2002 Just Minors Matt Cain

Who is this? Giants pitcher Matt Cain.

What is this? An autograph card from 2002 Just Minors, card number 3. The card is serial numbered 52/100.

Where'd I get it? Atlanta Sports Cards.

How much did it cost? Three bucks.

Why is this so special? I think Matt Cain is a really good pitcher that's just gotten stuck on a bad team. Yeah, he's lost 30 games the past two years, but check out the other stats. He's got a career ERA of 3.74. He racks up strikeouts and has a reasonable amount of walks. He's averaged over 200 innings a year over his three full seasons. And the guy is only twenty-three. That's why I was surprised to see it in the cheapo binder for only three bucks. A few years from now he could be a Cy Young contender and the card is getting blown out the store. Granted, it's a Just Minors auto. And the signature is kinda scroungy to be honest. And he isn't really a superstar by any stretch of the imagination right now. But isn't that what prospecting is all about? Finding diamonds in the rough for cheap? Why should an autograph card of one of this year's draft picks go for big bucks when an established young pitcher in the majors doesn't even deserve a toploader or a spot in the display case? Why am I complaining about getting a card of a player I think will be a star for so cheap? I guess it's just stupid expectations blinding me and the rest of the collectors out there. The brand new hotness? Gotta pay big bucks for their cards. Established players, not so much. Former dominating pitchers, can't even give them away. That's one thing about this hobby that some people know... While everyone else is chasing down the big hit from that brand new product, there are neglected gems out there that can be gotten for a song.

1999 Just Minors Juan Melo

Who is this? Giants second baseman Juan Melo.

What is this? An autograph card from 1999 Just Minors.

Where'd I get it? Atlanta Sports Cards.

How much did it cost? A buck.

Why is this so special? Juan only played 11 games in the majors, getting one hit as a second baseman for the Giants. He played 12 years in the minors before apparently retiring in 2008. It's a great looking card though, Melo is making a play at second for the Mobile Baybears. Nice signature too. That's really all I have to say about him though, so in lieu of snarky commentary here's some Donovan in honor of Melo.



One other thing... I strongly recommend opening a pack of 1991 Fleer instead of what the hippies in the video are doing. Do cards, not drugs, kiddos!

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!