2010 Topps Update Carlos Santana

Who is this? Cleveland Indians catcher Carlos Santana
What is this? An autographed 2010 Topps Update card
Where'd I get it? I wrote to Santana this spring and asked him to sign it. I got it back in yesterday's mail.
How much did it cost? Postage.


Why is this so special? I was pretty lucky to get my card back - it traveled from Arizona to New Jersey in an unsealed envelope.

Santana made his major league debut last season after being ranked as one of the Indians' top prospects for several years. In 46 games, he hit .260 with 6 home runs and 22 RBI. An injury brought Santana's season to an early conclusion, but he should be ready to play again in 2011.

Though his autograph is a bit sloppy, it's more legible than some current ballplayers.

2009 Topps Update Jason Marquis

Who is this? Washington Nationals pitcher Jason Marquis
 
What is this? An autographed card from the 2009 Topps Update and Highlights set

Where'd I get it? I wrote to Marquis and asked him to sign it last month. I got it back a few weeks later.
 
How much did it cost? About $1 for the card and postage
 
Why is this so special? Jason Marquis signed a two-year, $15 contract with the Washington Nationals this off-season. I had wanted the Mets to sign the New York native to add some stability to their starting rotation, but they never showed any interest in doing so.

The Mets probably made the right call -- Marquis had surgery last week to remove bone chips from his elbow, and he won't be back until sometime after the All-Star break.

Marquis was an All-Star last season for the Colorado Rockies. He's played for five teams in an 11-year major league career that began with the Atlanta Braves in 2000. He has a 94-86 career record with a 4.57 ERA.

Marquis has an interesting signature, but I can only make out the "J" in his first name.