Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
JT Brubaker went to college at the Univerity of Akron–near my hometown–so I was very happy when he was drafted by the Pirates in the 6th round of the 2015 draft. I wrote to him in college but never got anything, but I was able to get him in 2015[…]
I got this Ozzie Albies autograph from a signing that was held last month. For whatever reason, Albies’ autograph always comes out streaky. My hope was that this would not be the case at a private signing. All things considered, I am very happy with the results. Standard Batting Year[…]
Will Saxton is a junior LHP for Florida International. During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he transitioned from the pen to the rotation. He started four games, and over 15.1 innings allowed 14 hits, 8 walks, and 13 K’s–good for a 1.17 ERA. He limited hitters to a .233 AVG. He[…]
Russ was drafted by the Phillies in the 19th round in 2017 out of Houston Baptist. He has developed into a legit relief prospect—BA ranked him the Phillies #24 prospect in 2020.
Shogo Akiyama signed a 3-year, $21M deal with the Cincinnati Reds this past off-season. The 31-year old veteran has spent his entire nine-season career with the Seibu Lions the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. He was very good. In Japan, he owns a career line of .301/.376/.454 with 116 HR. Five-time Pacific[…]
Ryan Conroy was drafted by Orioles in the eighth round of the 2018 draft out of Elon University. He was a very effective starter in college, a role that Baltimore looks like they will try to keep him. In 2019 Conroy saw time at three levels, from Low-A to High-A,[…]
Shelton Perkins was drafted in the 16th round (468th overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019, out of James Madison. He was an effective pen arm in college, a role that he would remain in as a pro. He was assigned to Low-A Aberdeen and got 17.2 innings of work[…]
Tony Wolters was a very well thought of prospect moving up through the Indians system. From 2010-2014 he ranked as one of the Indian’s top prospects–as high as #8 in 2010. He as kind of a cool prospect since he could handle playing catcher or any middle infield position, which[…]
The Indians are not unique in having a deep stable of failed pitching prospects. Here is a list of the guys that I can think of off the top of my head: #1. Chuck Lofgren (2004 4th round, #2 prospect in 2006 and 2007) #2. Jeremy Sowers (2004 1st round,[…]
Trayce Thompson was a very well thought of prospect for the White Sox. From 2009-2015 he consistently rated one of their top prospects, ranking as high as #2 following the 2012 season. He made the majors in 2015 and held his own over 122 at-bats. But the White Sox traded[…]