Month: July 2018

Juiced Review

Summary: Juiced by Jose Canseco was published in 2005 and changed baseball forever. In this book, Canseco tells of his personal struggles and what he did to become a ballplayer. His story is inspirational as he was a scrawny young immigrant who became a professional baseball player. However, the meat of the story comes when he tells of steroids. Canseco rats out numerous players involved in steroids from his point of view. In the end, he admits about 90% of players used steroids during his time.

Opinions: I found this book both intriguing and disappointing. The book was fast moving and keeps your attention really well. Canseco vividly describes his life, making it easy to forget the book is about drugs. His personal experiences are interesting and sure to give you a good laugh. Overall, I highly suggest you to read the book.

Bobbleheads

Bobbleheads are one of the most loved collectibles on the market. You can get them free with you attend a baseball or you can buy them online. Bobbleheads go back as far as the 1960s when Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle had their own ceramic statues. Now, bobbleheads are made of a sturdy plastic. In 2015, after Mike Trout won the MVP award in 2014, the Angels made a lifesize bobblehead of him. It is currently the largest licensed MLB bobblehead to date. In second is the Derek Jeter bobblehead that stands outside Steiner Sports at the New Yankee Stadium. Overall, bobbleheads are a great and fun tradition of baseball.

 

Breaking News! Huge Trades After ASG

After the All Star Game, just before regular season games restart, two huge trades took place. Manny Machado was just traded to the Dodgers in his walk year. The multi-position All Star brings Gold Glove defense and a power bat to Los Angeles. The Dodgers are without their main shortstop Corey Seager for the season after he needed Tommy John Surgery.

The Cleveland Indians got a huge boost to their bullpen from the Padres on July 19. Dominant southpaw Brad Hand was traded in turn for a package of prospects. Hand carries in 24 saves with the Padres through 44.1 innings of work.

MLB TTM Status 2018

This year, I have adapted a new way of autograph collecting; through the mail autograph requests. Basically, I send out a letter, a card to be signed, and a self addressed stamped envelope to both former and current baseball players. As of July 17, I have sent out 32 letters. Out of the 32, I have gotten 11 back. I have gotten back Rob Manfred, Pat Neshek, Ken Singleton, Danny Duffy, Raisel Iglesias, Brad Ziegler, Chris Iannetta, Ryan Goins, Adeiny Hechavarria, Juan Gonzalez, and Ryne Sandberg. Of the 21 I still have out there, Mark Teixeira, Clayton Kershaw, Todd Frazier, and Greg Bird highlight the pending requests.