Phillies TTM out this week 5/4

In addition to collecting Phillies cards, I also collect autographs TTM and sometimes in person. I sent out the following Phils' requests this week.

1. RJ Swindle - c/o Brewers (sent 2008 IronPigs team issue)
2. Bruce Chen - c/o Omaha Royals
   
3. Wendell Magee, Jr. - c/o Home
4. Mike Lieberthal c/o Home
5. Bob Boone - c/o Nationals
6. Mike Anderson - c/o Home
7. Rick Schu - c/o Home

If you're interested in any of the addresses, comment or shoot me an e-mail. Otherwise I'll keep you updated on my successes.

Reading Phillies v. Bowie Baysox 4/26/09

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Originally uploaded by aclay2007

Took the kid to see the Reading Phillies on Sunday. Figured we'd do some autograph hounding before the game. First Energy Field in Reading is a terrific place to get autographs; plenty of access to the players. We usually hang around between the locker room and the dugout and catch players before the game. Overall, we had a pretty good day -- Abby got about 11 signatures on her team ball and I was able to get 8 on a helmet.

It's Official

Cole Hamels will not be pitching Opening Night. According to reports from the Phils, look for Brett Myers or Joe Blanton to be on the mound on April 5th.

Last minute moves...

The Phils are making some last minute moves before Opening Day. Late Friday night they traded catcher Ronny Paulino to the Giants for lefty reliever Jack Taschner. Was this really a surprise to anyone, though? Paulino was traded away from Pittsburgh because of his weight issues and poor work ethic. Charlie Manuel denies this was his issue this spring, stating that they saw holes in his swing. This leaves the Phils with catcher Carlos Ruiz and Chris Coste as backup. Hey, if it ain't broke...

They also released Marcus Giles instead of optioning him to the minors. According to the Phillies' website, this was done out of consideration for Giles since he wouldn't get the at-bats he needs at AAA Lehigh Valley. Well, Mr. Giles, we wish you the best of luck wherever you end up. Outfielder John Mayberry, Jr. and righty Carlos Carrasco were optioned out to the minors and righty Mike Koplove, IF Pablo Ozuna, and OF Jason Ellison were all informed they would not be making it onto the 25 man roster at this time.

Oh, how I hate redemptions...

So, I was perusing various card blogs today when I came across a reference to a redemption. This made me recall vaguely that I, too, am waiting for a card from a Topps redemption. Specifically, the Red Hot Rookie #1 from series 2 of 2008 Topps. Allegedly, I redeemed this card on 6/19/2008. Holy crap.