My Early AL Rookie of the Year Pick

I wasn't going to continue this theme, you know, the early picks for the postseason awards, but after my post on Andrew McCutchen, I felt like I had to acknowledge what is being accomplished in Anaheim, or Los Angeles, or Orange County, or California (wherever the Angels are from today).

Mike Trout is having probably one of the best rookie seasons on record.  After being called up in May, he has been on a blistering pace, batting .356 with 16 homers, 49 RBIs and 36 stolen bases.  At only 20 years old, he is playing like a seasoned veteran.  The Angels have certainly benefited from his play as of late.  They were floundering until Trout (see what I did there?) was called up.  Now they are competing for the AL West crown with the Texas Rangers and look like a sure bet to enter the playoffs, if not the West winners, at least as a wild card.

I would imagine that Trout has had a lot to do with that.  He might even be a good candidate for AL MVP.

2012 Topps Gold Rush Wrapper Redemption

I came home today to find out that my 2012 Topps Gold Rush wrapper redemption packs had come in the mail today.  I had enough wrappers to qualify for 2 packs of the special cards.  Each pack contained 5 cards with the possibility of pulling some autographed stuff (I think).  I know last year Virgil Trucks autographs were something you could pull from the redemption packs.  I didn't get any autos, but I got some pretty nice cards:

Sandy Koufax

Warren Spahn

Koufax and Spahn were the best of the HOF/retired players that I was able to pull.  I also got Tony Gwynn and Albert Belle.

Albert Pujols

Josh Hamilton

Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton were the highlights of today's players that I pulled.  I also pulled: 
Tim Hudson, Allen Craig, Aroldis Chapman and Felix Hernandez.

I plan on keeping the Spahn and Koufax cards.  I think I might keep the Hamilton, too, unless someone overwhelms me with an offer.  I bet I could get a decent amount from the Pujols.  All of the other cards not mentioned will either be trade bait or sold at the April card show.

If any of these cards interest you, please shoot me an email and let me know!!