Ch-ch-ch-changes

I won't lie, I've been a bad blogger lately. I haven't posted much, although I still have every intention of keeping up the blog.

May-June are my busiest months at work. Plus, I was on vacation last week. All the while, I was interviewing for another job with a different company, which I recently accepted. Yesterday, as I mentioned on Twitter, I gave my two weeks' notice. However, viewing my new job as a competitor, I was asked to leave yesterday by my previous employer.

I was there for nine years, and for it to come down to one day was very tough.

So I'm home today. I enjoyed my breakfast by the water with a view of NYC. I did the laundry and the dishes. I also spent a while on the phone with the HR/Benefits department figuring out what I need to do between now and the start of my new job.

Lastly, to add to it, we are moving next month. We'll be heading out about 15 miles further into the New Jersey suburbs, while still commuting into NYC.

So there you have it. It's all great things, just a bit much and a bit overwhelming right now. It's all for the best, I just feel unsettled.

I apologize for the lack of packages I've sent out, or properly posting about or thanking you all for everything you've sent me the last few weeks. I'll get to it!

And I have to show a card, right?

Here is a TTM I got back recently from Yankees pitcher Bryan Mitchell. He's got a great arm and has been pretty good out of then 'pen in a limited role with the Yanks.

Gold on a snowy day

Last Thursday we had another pretty big storm. My kids' daycare called at 6am saying they were closed for the day, even though the snow had barely started. However, the forecasters got this one right, we ended up with a good seven or eight inches.

In addition to working from home with my kids around, one benefit was getting to be first to the mailbox! I got one TTM success - the Chris Capuano from yesterday's post - and an unexpected PWE from Robert at $30 A Week Habit.

There were two 2015 Topps Gold cards inside. It's still a big deal for me to get a Masahiro Tanaka card. I think I have only five or six at this point. To get a Topps Gold Tanaka? Awesome!

The other was a Bryan Mitchell, a rookie who I believe will start a few games for the Yanks this season.

Robert, thank you so much for the unexpected gift!

Bill Murray auto + others thanks to Carl Crawford Cards

With the MLB Futures Game taking place on Sunday, it seems like an appropriate time to show off some minor league autographs, including one player who made the Futures Game USA roster but had to sit out after taking a pitch to the head earlier in the week.

Paul of Carl Crawford Cards recently reached out to me. He had the opportunity to go to the Low A All-Star Game fanfest in Charleston, as well as the HR Derby on a ship. Paul, knowing I’m a fan of Yankees prospects autographs, graciously offered to try and get a few extras for me. I told him I’d be most appreciative of anything at all he could score for me. Paul went above and beyond.

Paul got me a signed card of every Charleston Riverdogs player at the All Star game! The Riverdogs are loaded this season and had six All Stars, including a few of my favorite prospects and players I had yet to add to my autograph collection. I was not expecting to make out like a complete bandit.

First up, Tyler Austin, the Yankees lone Futures Game rep. He had to sit out due to injury (took a pitch to the head last week). Austin has had a monster year, and was recently promoted to High A Tampa. He was not a member of Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects for 2012, but by midseason was ranked in their top 50. He shows a lot of power and speed, and I look forward to finally having a power hitting outfield prospect to watch. I have been 0 for 2 on Austin TTM attempts, so this felt good.

Next up, my favorite prospect, Mason Williams. I haven’t been lucky enough to get his auto either, so this is a huge addition! The card is sweet - a great diving catch – action you don’t always see on minor league cards. Mason has also been promoted to High A Tampa, along with the next guy.

Gary Sanchez has replaced Jesus Montero as a young, power hitting catching phenom. All indications are that he is a better defender at this age as well. At just 19, Gary had a great start to his second season at Low A, and is now tearing it up in Tampa. This is my second Sanchez auto, as I purchased an Obak certified auto earlier this year.

Next up, a trio of players. Bryan Marshall has some of the best stuff in the Yankees system and could be a decent middle of the rotation guy. I had a TTM success with him last year. I don’t know much about either Guerra or Arcia, but clearly they have showed enough this season to be named to the All Star Team.

Finally, one of the coolest autographs that I now have in my collection. Paul was able to get me Bill Murray’s signature! Yes, Bill Murray. Dr. Peter Venkman. Bob Wiley. Phil Connors. Ernie McCracken. Bob Harris. Steve Zissou. Carl Spackler. Bill is one of my all-time favorites, and although a Cubs fan, I have a fondness for him since he is part owner of the Charleston franchise. Bill is the “Director of Fun” for Charleston, and he played a key role in the All Star festivities. To say I’m excited about owning this card is a vast understatement.

Paul, thanks again for thinking of me and for sending me these cards! They are great additions to my collection.