Spring Training TTM results

Now that the season has started, I wanted to take a look at how I did sending TTM requests to players/coaches at spring training. While one or two more may trickle in, I don't expect any more returns. In total, I sent out 22 requests, and received four back successfully. Not a great success rate. I did receive some notable players though, and a few that I sent out were long shots to begin with.

Successes:
Mariano Rivera - signed my 2011 Topps
Michael Dunn - signed my 2010 Topps
Mark McGwire - signed card
Mark Prior - two signed cards

Failures:
Phil Hughes
AJ Burnett
Johnny Damon
Jesus Montero
Graig Nettles
Tino Martinez
Javier Vazquez
David Wells
Jose Contreras
Glenallen Hill
Matt Latos
Kevin Russo
Joba Chamberlain
Ron Guidry
Curtis Granderson
Shelley Duncan
Vladimir Guerrero
Mariano Rivera (sent a second request when I thought my first was long gone)

I knew guys like Tino, Wells, and Nettles were long shots. I would have liked to see a few more successes, but overall, I am happy with the autos I did receive. TTM is a humbling hobby, and there truly are no guarantees.

A few relics for trade - Braves, Cubs, Mets, Brewers, Pads, A's

As you may have seen in a few of my recent posts, I've gone on a little binge and acquired a few Yankees relics. What can I say, I really like them. I've also picked up a few others, and would be open for trading these for other Yankee relics. Since a lot of these are fairly common guys, I'm not expecting Jeter or anything in return.

The coolest card is probably the Dale Murphy 2004 SP Legendary Cuts Braves jersey. The Prior is cool as well because of the solid blue pinstripe. Always a fan of two colors. Let me know if you see anything that interests you!

2001 Pacific Private Stock Derek Bell (Mets)
2003 Topps Record Breakers Richie Sexson (Brewers)
2004 SP Legendy Cuts Dale Murphy (Braves)
2005 Upper Deck Mark Prior (Cubs)
2007 A&G Marcus Giles jersey (Padres) - in a pending deal
2011 Topps manu-patch 1968 A's Trevor Chahill (A's)

TTM Success: A pair of Mark's - McGwire & Prior

I had a solid two successes yesterday - none of which were on a Yankees card. I was thrilled to get this first one back in what was a very quick turnaround. Former A's and Cards slugger Mark McGwire signed my card in about a week. As you can see in the pic, the black signature doesn't pop very well against the background. However, I am very happy to add this to my collection. I also received two signed Mark Prior cards c/o Yankees spring training. Both look great! Prior is a longshot to break camp with the team unless Joba's oblique injury lingers. However, he'll pitch for the club at some point this year, I'm certain. I'm really pulling for him.