure, there are talks of trading Ichiro mid-season, and they lost Raul Ibanez in the off-season. Unless they are able to beat out the Braves for Jr's services, Seattle will once again finish, undoubtedly, at the bottom of the AL West. I'm sure they are going to finish there anyway, but they at least could stand to pack a few more butts in seats in the process, and Griffey will help them do that. Or, at least finally sell out the right field porch seats. Not the dumb bleachers in left, but the sun-in-your-eyes-can't-see-the-game seats in right field that Griffey would be hitting balls into. Haha, I said balls.

#TR10 Jackie Robinson Turkey Red

I'm a fan of the Turkey Red cards, but not a fan of the Turkey Red cards featuring old time players. Isn't the point of these cards to make current players look old timey? So, doesn't it defeat the purpose of putting old timey guys on these cards? 

#155 Roy Halladay

#122 Joe Mather

#131 Joe Torre (sans booksigning photo)

#76 Marcus "The River" Thames

#84 Rod Barajas

#112 Hideki Okajima

On the Docket: Dubbs vs Topps (continued)

I spoke with my card shop dealer, Pete Brown, yesterday regarding my situation with Topps. I explained how my hobby box contained neither a relic/auto OR a WBC redemption card. He explained to me that he's heard JUST the OPPOSITE. Apparently, Topps short printed this set (let's say, about 75% production from what they originally planned) so the odds of pulling relics and the like are skewed in the COLLECTOR'S favor. They made the same number of relic and auto cards, but less base cards. So he has heard from guys pulling 2, 3, or even 4 relic cards from a single hobby box. And I got zero.

Topps has received my letter, the saga continues...

Friday the 13th indeed...

Brewers 3rd baseman Bill Hall sidelined 4-6 weeks with a partial calf tear.

Apparently he heard a "pop" in his calf while he was doing some pre-camp workouts. That's right, Spring Training hasn't even started for Billy yet. It won't start until this weekend. Well, kinda. He won't be playing or running too much with the fellas.

So, I guess the re-signing of Craig Counsel was a great idea. As was the signing of free agent Mike Lamb (thank you Minnesota) both lefties. Then of course is my boy, prospect Mat Gamel who will most likely not be the day-to-day guy in BillHall's place, he's going to spend some more time in AAA Nashville.

So I guess today couldn't have gone too much worse. I mean, it's almost midnight Central time, so unless something happens in the next hour the Brewers made it through Friday the 13th with relatively minor damage. 

Recap:

Plane ticket to spring training in Phoenix: $217.00

Tickets to the Brewers spring training opener against Oakland: $21.00

Underachieving third baseman in 3rd year of big contract: $6.8 million

Losing your starting 3rd baseman before spring training even starts: priceless

Brewers report today, so I report on some Brewers...

...cards, that is! Today pitchers and catchers report to Marvale Park baseball complex down in Phoenix, AZ for Brewers spring training. Tomorrow is weigh-ins and eye checks, and Sunday is their first official workout with new head coach Ken Macha. 

Last week Spiff over at Texas Rangers Cards sent me a tightly-packed box full of Brew Crew players. He wisely did NOT include an Eric Gagne card, but did include several Molitor cards I didn't have, and even a Yount card not yet found in my collection. Thanks much, Spiff. Your cards went out in the mail this afternoon. Of the many cards he sent, I had a hard time narrowing down the field to the lucky few I'd share with you. Here are the winners...

2008  UD Goudey #109 Yovanni Gallardo, #106 J.J. Hardy

I officially have some competition now. For as long as my wife has known me, she has known how much of a baseball geek I am. Before we were married she was in college down in Charleston, SC and I was stationed out here in Seattle and she'd hear me speak all about how Corey, Brauny, J.J. and Cammy did in the previous game, never really asking too much about the team. Finally, as I was going through this box from Spiff she stopped at the J.J. Hardy card above and said, "Who is THAT?" Damn. Now I have to compete with J.J. Hardy? The guy is a stud. If you caught the article in Sports Illustrated last February when they followed the Brewers around at Spring Training, they showed a picture of him and Corey Hart playing ping pong down in the Arizona sun, w/ Bob Uecker in some short shorts watching the action (and likely calling the play-by-play with the bartender over a couple tall, cool Miller Lites).  At any rate, he's quite "sculpted", a bit moreso than myself. 

Yovanni is finally healthy again, and should he stay that way he can easily be a 20-game winner for the Crew. We're going to need it this year.

2005 Fleer #316 'Trio Prospects' Ben Hendrickson, Corey Hart, Dave Krynzel

The fine right fielder in the middle is the object of my sister-in-law's affection. I myself can't for the life of me figure out what she finds so appealing about Corey (besides his ridiculous speed). I hope the Brewers figure out what they are doing with him, and soon. They need to lock him into a long-term deal this spring or they are going to lose an amazing baseball player.

2005 Fleer #71 Ben Sheets

2004 Upper Deck Power Up #82 Ben Sheets

Sheets had surgery on his right elbow Tuesday, and hopes to be ready following the All-Star break. As you know, he's not under contract with ANYONE right now, so time will tell what happens with him. Brewers management says nothing is under discussion right now with Sheets' agent. At over $11 million last year for only 12 wins, not worth it. On the other hand, without him and CC we never would have made the playoffs. Milwaukee fans have a lot to thank Ben for, he was with us for many years, but I think we need to move on. I wish him luck, and really hope he's able to sign with somebody this year.

1984 Fleer #204 Pete Ladd, #203 Roy Howell, #212 Ed Romero, #194 Jerry Augustine

Spiff sent me a number of these cards from '84 Fleer (almost the whole team set) but I picked these four due to the large mammals that seem to be sitting on their faces, resting neatly just above the lip. You can't tell due to the color, but Howell is sporting some very respectable handlebar action. Wisconsin native Jerry Augustine, however, was busy keeping the book. He only pitched 6 innings in '84, as you can see he made himself pretty comfortable in the meantime. He played his entire 10-year career for his hometown Brewers, and later would coach the UW-Milwaukee mens baseball team, to much success.

2008 UD Goudey SP #268 Ryan Braun

I love Brauny, and to me he is THE "Hebrew Hammer". No disrespect for Gabe Kapler, he had a helluva season last year with the Crew. But Brauny is my boy. If you haven't seen his interview on Jim Rome's show "Rome is Burning", check it out on YouTube.  Adam Carolla is the guest host, and he and Brauny put on a great show. Great card here.

1992 Donruss Triple Play #254 Paul Molitor

1992 Bowman #375 Paul Molitor

Love me some Molitor cards, truly do.  It was a sad day when he left Milwaukee for Toronto and the money (and the World Series hardware), but I guess he was smart enough to leave "The Good Land" before the uniforms went to shit in the mid 90's. 

1990 Best Cards Stockton Ports #61 Cal Eldred

Back when the Brewers had a minor league team in California (now an Oakland A's affiliate) they saw a number of soon-t0-be big names pass through their gates, including Gary Sheffield, Dan Plesac, Ben Sheets, Geoff Jenkins, Jeff Cirillo, and a one Cal Eldred.  This is my new favorite Cal Eldred card, and currently in the mail for some sharpie action.

1993 Score #485 Pat Listach ROTY

1992 Leaf Phenoms #BC-7 Pat Listach

In '92, Listach (also a former Stockton Ports player) beat out Kenny Lofton to win the AL Rookie of the Year award, the first Brewer to do so (until Ryan Braun in '07). His '92 UD card is my favorite, I had that baby in a hard plastic case when I was a kid, 4-screws and all. That case was previously occupied by the 1991 Studio David Justice card, and before that the '88 Topps Jose Canseco 40/40 card. Quite a throne of achievement.

2006 UD All-Time Legends #ATL-12 Robin Yount

No Brewers lot would be complete without a Robin Yount card, and this time it's a nice one. Thanks again, Spiff.

I'll Show you what $10 can get you...

I stopped by the card shop after work today to pick up some boxes, and decided to browse through the $2 and $4 card binders before I left. I also thought ahead and made sure I had some cash in my wallet. That pesky $10 minimum check card purchase rule has gotten the better of me on more than a handful of occasions...not this time. I need to save my monthly card budget for the card show I'm going to on Saturday down in Tacoma. I think it's only 20 tables, but it'll be the first one I've been to in probably 15 years, so I want to maximize my buying power. That sounds ridiculous.

Well, I found the boxes I needed and on the way to the register I found these...these three cards totalled $10. Sweet!

2004 SP Legendary Cuts Significant Swatches #PM Paul Molitor

My first game-used bat card. I never have luck finding Brewers relic cards in blasters, so I'm forced to buy them at shops. I'm not complaining, though. This card is awesome.

2004 Leaf Certified Cuts #233 Robin Yount 

Not in your exclusive club really, not a relic card but it IS numbered...

2005 UD Hall of Fame Cooperstown Calling #CO-RY2 Robin Yount 

Yes, this one is numbered too! And not out of 599, either...

All said and done, $10 and three awesome cards to add to the collection. And to make matters even better, I came home to find out that Milwaukee signed righty Braden Looper to a one year, $4.75 million contract with a mutual option for a 2010 extension. Half the cost of Gagne last year, and even with 14 losses he almost tied our previous ace Ben Sheets in wins at 12. One could almost say, any pitching addition is a good pitching addition for the 2009 Brewers. 

2009 Topps Hobby Box Break #3

I want to start off by thanking both Achiever Card Blog and Dinged Corners for their gracious patronage as well as throwing up links on their page to mine. Perhaps more minds will be infected, and if nothing else, more eyes will be looking for Brewers cards for me. Always looking for a trade.

I'm posting from work today (ya, I know, sometimes its a tough job) so I don't bore the wife to death when I get home tonight.I still haven't fully decided which cards to share from the recent trade w/ Spiff, so I'll copout again and give you packs 3-4 of the '09 Topps box.

PACKs 3-4

#71 Mat Gamel
After the departure of prospect Matt LaPorta to Cleveland last summer (among others) as part of the CC Sabathia trade, this young man moved higher to (if not, to) the top of the prospect pool. I mentioned our guy Alcides Escobar last time, but this guy in my mind will be moving up to Milwaukee first. He's got a great bat, great glove, just a stud. He's a 3rd baseman by trade, so expect him to see much more time this summer as we suffer once again through Bill Hall's slumpiness. I love Bill Hall (most enjoyable when said as one word, 'Billhall!') and thank him for being THE guy on the ballclub for a good amount of time, prior to the arrival of Braun and Fielder. Anways, watch for Gamel this season. This card is on it's way to Arizona as we speak for some sweet TTM lovin.

#213 Jeremy Sowers
This is one of my favorite cards so far in the set. I have always been a huge fan of alternate uniforms, but throwbacks are the best. The lighting on this card, with the sunshine coming in, really makes it look as if there is 1950's filter on this camera, absolutely great shot. Could swear this was an older card...except for the Nikes, though.

This card also shares with us the "Six Degrees of Mickey Mantle": Jeremy Sowers plays with
Anthony Reyes who played w/ Cal Eldred who played w/ Robin Yount who played w/ Mike Hegan who played w/ Mickey Mantle. Nice reference to Rockin Robin.

#LG13 Jackie Robinson LOTG
Not a bad subset here. If you've seen the list of players in this line of card, it's easy to see how it will have a decent shelf life.

#104 Brandon Moss
I have a spot in my heart for the Pirates. They have been terrible for a long time, I mean, worse than my Brewers (I'm sure if the Brewers organization went back further than 1970, however, we could probably rank up there with the Bucs). They give us a decent number of wins each season, so that helps offset the games we can't win against the freakin baby bears, or those pesky inter-league games against the former AL rivals, the Twins. Nice action shot, here. Fun fact on the back: he became the first major leaguer to his first career HR in the eastern hemisphere.

#271 Cliff Lee CY
Nobody celebrated CC Sabathia's departure from Cleveland more than Cliff Lee. Not that Sabathia was a having a great season prior to his move to Milwaukee (6-8 record) but he casts a pretty big shadow.No longer 2nd fiddle to the big teddy bear, Lee had an amazing '08 season. I'll leave the speculation to Motherscratcher, he's the resident Tribe afficianado. Here's to you.

#286 Odalis Perez
As I was ripping my way through this box, I kept saying to the wife "Man, they gave EVERYONE a card this year". Kind of like the old days, when everyone got a card. I'm glad those days are back, so guys like Odalis here can show their kids a card w/ their face on it. His cander on the back of the card is absolutely priceless. When asked about his 2008 season, he said "I didn't know if I'd even be part of the team. I'm not going to say I had a great season, but I was there every five days". Indeed you were, sir. Indeed you were.

#33 Jose Guillen
#29 Jerry Hairston
#273 Brian Roberts - last player to ever bat at Yankee Stadium
#266 Todd Wellemeyer
#218 Emmanuel Burriss
#285 Justin Duchscherer
Topps Attax
#96 Dexter Fowler
#114 Chris Dickerson
#86 Kila Ka'aihue
#79 David Eckstein
#328 Doug Mientkiewicz
#210 Geovany Soto