TTM Success: Austin Aune

In mid-May, I shot a TTM request to Yankees prospect Austin Aune. This past weekend, my card was returned signed:

I actually sent this to the Yanks' minor league complex in Tampa. Had I waited a few weeks, I could have just sent to Staten Island, where Aune has been assigned.

Aune is one of those highly-recruited QBs who chose baseball instead of college football. He was committed to TCU, but turned pro after the Yanks drafted him in the second round in 2012. His pro career hasn't quite gone as expected, spending the last two seasons in the Gulf Coast League and developing a little slower than you'd like to see for a second-rounder. Still, there is a lot of hope for him.

This year he makes the jump to Staten Island, and hopefully he enjoys some success. He's got a lot of athletic ability, but just needs to put it all together. He needs to cut down on the Ks, and make consistent contact while taking a few more walks. In all the interviews I've seen, he seems like a great kid, so here's to wishing Austin the best of luck this season and beyond.

Pro Debut from Scott Crawford

Scott Crawford and I worked on this trade for quite a while. It was my fault, really. I just didn't have my act together. Even when Scott sent me the card, it took me about three more weeks to return the package. That's not how it should go.

Regardless, I ended up with a batch of 2013 Topps Pro Debut cards I needed. I still think the product name is stupid and inaccurate.

AAA - Austin Aune Autos

While I haven't had time to sneak out and pick up some 2013 Series One yet, the eBay packages have still been rolling in. I recently picked up two cards of Yankees 2012 2nd Round Draft Pick Austin Aune.

The first was a 2012 Leaf Valient. These cards are awesome, as they are in the design of 1998 Donruss Crusaders. The auto is on card and really jumps against the background.

I nabbed my second 2012 Bowman Sterling Auto. The first was a Ty Hensley, so now I have a second card in the set. Again, on card.