On and off the DL.

Well, the Rangers lost big last night to the A's due to a pitching meltdown. About the only good things to mention from the game are Mitch Moreland, Ryan Rua, and Shin-Soo Choo going deep.

That's right, Choo is back from the Disabled List. He was originally slated to get activated today but Texas brought him back a day earlier than expected. Good thing too, Adrian Beltre hasn't been back in action since encountering a hamstring issue in Seattle. No word on when he'll be back. Choo led off and went 1-for-4 with a walk and his solo homer. Nice to have him back and good to see some power in his return.

Of course, the game might have gone differently had Yu Darvish, shown here on card 351 of the 2014 Donruss set, made the start. The game was Darvish's regularly scheduled spot. However, he got pulled early from his last start with neck and right shoulder stiffness. Yesterday the Rangers placed Yu on the the 15 day DL. A MRI apparently showed no structural damage to his shoulder or neck but he will remained shut down until the stiffness subsides. Hopefully this is just a hiccup in his return from Tommy John surgery and not the beginning of becoming injury-prone. If Texas can ever see Darvish and Cole Hamels active in the same rotation the results could be nothing short of amazing.

Returning home.

Well, the Rangers lost the final game of their road trip last night to the Mariners 4-2 in ten innings. That puts them at .500 as they come home to face the Red Sox tonight. Since they left on the trip a game under .500, I think one has to count the trip as a success. Hopefully they can keep the ball rolling as they return home.

Speaking of returns, I still have a few through the mail requests trickling in now and then. This 1992 Donruss card of Donald Harris was one that came in this past week. I sent it out on January 23rd. Mr. Harris was kind enough to sign it and a 1993 Topps card and return both of them. Also coming in was a success from former Ranger first baseman Will Clark. Thanks to both players for taking of their time to sign and return my cards.

More TTM returns.

So here we are on Spring Training eve and it's time for one final off-season through the mail return report. Of course, I'll be sending out requests throughout the season but hopefully there will be lots of great Rangers news to talk about.

Sent this 1983 Donruss card and a 1983 Topps card out to former Ranger Frank Tanana on January 20th of this year. Got them both back signed on February 11th. Mr. Tanana included a Gospel tract, as is his practice. Also received returns from former Rangers Dave Schmidt, and Jeff Huson and former Texas draft pick Ritchie Moody this past week. Many thanks to all four of these gentlemen for their consideration in signing and returning my cards. I really need to get some pennies saved up and pick up some more stamps in order to keep the returns coming.

Anyone else been passing the off-season requesting autographs? If so, how did it go?

Updates.

Well, the 2016 season keeps getting closer. Pitchers and catchers report on the 19th. Getting down to the final checkups for the players headed in. Jurickson Profar, Derek Holland, and Ryan Rua claim they are healthy and can't wait to get going. Adrian Beltre should also be ready to roll once camp starts. Josh Hamilton's knee is about ready but look for Texas to take things slowly with him to keep him from re-injuring it before it's completely back. Yu Darvish is reportedly on track coming back from Tommy John surgery but likely won't be making any starts until May.

The Rangers have also avoided arbitration with first baseman Mitch Moreland. The deal came just a few hours before the hearing was scheduled to begin. The agreement gives Moreland $5.7 million for the 2016 season. Mitch was the last Rangers player scheduled for arbitration. The deal with him means Texas has not had an arbitration hearing in 16 years.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Topps cards are out. I have yet to pick any up, mainly because I spent my card money on stamps and haven't yet got my stash built back up. Anyone else got any yet? If so, what are your thoughts on the new release?

Speaking of stamps, a few more through the mail autograph requests found their way home this past week. This signed 1983 Donruss card of former Rangers hurler Steve Comer was among the bunch. Returns also arrived from Johnny Grubb, Billy Sample, and Jerry Don Gleaton. Mr. Sample was nice enough to enclose a note wishing me good luck with my collection and blog. Thanks to all four of the players who were kind enough to sign and return cards to a fan.

Coming and going.

The Rangers are going. Yesterday was truck day at the Ballpark. The equipment is loaded on the truck and now on the way to Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training. Only two weeks until pitchers and catchers report. The 2016 season is creeping closer and I couldn't be more happy. It's been a long winter and I'm ready for some baseball.

While baseball teams are heading out for Spring Training, the through the mail autograph requests keep coming in. Over the last week several requests came back with successes. One such return was this 1986 card that Dwayne Henry was gracious enough to sign and return. It arrived in my mailbox yesterday after I sent it out on the January 23rd.

In addition to Mr. Henry, in the past week I received autographs from former Rangers Bobby Johnson, Bill Stein, Bob Lacey, Scott Fletcher, Mike Mason, Mike Smithson, and Jack Daugherty. It was a great week for autograph returns. Thanks to all these guys for the time they took to sign for a fan and drop the cards back in the mail.

I received another return that was pretty cool as well. I recently sent former Rangers outfielder Billy Sample an autograph request. I included a short note asking for an interview for this blog. I haven't received my cards back but I did get an email from Mr. Sample. He said he was willing to do the interview. I sent him some questions and he replied with some great answers. Should have the interview ready to post tomorrow. Be sure to check it out.

Unusual shopping trip.

Went Christmas shopping on Monday with Mrs Spiff and the kiddos. Of course, I managed to work in a trip to Duane's Sportscards as well. Made the day much more enjoyable for me and Spiff Jr. The long-suffering Mrs Spiff caught a nap in the car while the girls watched a movie (thank heaven for in-car DVD systems).

I managed to fill in a bit more on my 1967 Topps Senators set and picked up a few Rangers cards I needed as well. The big attraction though was the retirement sale for one of the dealers (there are four in the shop). The guy had almost all his stock at 75% off and was trying to clear out his autographs and game-used cards at four for $10. One of the cards I decided to pick up was this 2011 Donruss Elite Extra Edition card of Jordan Akins. It's hard to see but the card is numbered 321/1184. Akins was a third round pick for Texas in 2010. He spent four seasons in the Texas system without making it out of Single A and his playing career is already over. It's a Rangers auto though, and one I didn't have, so I'll count it as a success.

After visiting the card shop, we had one more stop to make before moving on with our shopping trip. I contacted the Rangers a few days before about buying FanFest tickets at the box office. It's cheaper that way than paying the fees to purchase online and I knew we would be in the area. They told me the box office would be open. It wasn't. The gentleman sitting near the gate waiting for tours to arrive told me to walk down to the center field gate and go through the doors behind the baseballs out front. I did and found myself in lobby of the Rangers corporate offices. Fully expecting to be re-directed, I explained to the security guard at the desk why I was there. He asked me to sign in, directed me to a bank of elevators, and told me to go to the fourth floor.

Up I went. As I stepped out of the elevator I saw I was in a type of waiting room. Leather couches, television tuned to ESPN. The woman at the desk in front of the elevators told me she would call someone to sell me the tickets. As I waited, I looked around. On a nearby table sat the Silver Boot trophy. Opposite were the two American League Championship trophies. People with credentials walked through from time to time and phones rang in the background. Apparently, in my quest to buy two FanFest tickets, I ended up very near the nerve center for the Texas Rangers. I was able to get the tickets without any problems and the experience of seeing the trophies and being inside the front office definitely made my day. After all, it's not something that happens every time one does Christmas shopping.

So long, Yogi.

Hall of Famer Yogi Berra passed away this past Tuesday at the age of 90. Yes, Berra was a Yankee but, he was still a good guy. As a kid I remember being fascinated by his and Satchel Paige's remarks. He played a role in hooking me on baseball. He's probably also the reason I latched on to Pudge Rodriguez, shown here on card BB-11 of the 2002 Donruss Elite Back 2 Back Jacks set.

2002 Donruss Elite Back 2 Back Jacks #BB-11

2002 Donruss Elite Back 2 Back Jacks #BB-11

Always displaying a positive attitude, Yogi was there for some big moments. D-Day, Don Larson's perfect game, ten World Series championships. He played alongside Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Phil Rizzuto, and many other Yankee greats. In his first year of managing, he took the Yankees to the World Series. In typical Yankee fashion, they fired him immediately afterwords. He still came back years later and endured another firing before writing the team out of his appointment book. It took a lot to get to Berra though and he eventually forgave the team and returned to the fold.

The Yankees' loss was the Mets and Astros gain. They latched on to Yogi as if he had been part of their clubs. He led the Mets to an improbable World Series title. They didn't fire him immediately afterwords.

The world is a poorer place without Yogi Berra and we will never see his like again.

Back in the hunt.

I don't have any signed or game-used cards of Nick Martinez, Chris Gimenez, or any of the other guys who contributed to the Rangers win last night. Guess you'll have to settle for this signed 1997 Donruss Rusty Greer card. Of course, settling and Rusty Greer don't really go in the same sentence.

Anyway, glad to see the Rangers win last night. The victory completed a three game sweep of the first place Astros and puts the Rangers a game over .500. They are also five games out of first and still in the Wild Card hunt. Playoff hopes are not strong but they are not yet dead in Arlington.

What a crazy season. It's been a real roller coaster this year. One minute the team is streaking up and is hotter than anything. The next they are ice cold and tumbling towards the bottom of the heap. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when the switch flips. Just about the time things are looking good, the club falters. Just about the time they are written off, they come back to life and can't lose. It's better than last year but the ups and downs almost make Dramamine a necessity.

Rangers return home triumphant.

Today's card really has no connection to the topic of this post. It brings back memories for me though. Mike Stanley signed this 1989 Donruss card through the mail for me back in the early 1990's. It was one of the first through the mail success I had.

Well, the Rangers win streak ended last night in Cleveland and they are back at home tonight after a nine game, three city road trip. They come home with a 7-2 trip and a record that's now one game under .500. Not too bad for a team most had written off.

Prince Fielder has been on fire. After hitting well for average from the get go, he's now adding power and launching moonshots like the Prince of old. The defense and pitching have tightened up and the rest of the lineup has finally joined Fielder in producing. Makes for a fun team to watch. Are they a contender? Not yet and they may not be one this year. They are playing much better ball than a few weeks ago though and at least may be able to avoid the AL West cellar.

Not all the players returning to Arlington were with them team when it left and not all the guys who left are returning right yet. Neftali Feliz is on the disabled list and Jake Smolenski is back in the minors. They have been replaced by Josh Hamilton and Jon Edwards. Texas also sent outfielder Carlos Peguero to the Red Sox for cash yesterday.

In the meantime former Rangers manager Ron Washington returned to Major League baseball. He's back in his old position as a coach with the Oakland A's. The A's owe part of their last place position to a huge number of defensive errors and are hoping Wash can help control the bleeding. It's good to see Ron back in the saddle and I wish him success, except against Texas.

Six year return.

Today's card is an autographed 1984 Donruss card of Rangers fan favorite Jim Sundberg. This is one of my most recent through the mail returns and was pretty surprising when it arrived.

I sent this card and a 1980 Topps card to Sunny on October 10, 2008 when he was working for the Rangers. I sent the request to the ballpark because I had word that Jim did not like to sign from home. The cards seemed to drop off the face of the earth and I assumed that Sundberg would not sign from the ballpark either.

Much to my astonishment, the cards arrived signed in my mailbox on February 26, 2015. That's after over six years and an out of state move. The forwarding on my mail has long since expired and I wrote off any requests that hadn't come back yet.

I'll take it though and am very grateful to have this signed card in my collection. Much thanks for the autograph Mr. Sundberg.

Cards from John.

A short while back reader John H. told me he was going to send me a few cards I might need. Yesterday I got an envelope in the mail from John. Inside was a note and 17 Rangers cards.

One of those cards was this 2004 National Trading Card Day #DP-4 card of Alfonso Soriano. Not sure if this is a Donruss Classics card or part of a set all its own but it's a great card.

Also in the envelope was a note from John saying he hoped the cards he sent would fit my want list. Well, the Soriano card was a great start as I didn't have it. All told there were 13 more cards that filled holes in my collection. 14-for-17 is an awesome average not matter if you're at bat or sending cards to a fellow collector.

Thanks for the great package John, it made my day. I hadn't had a package arrive in awhile and I really appreciate it.

Also arriving yesterday was another card package that will be reviewed in the near future and a long-awaited through the mail autograph request.

Hearing the Vealtones.

First off, Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope all take some time to reflect on how blessed by God we are.

Last weekend marked the beginning of a couple of very busy weeks for me. Work schedule shifts, Thanksgiving, travel, etc. Hectic.

Got home on Monday to find a package from Dustin over at Coot Veal and The Vealtones. We had been working on a trade for awhile and finally got the details hammered out just before things got busy. Being an understanding guy, Dustin sent his end of the trade and told me to get mine in the mail when possible. Included in the package from Dustin were two Rangers game-used cards, one of which was this 2005 Donruss Champions bat bit card of former Ranger Al Oliver. Anytime I can scoop a Scoop card I'm up for it. Also in the mailer was a Tanner Scheppers auto, a game-used Bob Gibson, and four cards that are probably going out as gifts. Dustin also tossed in several Rangers not included in the original trade. They all hit holes in my collection.

Dustin's still looking for trades so if you haven't already, get over to his blog and check out his trade bait. Thanks a ton for the trade Dustin, I really enjoyed the break when package arrived. Your cards are on their way, if you don't have them yet.

Last minute random auto.

Almost didn't get a post in today but here I am at 2330 on Thursday throwing up a random Rangers autograph.

Today we have Jerry Brown on a signed 1987 Donruss card. I traded for this autograph in the early 1990's. Got it from a Yankee fan friend of mine. I have no idea why he had it. It was the first autograph I ever traded for.

Odds and ends.

Worked midnights last night and am supposed to go in this afternoon so this post is pre-scheduled since I figured I might not write well in a sleep deprived state.

Got a pretty much random post to go along with today's random Rangers game-used card. Get to see Hank Blalock on card number BF-L of the 2004 Donruss Elite Back to the Future set. The card features a piece of Hank's bat and is numbered 3/200. Somehow I ended up with lots of Hank Blalock game-used and autographed cards but I think this one is among the nicest looking.

As promised a couple of weeks ago, I have updated my links. I checked all the blogs listed and they appear to still be active. I will be keeping my eye on a couple to make sure they aren't slowly fading out but all still seem to be being updated at least occasionally. I also added three links to the set tours list: 1963 Topps, 1969 Topps, and 1970 Topps. I was a little let down that I was unable to add to the team blogs lists. Hopefully you will find the new additions entertaining.

On a final note, Spiff Jr and I are contemplating a trip to Duane's Sportscards in Arlington sometime next week. Due to a schedule change at work I have four days off between June 2nd and June 5th. Got called for jury duty on the 2nd so that's likely out. We haven't decided between the other days though. If anyone would like to try and meet up for a face-to-face trade or just to visit be sure and drop me a note. I know there's at least a couple of other Duane's customers who occasionally read here and I have yet to meet any other collectors since making the move to the area.

Royal delivery.

Got a text message from a friend of mine the other day. Always good to hear from Mark O and get his thoughts on the current baseball happenings. Mark's a rare find in the baseball world - a true blue dyed in the wool Kansas City Royals fan. He's why I have very few Royals cards to trade.

Mark wanted to let me know he sent me a few cards from my Rangers wantlist. That was a pleasant surprise. I have a couple of cards put back for Mark but haven't sent him anything in awhile.

I got the box yesterday and found Mark deceived me. I consider the 60 or so cards in the box to be more than a few. All but three or four filled holes in my Rangers wantlist. Took over an hour to update the wantlist and file the cards away.

One of the cards included in the lot was card number 183 of the 1992 Donruss Triple Play set. Rafael Palmeiro was the last card I needed to complete the set. Mark also finished off two other team sets for me.

Thanks a ton for the great package Mark, it really made my day. A word to the wise, if Mark O the Royals fan ever contacts you about a possible trade you would be best served to take him up on the offer.

One card away.

I like the 1984 Donruss set. It's the first, and one of the few, Donruss sets I feel has a good design. There's also several nice photos used on the Rangers cards in the set. You can see the design here on card 256 featuring Odell Jones. I'm saving the cards with the great photos for other posts.

What I don't like about 1984 Donruss is that I don't have the team set finished yet. Looking to knock it off my wantlist. All I need to put 1984 Donruss to bed is card number 281, Pete O'Brien.

While recently updating my Rangers wantlist I noticed there are several team sets I am one card from finishing. Here's the one card away list:

1995 Bowman - 260 Terrell Lowery FOIL
 1998 Bowman - 198 Corey Lee
2008 Bowman - 183 Josh Hamilton
1994 Bowman’s Best - R79 Will Clark
1997 Bowman’s Best - 63 John Wetteland
2011 Bowman's Best - BB9 Josh Hamilton
2006 Bowman Chrome - 210 Jason Botts (RC)
2007 Bowman Chrome - 194 Michael Young
2004 Bowman Heritage - 46 Hank Blalock SP
1999 Circa SkyBox Thunder - 252 Rafael Palmeiro
1991 Classic Game - 196 Nolan Ryan
1984 Donruss - 281 Pete O'Brien RC
1994 Donruss - 1 Nolan Ryan
1995 Donruss - 228 David Hulse
1997 Donruss - 158 Ryan Hancock
2003 Donruss - 8 Alex Rodriguez DK
2001 Donruss Classics - 171 Nolan Ryan Legends # to 1755
1997 Donruss Elite - 37 Will Clark  
2003 Donruss Elite - 75 Rafael Palmeiro
2003 Donruss Team Heroes - 508 Alex Rodriguez
1992 Donruss Triple Play - 183 Rafael Palmeiro
1994 Donruss Triple Play - 193 Will Clark
2001  E-X - 92 Alex Rodriguez  
2002 Finest - 54 Alex Rodriguez
1993 Flair - 286 Nolan Ryan
2003 Flair - 47 Alex Rodriguez
2005 Flair - 87 Nolan Ryan RET SP
1984 Fleer - 430 Dave Stewart
1997 Fleer - 222 Rusty Greer
2005 Fleer Authentix - 64 Alfonso Soriano
2004 Fleer Classic Clippings - 30 Hank Blalock
2000 Fleer Focus - 202 Gabe Kapler
2002 Fleer Focus Jersey Edition - 117 Alex Rodriguez
2003 Fleer Patchworks -  33  Alex  Rodriguez
2005 Fleer Patchworks - 92 Nolan Ryan LS
2004 Fleer Platinum - 30 Alex Rodriguez
1986 Fleer Stickers - 73 Oddibe McDowell
1998 Fleer Tradition  - 241 Will Clark
2001 Fleer Triple Crown - 31 Rafael Palmeiro
1985 Leaf - 9 Frank Tanana DK
1997 Leaf - 101 Juan Gonzalez
1998 Leaf - 189 Fernando Tatis GLR SP
2003 Leaf - 116 Rafael Palmeiro
1998 Metal Universe - 93 Matt Perisho
2003 MLB Showdown Pennant Run - 114 Ivan Rodriguez SS FOIL
1998 Pacific Omega - 242 Aaron Sele
1998 Pacific Paramount - 106 Roberto Kelly
1991 Score - 900 Nolan Ryan COOP
1993 Score - 59 Nolan Ryan
1994 Score - 495 Rafael Palmeiro
1997 Score - 451 Mike Devereaux
1993 Select Rookies/Traded - 91 Charlie Leibrandt
1997 Select - 157 Fernando Tatis RC
1994 SP - 146 Jose Canseco
1997 SP - 170 Ivan Rodriguez       
1999 Sp Authentic - 126 Juan Gonzalez STR SP
1999 SPx - 78 Rafael Palmeiro
2001 SP Game Bat Edition - 23 Rafael Palmeiro
2002 SP Authentic - 126 Travis Hughes FW RC
2005 SP Authentic Update - 153 Nick Masset AU RC
2006 SPx - 92 Mark Teixeira
1986 Sportsflics - 197 Gary Ward
1986 Sportsflic Rookies - 16 Ruben Sierra
2000 Stadium Club - 203 Ruben Mateo SP
2001 Stadium Club - 160 Scott Heard
2003 Stadium Club - 104 Mark Teixeira FS
2008 Stadium Club - 18 Michael Young
1998 Studio - 85 Rusty Greer
2001 Sweet Spot - 16 Alex Rodriguez
2009 Topps - 610 Michael Young
2011 Topps - 621 Omar Beltre
2009 Topps 206 - 144 Neftali Feliz RC
1988 Topps Big - 163 Jerry Browne
1996 Topps Chrome - 118 Will Clark
1997 Topps Chrome - 64 Mickey Tettleton
1998 Topps Gold Label - 28 Rusty Greer
1999 Topps Opening Day - Nolan Ryan
2000 Topps Opening Day - 116 John Wetteland
2002 Topps Opening Day - 130 Alex Rodriguez
2004 Topps Opening Day - 40 Hank Blalock   
2010 Topps Opening Day - 125 Elvis Andrus
2006 Ultra - 246 Mark Teixiera RL13
1999 Upper Deck - 270 Ruben Mateo
2003 Upper Deck - 81 Jorge Julio
2010 Upper Deck - 496 Ian Kinsler
2003 Upper Deck First Pitch - 86 Chan Ho Park
2007 Upper Deck First Edition - 230 Kenny Lofton
1999 Ovation - 88 Juan Gonzalez SS SP
2001 Ovation - 15 Alex Rodriguez
2003 Standing O - 81 Alex Rodriguez
2002 Upper Deck Vintage - 63 Alex Rodriguez

A little longer list than I thought at first. If you have any of these, or any other cards off my Rangers Wantlist, please drop me a line. If you can't find anything off my tradelist you want I may be able to dig something else for your team out.

Quick game-used post.

Life sure has gotten busy this past week. Between a short visit by family, working on some projects with the kids, and battling a sinus infection I just haven't been able to post.

Fortunately the sinus infection appears to be on the wane and the kids projects have to be completed by this weekend. That should open up some more posting time.

Meanwhile I will leave you with this double Mark Teixeira jersey swatch from the 2005 Donruss Timber and Threads set. I'm not a big fan of Tex but this card has a classic look to it that I like.

Best Seasons: Pete O'Brien - 1986.

Ok, I'm not going to waste a lot of time on Ian Kinsler's recent comments. Obviously the guy's got some issues and I hope he can get them worked through. I will only say I am not near as surprised and disappointed as I was with Josh Hamilton. Enough on Kinsler's drivel, time for the next installment in T.R. Sullivan's list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers History.

Fan favorite Pete O'Brien gets the 47th spot on the list for his 1986 season. O'Brien appears here on card 99 of the 1986 Topps set. Things weren't particularly joyful for Rangers fans going into the 1986 season. The team lost 99 games in 1985 and there didn't seem to be a lot of light at the end of the tunnel.

Pete O'Brien was the starting first baseman for Texas for several years, including 1986. He made 641 plate appearances that season, second only to Oddibe McDowell on the team. He posted a .290 batting average and a team best .385 on-base percentage. He also popped 23 doubles, three triples, and 23 home runs. That led to his scoring 86 runs and bumping in 90 RBI. Unusual for a power guy, he walked more than he struck out - 87 walks to 66 strikeouts.

O'Brien was also a pretty decent defender as well. In 1288.2 innings at first he saw 1350 chances and made just 11 errors. That left him with a .992 fielding percentage, just above the league average.

Pete got some MVP consideration for his performance in 1986. The team and the fans got some excitement. Partially due to O'Brien's season, the team won 87 games. That's not anyone's definition of an all-time great team but it was light years ahead of 1985.

Best Seasons: Toby Harrah - 1985.

Number 37 in T.R. Sullivan's list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers History is Toby Harrah's 1985 effort. The Rangers traded Billy Sample to the Yankees in February of 1985 to get Harrah, shown here on card 159 of the 1986 Donruss set, back to Texas. Toby had been with the team from his debut in 1969 through the end of the 1978 season. At 36 years of age he was slowing down and his return was viewed by many as a swan song. Most expected him to fill a utility role in the last year or two he had left before retirement.

Harrah had other ideas though. He played in 126 games for Texas in 1985 and made 521 trips to the plate. His batting average rebounded to .270 and his on-base shot up over 100 points to .432. That was partially due to his career-high 113 walks. That's a franchise record for walks that still stands. Toby also knocked nine home runs, one triple, and 18 doubles. He got some speed out of his aging knees with 11 stolen bases while getting caught just four times.

Instead of being a utility player, Harrah nailed down the starting second baseman job. In 122 games he played 1021.2 innings at second. His six errors in 569 chances gave him a .989 fielding percentage, seven points higher than the league average.

While those numbers are good they didn't get Toby any accolades. Not even a trip to the All-Star game. They were a pleasant surprise for the Rangers and their fans though. An all-time favorite had returned home and proved he still had it.

2014 Hall of Fame class announced.

Well the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2014 has been announced. In addition to managers Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa, and Joe Torre, three players got in. Braves pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, and White Sox slugger Frank Thomas. I believe this is the biggest class of living inductees since the initial inductions. All of them deserve their spots and it is good to see them get in.

On the other end of the spectrum were the players who dropped off the ballot due to lack of support. Any player who gets less than 5% of the vote drops off. Some, like former Ranger Kenny Rogers, were expected. Kenny was a good player but not a Hall of Famer so it's no surprise to see him drop off.

Unfortunately it also wasn't a surprise to see former Ranger Rafael Palmeiro drop off the ballot. Raffy, shown here on card 225 of the 1990 Donruss set, had career numbers that compare favorably to Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Eddie Murray. All three of those guys are already in The Hall. Palmeiro put up his numbers in the steroid era though and that makes them somewhat suspect. Top it off with Raffy lying to congress, testing positive for PED's, and ending his career under suspension and it's no shock to see the voters dump him. Sad, but not unforeseen. Hopefully there's some young player out there watching and deciding the risk with PED's is not worth the possible benefit.