2007 TriStar Authentics Tyler Colvin

Who is this? Tennessee Smokies outfielder Tyler Colvin.

What is this? An autograph card from 2007 TriStar Authentics.

Where'd I get it? Atlanta Sports Cards.

How much did it cost? A buckaroo.

Why is this so special? Atlanta Sports Cards has a binder with a bunch of auto and relics cards for sale ranging from a buck to 15 dollars and every time I go I try to pick up a few dollar cards. Normally they're scrubeenees from minor league sets that flamed out years ago, or really obscure Major Leaguers. Or guys like Jaret Wright who fit both categories. This time though a prospect cought my eye that I had actually heard of before. I didn't really know who Tyler Colvin was, but I'd heard of him and it was a card from last year so the chances were good he wasn't managing a car dealership by now. So who is this guy?

Tyler was a first round pick of the Cubs in 2006, number 13 overall. He's supposedly a top prospect, but don't ask Cubs fans about that. He's had a rough season so far this year, but is starting to get his stroke back. With the trade deadline coming up and the Cubs in a fierce battle in the central, he may get moved soon. He's an interesting guy to watch at least, lots of entertainment for only a buck. The autograph is on the clear TriStar sticker which doesn't look great on this card (and the sticker was pasted off center) but the signature looks good. I like the flourish on the T and the C. Maybe the Braves can convice the Cubs that Tex would be a good second baseman for the stretch run and we can get Tyler in a a big package of prospects.

2007 TriStar Prospects Plus Nick Noonan

Who is this? Giants draft pick Nick Noonan.

What is this? An autograph card from 2007 Tri-Star Prospects Plus, card number FH-NN.

Where'd I get it? Out of a Tri-Star blaster.

How much did it cost? $3.

Why is this so special? You faithless turncoats thought I wouldn't make it, but I did! Ha! This sucker was posted before midnight so it counts so nyahhh. Nick was the Giants' first round pick last year. He's currently on the A-Ball Augusta GreenJackets playing short and hitting very well. He's also a teammate of everyone's favorite, Madison Bumgarner. A friend of mine went to a few GreenJackets games a few years ago and gave me a wonderfully gaudy tie-dye t-shirt with a hippie insect tripping out on it. I love the shirt but I'm unfortunately too old to wear it without being self-conscious and not old enough to wear it and not give a shit that I look ridiculous. I like the look of these cards, but the signature is a bit scribbly. Nick needs to work on that once he's done in the batting cage. I'm rooting for Nick to make the bigs and be a star for the Giants. I'm a huge fan of Caddyshack and my dream is to go to a major league stadium and heckle some poor player named Noonan. Noooooonan! Nnnnnnoooonan!

2007 TriStar Prospects Plus Michael Main

Who is this? Rangers first round draft pick Michael Main.

What is this? An autograph card from 2007 TriStar Prospects Plus, card number FF-MM.

Where'd I get it? Pulled from a blaster, it was in the top pack.

How much did it cost? One seventh the cost of the blaster, about three bucks.

Why is this so special? I thought this would be a nice easy post, good way to start off June, maybe even keep up with an autograph card a day, and then whammo. No information on this dude whatsoever. Ok, so I know he was the Rangers' first round pick last year. I know he was a high school pitcher from DeLand Florida, same place as Chipper Jones. I know he has a decent fastball and slider and he's a good enough batter that the Rangers could convert him to the field if they wanted. What I didn't know is why he hasn't pitched an inning all year long. Took me a while, but it turnss out he has a stress fracture in his rib and should be pitching soon. It seriously too me about a half hour to find that. My Google-fu is lacking.

The card itself is nice looking. The silver foil on black looks great although doesn't scan worth a crap. There's a nice big white space for the signature/sticker, a portrait of the kid and a team logo. Good stuff, and blasters of Tri-Star are still around with one or two autos a pop in them. Of course they're draft pick autographs so no one will really know who's good and who isn't for five years. Main looks like as good a prospect as any though and at least cares enough to put a little thought into the signature instead of doing the typical "3000 autographs to go" squiggle. Knowing the Rangers though, they'll probably trade him for a slugger before too long.