Hanley Ramirez Looks Pretty Comfortable In The #3 Spot!!!

 In a move that was questioned by most Florida Marlins fans and baseball enthusiasts, Hanley Ramirez has been nothing short of awesome batting third for the Marlins!!!

Having a player of Ramirez’s caliber in the 3-spot allows the team to extend more innings of offensive play.  It also allow Hanley the opportunity to drive in runs and see pitches he would never see while hitting lead-off.

Through 6 games, Hanley is hitting .348 with 2 home runs, 9 RBI, 4 runs scored and 0 steals.  So, is the trade off from #1 to #3 worth it?  Well, if Emilio Bonifacio keep producing as the lead-off hitter, then YES!!!  Ramirez is well on his way to having his first 100 RBI season which would be a great compliment to his possible .300+, 30HR+, 30SB+, 100 runs scored 2009 season!

Go Fish!!! 

3 Andre Dawson Cards From The 2001 Topps Archives Set

I had never heard of this Topps Archives set, but once I saw a few of the cards they offered I was hooked.  I was able to grab these 3 Andre Dawson cards for pretty low prices.

Of the 3, the 1977 re-do is my favorite.  It’s a blown up version of Andre’s rookie card that he shared with 3 other players.  You can see that card here.  It’s cool how Topps did this.  I’d like to see more of this in the future.  It would be neat to own cards like this of Dale Murphy, Paul Molitor, Gary Carter, and Alan Trammell.

Who knows, with my knowledge of modern-day cards, it’s very possible that they already have issued them.  If so, I’ll find ‘em!!

Ricky Nolasco Autograph TTM Sucess!!!

These 2 beautifully signed cards were sent back to me by Ricky Nolasco in just 49 days.

The ‘ace’ of the Marlins’ picthing staff last year is off to another great start and will be a solid contributor for the team this season.  I had the chance to grab a few of his autographs in person as I traveled to Spring Training over the last few months and Ricky is a very fan-friendly guy.  We ALL expect big things from him this season, and I cannot wait to see how he does!!

Thanks for the great autographs Ricky!!! 

Happy Anniversary Reggie Jackson!!

On this date in 1972 Reggie Jackson wore a mustache to a baseball game.  Happy Anniversary Reggie!!!

Wait a minute, what is so special about that you ask?  Let me tell you.  Reggie’s mustache was the first one to make it onto a professional baseball field for a game since 1914.  Yes, 1914.  For 58 years no player was seen on the field until Reggie brought his mustache to the game on April 15, 1972. 

What’s special about this is that if there were no Reggie Jackson and his mustache, their would have been no…

… Rollie Fingers and his famous handle-bar mustache or…

…Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage and his bushy, walrus-esque mustache or…

… Eddie Murray and his 1970′s inspired facial hair.

So again, I say ‘Happy Anniversary Reggie Jackson’!!!!