TTM Success: Chase Whitley

Man, these TTM successes are rolling in slowly. I swear one day I'm going to come home to 15 of them in my mailbox.

Therefore, I am extremely thankful for any that do make it back to me. My most recent was from Chase Whitley, as he signed a 2014 Topps Update for me. He also added a bible verse, John 3:16 I believe.

Whitley is in competition for the Yanks fifth starter job, although he's likely ticketed for AAA as the first man up should the Yanks need a starter. He could also be the long man on the 25-man roster, although I tend to think he's more valuable if he stays stretched out.

Thanks for the return, Chase, and good luck!

Cards from Padrographs

Recently, Rod from Padrographs reached out and wanted to send me some Yanks. He mentioned he had a few die cuts and a stack of other cards. I’ll never say no that. It was an extremely generous package and I certainly appreciate the great cards.

Here are some highlights:

My two favorite cards are easily these two 2011 Bowman Chrome Futures Die Cut Gary Sanchez cards. One is the Refractor version and one is the X-Fractor or Bubblefractor or something. I didn’t have either of these cards – just the regular version – so now I have all three. Gary Sanchez is awesome and I really hope the Yankees don't trade him this winter. His name pops up in possible trades often, probably because he is so awesome.

Here are a few prospect cards. The Whitley is a blue parallel from Topps Pro Debut. It’s a very nice shade of light blue on the border. Why do the parallels in Opening Day and Pro Debut always look better than the ones in the flagship set? I’m also excited to get this Rob Segedin, as I sent this exact card to him TTM and never got it back. Glad to replace it. 

A few Gypsy Queens. Just love this set.

I was especially pumped to get these 2011 Topps HTA Yankee cards. I hadn’t seen these in person and I think they are really pretty cards. I didn’t ever expect to land any of these when I saw them posted on various blogs, so this was an exciting inclusion by Rod.

And here are a few more Yanks. No small names here.

Rod, I really appreciate the cards! Thanks again.

TTM Success: First from the Arizona Fall League

I only sent out two requests to Arizona Fall League participants this season: Gerrit Cole and Chase Whitley. Cole was chosen #1 overall by the Pirates this past June, so I figured he was worth a shot. The second player was someone I wanted to send to all season, I just never prioritized it for whatever reason. Well, after just 10 days, I received this from Yankees prospect Chase Whitley.

Whitley is a reliever in the Yanks' farm system. He was selected by them in 2010 (15^th Round) out of Troy University and reached AA this season. He ended the year with a 2.47 ERA and 77Ks in 91 innings. He’s definitely someone who could factor into the Yankees bullpen plans in a year or two. Unfortunately the signature didn’t stick to the card very well, but still a nice success.