TTM Response

My TTM request to Red Sox ace Jon Lester came back recently. I’m on the fence at the moment as to whether it was a success. Here’s what I got back.

I mentioned when I first got one of these responses back from a Sox player that I hoped it wasn’t becoming the standard response. This now makes Tim Wakefield, Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelbon and Jon Lester that have responded in this matter. It’s nice to get anything back, but it’s still a little cold.

I assume the signature is not real. I was fairly certain the others weren’t, so I have assumed this one isn’t as well. Frankly, the sig on the picture and the letter are a bit too identical. It’s a nice card, though, featuring a picture from the end of Lester’s no-hitter. That’s a great touch. Jere should be happy, too, since they used the new logo on the picture.

The letter is fun too. I noticed when I got the Papelbon letter that it definitely seemed to come from him, as opposed to the Wakefield version. Whether they actually helped write it or not, the Pap version used “awesome” more than the others…just like you’d expect. Again, Lester’s letter seems a bit specific to Jon. Especially the part about making us proud.

So, whether it’s a “success” or not, it’s a great and welcome addition to the collection.

Thanks Jon Lester!

TTM Success!

Yesterday I received one of those wonderful envelopes addressed in my own handwriting. The postmark, what Sacramento, CA. Who could that be?

As I’m hoping you’ve guessed the response was from Daniel Nava. Nava burst onto the scene in 2010 about the best way anyone ever could. He hit a grand slam home run on the first pitch he saw in the major leagues. How he didn’t just retire after that, I don’t know. But, this is a great card. For one thing, since it’s from the Update set, the back of the card mentions the grand slam. The red shirt and coloring really make the signature pop. Now, I admit, I have no idea what the signature is saying. That’s the strangest looking “D” I’ve ever seen. I also notice that Nava added a Bible verse, as many people do these days.

The verse he referenced is Phil 4:13. A quick check reveals that verse to be, depending on the version of your Bible, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A wonderful sentiment. Whenever I see an athlete sign that verse, I’m reminded of the first time I saw that verse used. It was a TTM request from Albert Belle. Belle’s penmanship was worse than Nava’s, and his marker was a bit fatter. The P and h sort of ran together. The I looked like a colin, and the l looked more like a 1. I knew it must be a verse, and the best I could come up by checking the Bible was M:1 4:13. Maccabees 1 4:13 I surmised. A quick check told me that verse is, “Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle, but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.” A little bit of an odd choice, but it was Albert Belle after all. It might be considered a motivational verse calling you to battle. It wasn’t until I saw another player use the Phil 4:13 reference years later that I realized that’s what Belle was writing.

So, I want to thank Daniel Nava for taking the time to respond. Since the request was sent out during Spring Training, it only took 242 days. It was a nice bit of good news mixed in with all the Red Sox crud these days.

Thanks Daniel Nava!

TTM Success!

In four short weeks, I was able to get this card returned from Red Sox pitcher Felix Doubront!

I like the picturd on this card, which is why I sent it in the first place. This is one of the few times recently where I’ve actually gotten the card I sent back signed. I love how he took advantage of the white space provided by his uniform. I also like his choice of pen. It’s a very thin line. I suppose you need to make that decision when you’re signing a name like “Doubront.” If it were a standard fat Sharpie, there wouldn’t be enough room to fit it in without flowing together. I have to admit to having a little trouble figuring out the signature. It certainly looks to start with a “D,” so maybe he just signed “Doubront.” But, there are a few too many tall and hanging letters. In “Felix Doubront, all the letters are above the line, while the sig appears to have at least one hang below. If looks like there’s a lowercase “f” in the middle. There should also only be one tall letter, the “b,” in the middle. There looks to be 2. It should end in another tall letter, but doesn’t. Anyone know if he signs something mysterious? Like Nomar starting his sig with the “A” from “Anthony?” But, it doesn’t really matter. It’s a great looking card.

Thank you Felix Doubront!

Got Another One!

Yesterday I got one more semi-response from a TTM request. This one came from Red Sox DH David Ortiz. On the plus side, it was a response. On the minus side, it wasn’t a signature. Let’s see what Ortiz was kind enough to send along.

Yes. It’s another picture/form letter combo. I’ll continue to say that I prefer these to no response at all. But, I’ll also continue to say that I hope this isn’t becoming team policy. It’s also still nice that at least the letter is customized to the player. Although, I would expect an actual letter from Ortiz would have an f-bomb or two in it. But, it’s a nice note. It explains that he’s busy, but appreciates me. It also gives me a couple other locations to find out things about him on the web. The really interesting part is where he encourages me to keep writing to him. If he’s already getting so much mail that he can’t handle it, it’s odd for him to request even more. But, I guess he just wants to hear from his fans. One great thing is that he also returned the card and SASE I sent him. So, not only am I not out the card, but I have a SASE all ready to go for my next request. Sometimes it’s the little things.

So, I thank David Ortiz for figuring out a way to make his fans as happy as he can. He owes me nothing, after all. So, it’s nice to see whatever effort he can put forth.

Thank you David Ortiz!

Another Day…

Another couple autograph requests get sent out. I know. You really want to know whom I attempted this time. Or, maybe you don’t care even a little bit. Well, whichever the case, I’ll tell you who I sent cards out to.

The first try was David Jonathan Drew. I don’t remember if I have tried him before, or not. But, I had a nice card that would look good with a signature. So, I figured it was worth a shot. Drew has been one of the most underappreciated members of the Red Sox in recent years. But, I’ve always liked him, and would love to be able to add his autograph to me collection.

The second try went out to Felix Doubront. It’s always nice to try the youngsters. I have no idea what the Red Sox plans for Doubront are. Is he a bullpen guy? Will he start at some point? Is Andrew Miller making decisions with Doubront more complicated? I don’t know. I’m happy to wait it out and see though. In the meantime, his would be a fantastic autograph to receive.

So, those are the two latest. As always, I promise to let you all know if I get a response.

I’m sure you won’t be able to sleep until I do.

TTM Requests

Since it’s Spring Training time, it’s time to start begging. The first couple requests for TTM autographs have been sent out. This week I’ve sent out two envelopes. Who did I send them to? I’m glad you asked.

The first one went out to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. If there is one question mark with the 2011 Red Sox, it’s him. Can he hit? Can he catch? Can he throw? Can he handle a staff? Does it matter? What a better guy to try and add an autograph of.

The second attempt went to young Daniel Nava. Who could forget the way he burst onto the scene last season. The conversation piece alone is worth obtaining an autograph for.

So, wish me luck. Naturally, I’ll let you all know if I have any success. And, don’t worry. There will be plenty more requests sent out this spring. Although, if you’re actually worried about whether or not I send out more TTM requests, you may have some issues.

Happy Spring Training!

TTM Success!

If you, once again, consider any response from the player a success. I certainly do. Any time that I’m not ignored is a great thing in my book. Hmm. I wonder what a therapist would say about that statement. Oh well. Let’s have a look at what I received from Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

This is the third time I have received one of these form letter/official photo combinations from the Red Sox. While I like the fact that they take the time to respond to the fans, I hope it isn’t a trend. I can understand that the volume of mail that players like Pedroia or Jonathan Papelbon receive might make this an attractive option. And, since I have heard that Tim Wakefield only signs for charities, I can appreciate the effort to send back something to the fans. Hopefully, however, it’s not just an across-the-board Red Sox procedure. That would be unfortunate. I hope that people like Kevin Youkilis and will still continue to send back signed cards. (And, I’ll continue to hope he actually signs them.)

Since this is my third form letter, it’s easy to see that they are all different. They certainly do look like they are at least tailored to the particular player. I mentioned last time that Wakefield seemed wordy, while Papelbon thoughts things were “awesome” just as you’d expect. Once again, Pedroia’s personality comes though. He talks about getting on the field to play hard, and cheer hard. Whether Pedroia actually jotted the not down at some point, or at least gave some ideas, I don’t know. It might be a team staffer just making it up based on what he knows about the player. I assume the player at least approved the note…even if he didn’t actually read it.

But, it’s pretty neat. It looks nice in a binder. And, that’s really all I’m looking for. Some sort of memento of a Red Sox player.

Thank You Dustin Pedroia.

TTM Request

Fresh off my fantastic responses from Tim Wakefield and Jonathan Papelbon, I’ve decided to dip my toe into the TTM waters once again. Who am I choosing this time?

Well, I’m going out on a limb with this one. I’m attempting Red Sox owner, John Henry. I’ve never tried a member of the off-the-field personnel before. I’ve only done players and coaches. But, I figured it was worth a shot. One thing that is different about someone like Henry is that he has a day job. Unlike a players whose main responsibility is to play baseball, Henry has to do something with the company that allowed him to buy the Sox in the first place, right? I can imagine the players and coaches having some downtime during the day. But, the chairman of John Henry Co must have some duties to attend to during the day, correct? So, I’m not expecting a lot form this request. Frankly, a response similar to Wake and Pap would be fabulous.

But, it should be obvious why the attempt is warranted. John Henry has proven himself to be an excellent owner. He cares about the fans, and how they relate to his team. Sure, some of the ideas the Sox come up with are a bit corny. Sure, Henry might not be Mr. Personality. But, the Sox have two rings since he took over. What more can a fan want?

So, I’m excited to see how this one turns out. Anyone else ever had any luck with front office staff? As always, I’ll let you know how it goes.

Keep your fingers crossed.

TTM Success!

Especially if, as I do, you consider a success anything better than being completely ignored. In this case, I had two wonderful responses on the very same day.

These were new response forms for me. I have been sending letters to Red Sox players for quite some time, and never had this. It wasn’t enclosed in the SASE I sent, which is usually the way I know I got a response. In this case, it was in a Red Sox envelope. I looked at them and wondered…why are the Red Sox sending me a letter? Why are they sending me two?

They were responses to my requests from Tim Wakefield and Jonathan Papelbon. When I sent out the request, I mentioned that I didn’t expect Wakefield to respond. I had heard he only signs for charity. So, I was really only hoping for a form letter telling me how to do that. Papelbon was also risky. As an elite player in the league, I figured he got his fair share of fan mail. So, the chances of being lost in the shuffle were pretty high. What I think is most interesting about the letters is how they are different, in spite of being so alike.

Starting with the Wakefield letter, it was very well written. He thanked me, and explained the situation. He enclosed the team issued picture, which is great. It even has a facsimile autograph on it so it will display nicely. Wake was kind enough to include the extra note saying he was sorry, but was too busy to personally respond. He even went so far as to send my card back. (Unlike Youkilis and Francona, it even appeared to be the same card I sent him.) It was really a fantastic response.





The Papelbon letter is also a great one. It’s even worded differently than Wake’s version. Wouldn’t you imagine that Pap and Wake would use slightly different vocabulary? He also included the great team issued photo in the letter. Papelbon didn’t return my card, but that’s OK. It’s a great response as it is.

But, once again, a response from a Red Sox player has left me with questions. How does this all work? From what I remember, I didn’t send the Wakefield and Papelbon requests on the same day, but they were returned to me at the same time. The letters themselves are interesting. They both have the same basic format and paragraph structure. That would certainly imply that the players didn’t sit down and write them out themselves. Did they have any part in it? Were they given a mad lib? “Dear Fan, Thank you for the letter it was (adjective).” Were they interviewed, and a staff writer put it into a letter? Did some flunkey write the whole thing, but know that Papelbon would say “awesome” but Wakefield wouldn’t? Fascinating.

Despite the questions, or maybe because of them, I couldn’t be happier with the responses. I certainly want to thank Tim Wakefield and Jonathan Papelbon for whatever role they played. I also need to thank the Red Sox organization. It’s this sort of fan respect that makes them so classy. They provided paper, an envelope, postage, and a picture just to respond to someone bugging one of the players. Pretty cool.

Guess I need to write more letters.

TTM Success!

Once again, that beautiful sight arrived in my mailbox. Flipping through Friday’s mail, I saw that little envelope addressed in my own handwriting! Where did it come from? Who could it be? What will I find inside.

The first part of opening it was a little confusing. As a rule, I only send out cards to players that picture them with the team they’re currently on. I don’t know why. It just feel like they’re a member of that team now, and I should respect that. Sort of like when Derek Lowe wore a Sox jersey to the 2005 ring ceremony even though he was a member of the Dodgers. So, I was a little surprised when opening the back of the envelope revealed this card. The first thing I saw was the “Reds” team name. Who did I send a card to in Cincinnati? This is a pretty old card too. So, I pulled it out t reveal the one and only Terry Francona. Much like Kevin Youkilis did not too long ago, Francona decided to send along a card of his own. It’s a great card, and a great signature. I’m thrilled that Tito took the time to send it back to me.

It asks the same question that I brought up with Youkilis though. If I didn’t send this card, where did it come from? The one from Youk was a recent card, issued in the last year or two. Francona selected one from over 20 years ago. Has he been hanging onto a stack of 1988 Topps cards since then to send off to people? Did someone else, this year, send him 5 copies of that card to sign, but Francona sent one to me instead? How interesting.

However it happened, though, I’m glad it did. That’s two responses already this year and I couldn’t be happier. It makes me want to get together another batch to send off! So, thank you Terry Francona for adding this gem to my collection.

It looks just great.
　

TTM Success!

Red Sox opening weekend got another boost at Section 36 headquarters when Sunday’s mail brought the beloved self-addressed envelope. The postmark from Fort Myers Florida confirmed that goodness lay within.

Without being able to wait, I ripped open the envelope to find this beauty of a card signed by Sox star Kevin Youkilis. I found it interesting that one the very same day that Marie names him her most hated Red Sox; I would get this gift from him. That must be Sox karma of some kind.

The card makes a great canvas for an autograph. The solid background and old-fashioned painting really make the signature stand out. It was especially fortunate since this was not the card I sent to have signed. Frankly, I wasn’t pleased with the card I sent…a 2009 Topps Heritage. It contained a large headshot of Youkilis that I was afraid would obstruct a potential signature. Thankfully, that issue was avoided with the gem that Youkilis sent my way.

It made me wonder, though. This isn’t the first time I’ve gotten something back that I didn’t send in the first place. I understand when players send back pre-printed cards, or fan club information. They just have those made up ahead of time, and have them placed in the return envelope. But, what happens in this case? Does Youkilis, or one of his assistants, open up a whole stack of letters, and lose track of which cards went with which? It would make sense that they would just open the one letter at a time though. Do they do it on purpose? Do they just open everything, save the SASE’s and set the cards in a stack. Once Youkilis gets a minute, he signs the stack, and someone sticks the cards into whichever envelope comes up next. I guess that would make sense. Sort of an assembly line mentality. What about the times I’ve gotten more than I asked for? Juan Gonzalez once sent me two cards, neither of which was the one I sent. Former NE Patriot Chris Slade once returned the card I sent, along with six others. Is someone randomly stuffing however many cards they feel like into envelopes? Did Slade buy a stack of his own cards at some point, and pre-sign them? Then, he just added some to everything he sent out? Once again, the life of a professional athlete is a mystery to me, which shouldn’t be too surprising. No matter the reason, I’m pleased to have the newest addition to my collection.

A big thanks to Kevin Youkilis.

TTM Time!

Since Spring Training is in full swing, it’s time to start requesting autographs through the mail. I’ve prepared a stack of requests to some of my favorite Red Sox. Following the recent Manny Delcarmen success, I have high hopes for this season. This year, I’m trying…
Jacoby Ellsbury. I realized that I have already tried Ellsbury. But, I didn’t realize it until after I wrote the new request. So, I’m sending it out anyway. All I need is a 50% success rate, and I’ll be good to go.
Terry Francona. He’s skippered two Red Sox teams to World Championships. He is the only manager to be 8-0 in the World series. He gives a fantastic radio interview. What’s not to like? His autograph would be fantastic.
David Ortiz. He had a rough season last year. But, he still has two rings, and a place in Red Sox lore. He would be a great addition to any Red Sox collection.
Dustin Pedroia. Maybe I should have insulted him in my letter. I bet if I said that people are saying that he is too short to respond, he’d send back 100 signatures. But, how can I not try for someone with his trophy shelf?
Jason Varitek. One of the best Red Sox players ever, and probably their best catcher. He apparently would like to keep playing in Boston. Definitely would be great to add the captain.
Kevin Youkilis. I always forget how good Youkilis is. He’s so consistent that his production isn’t newsworthy. But, a great player with a great mental approach. It would be another great thing to get returned.
So, those are the super-six requests that went out to Spring Training. As always, I’ll let you know if anything happens.
Keep your fingers crossed for me.

TTM Success!

My complete hopelessness has been well documented. I look around at other blogs, and see request after request fulfilled. People are sending out autograph requests ten at a time, and getting responses in days. I, on the other hand, had been shut out for almost two years. But, this weekend that all changed. When I checked the mail, sitting there looking at me was the coveted envelope addressed to me in my own handwriting. It was an early Christmas present as I wondered what joys would lie within.

As always, the first thing I did was check the postmark, to see what clue that might provide. Brockton, Massachusetts. If I had thought about it, that would have been a huge hint. For some reason, though, I ignored it. I figured, of course a Red Sox player would have a postmark in the Boston area. So, it was only after I opened the envelope that I realized the card enclosed was signed by none other than local World Series hero Manny Delcarmen!

I love the way this card looks. It’s a classic pose of Manny, making for a great picture. Naturally, that’s why I sent it in the first place. I also like how Manny signed it vertically. It’s like he was thinking, “I’m not Mel Ott…I’m going to need some space.”

If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember that I sent this card out to Manny during Spring Training. So, that means I got a response in just about ten months. Not quite the ten days that other blogs report, but I’m certainly not complaining. I always expect a year anyway. What’s more interesting is the timing. Obviously, I know nothing about the wants and needs of a major league ballplayer. When I sent out the card, I mentioned that my fastest responses have been to Spring Training. My guess was that the ballplayers have less to do down there. They don’t have families, or chores, so might as well sit in the hotel signing fan mail. Once the season starts, they’re either living at home, or on the road. I always figured, that of the two, when the player was on the road, they might sign some things. Grab a sack, and sit on the plane and sign away. But no. Manny waited until after the season, when he finally had other things to do. He was home with his family, with household chores calling to him. This is when he found the time to answer my request. I thank him fully for it. It’s just not when I would have expected it.

So, this response has renewed my thirst. For one thing, it proves that I had the right address. I was beginning to wonder. So, with the offseason in full swing, I’ll be thinking of more requests to send out once Spring Training starts up. Of course, I’ll keep you posted.

Thank you Manny Delcarmen!

One last Attempt

If at first you don’t succeed, give up. No use being a darn fool about it. At least that’s what Homer Simpson once said. I’m just not listening though. I’m giving one last attempt at getting autographs through the mail. I’ve picked two more former Red Sox players for my last try of the season. Which two, you may ask?

My first shot will be to Johnny Damon. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. He’s with that New York team now. But, he was also a World Champion with the Sox. Plus, if I remember, he was a pretty darn good player when he was in Boston. So, asking for his autograph isn’t exactly a stretch. Plus, the card I have for him is just begging for a signature. Where’s the harm?

The other player I’m trying is Andre Dawson. He’s obviously a great player. His best years came well before he joined the Sox, but he’s still got the stats to warrant attention. He’s also a great reminder of the types of teams the Red Sox used to have. The aging veterans were once a Red Sox staple. Now that the organization has moved on, it’s noce to remember the past.

As always, I’ll let you know if anything works out. One of these days, I have top be able to say something good.

Right?

I’ll Never Learn

It’s getting a little sad. I keep sending out autograph requests through the mail, and the players keep ignoring me. Does that stop me? NO!

I tried two more former Red Sox today. Both won games for the Sox during the historic 2004 World Series. Both would be great additions to my collection.

I tried Derek Lowe. I’ve always been a huge D-Lowe fan, and thought it was about time to give him a shot. I was lucky enough to be at his no-hitter, so it would be great to be able to add his autograph. I’ve also historically had good luck with Braves players. Hopefully some of that luck rubs off on Lowe.

The other pitcher is Pedro Martinez. I shouldn’t have to explain why his autograph would be great. If he’s not the best pitcher ever, he’s in the conversation. The funny part is, this isn’t the first time I’ve sent a card to him. I sent him a request once when he was with the Dodgers. I sent him a card that pictured both him, and his brother Ramon. I asked him if he could sign it, and also have his brother sign it. I never heard back. It’s great to think though, that I actually tried to use Pedro, just to get Ramon’s autograph. My how times have changed. Hopefully, with the Phillies he won’t be so busy with fan mail. Maybe my letter will have a shot.

If not…what else is new?

What to Do?

The Sox have stumbled a bit coming out of the break. Some of it can probably be expected. A loss to Roy Halladay in Toronto is hardly ever a cause for concern. The other two losses were from your number four and five starters. That’s probably nothing to write home about. So, while they’re sitting at 1-3 since the break, it’s not exactly time for panic in the streets, is it?

The fact that they got their one win from Buchholz is both interesting, and encouraging. It’s still interesting that he pitched even after both Beckett and Wake sat out the All-Star game. Why did they need extra rest if they didn’t pitch? I’m sticking by the idea that Buchholz on Friday was to show everyone else what he can do. It’s looking less likely that the Sox will listen to me (they never do) and push for Halladay. What else is there? A blockbuster deal doesn’t look to be out there. As I’ve said, the only spots in the starting line-up they really have to play with is pitcher and shortstop. If you’re not going to get Halladay, pitcher’s not the option. Unless talks open up with Florida or Philly for their shortstops, it looks like no big deal. What are their plans for the young pitching then?

The lower level deal looks more likely. I think getting somebody like Victor Martinez is still too expensive for their tastes, but it could work. A deal for someone like Hank Blaylock would probably be cheaper, and almost as good. Say you get Blaylock. If you set up a rotation that goes something like… Day 1: Youk at first, Ortiz DH, Lowell at third. Day 2: Youk at first, Blaylock at third, Ortiz DH. Day 3:Youk at first, Lowell at DH, Blaylock at third. Day 4: Blaylock at first, Ortiz at DH, Lowell at third. Lather, rinse, repeat. Obviously, they wouldn’t hold a strict rotation like that considering match-up and whatnot. But, that gives a scenario where Youk plays 80% of the games, as does Ortiz. Lowell and Blaylock get around 70% of the games. That’s nice because most of the rest goes to the back-up in Blaylock, and Lowell who could use it. It’s also assuming that Blaylock remembers how to play third base. If he doesn’t, or the Sox get a strict first baseman, like Nick Johnson, it means bouncing Youk to third in order to keep the ratios. That’s probably less attractive, but an option. Trading for V-Mart would add an element of spelling Tek once in a while as well, assuming he remembers his catching gear. Looking it over though, I think I could endorse something along the lines of the Saito-Blaylock deal that was floated around a month or so ago. I think I can see a way to provide enough playing time to make the trade worthwhile.

In the Glutton for Punishment category, I sent out a few more autograph requests through the mail this week. Even though I am sitting on 0-8 or so, you have to keep trying…right? This time I took a chance with some former All-Stars. Tim Wakefield, JD Drew and Jason Varitek. How can a Red Sox fan not want to grab those guys? (I’ve heard that Wake only signs for charity, so I only really hope that he’ll send me information on how to do that) As always, I’ll let you know if it actually works.

It’s nice to have a losing streak, and be able to throw Josh Beckett.

TTM Autograph Request: Josh Beckett

OK. So I haven’t had the best luck lately with asking for autographs through the mail. So far, I’m 0 for my last 4. But, that doesn’t mean I should stop trying, right?

This time I’ve decided to try out Red Sox ace Josh Beckett. The desire should be obvious. He’s a playoff hero. He’s a Yankee killer. He’s the ace of a very good Boston staff. I also thought he might not quite have a national following yet. The more locally exclusive the fanbase of a player, the fewer request letters he gets. Right? In any event, I’m giving it a try. Plus, I love the look of the Topps Allen and Ginter cards. I can’t imagine a better place for an autograph.

I keep promising to keep you posted on my TTM successes, and I continue to do so. If anyone ever answers me, I’ll be sure to spread the word.

Someone, please answer.

Autographs Through the Mail

I have decided to try once again to obtain autographs of Red Sox players through the mail. I know my last two attempts haven’t panned out so far. Neither Jon Lester nor Wily Mo Pena has responded to my request. (Really, how many requests can Wily Mo have to sift through?) But, if you don’t try, you’ll never succeed, right? Once again, I’m trying the Red Sox Spring Training address. My fastest responses in the past have come from Spring Training sites. The reasons? I don’t know for sure, but it would make sense that there is less for players to do during Spring Training downtime. It’s not like any of them are home. They don’t have chores to do, or family functions to attend. The wife and kids are at home. So, a player's nights must provide more time to sit in front of the TV and open fan mail, right? Who’d I try this time? Four members of the 2007 World Championship team:

Jacoby Ellsbury. As I’ve said before, I love watching this guy play. He has game changing speed like nothing the Sox have ever seen. It’s much like having Randy Moss on your team. With Moss, the “red zone” might as well be at the 50-yard line. With Ellsbury, scoring position is really at first base. I’ve always been a fan, and it would be fun to get a sig.

Clay Buchholz. A future star in the making. While his role on the 2009 team is questionable (another reason to send it to Fort Myers), there appears little doubt that Clay will be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come. How could I not want his autograph?

Manny Delcarmen. Middle relievers don’t get a lot of love on the team. But, a quick look at the 2007 Playoffs shows that he deserves some. Where would the Sox be without his 1.1 scoreless innings against the Angels? Would the other Manny have been able to smash his walk-off in game 2 without Delcarmen? He’d be a great addition to my collection.

Jonathan Papelbon. This one’s easy. How could you not want the autograph of an elite closer? I just love seeing him trot out from the bullpen. He’d be an amazing autograph to have.

Hopefully, at least one of these three guys answers. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

And, this won’t be the end of this year’s requests.

Fan Mail

I just restarted a little activity I had gotten away from for a bit: writing to Red Sox players asking for autographs. It’s a fun little pastime that combines two things I enjoy, namely the Red Sox and getting mail. It’s fairly simple. I just write a letter to a player in care of the Red Sox (or whichever team the player is currently playing for), include a baseball card (or other small item like a sticker) and a SASE, and ask for an autograph. Sometimes, the player actually sends something back. Most of the time, I never hear anything again. Sometimes I get a nice form letter explaining why they can’t sign anything. Sometimes I get something other than what I sent, signed. And, sometimes they actually sign the card I send. It’s a little bit of a gambling rush when the envelope comes back in the mail. Which category is it going to be? Naturally, there are things that can be done to improve my odds. Generally, I don’t try the stars. Manny and Ortiz get way too much mail to even bother opening most of it. So, they’re out if I want a signature. Although, if I just want something, they might still be an option. For example, I hear Cal Ripken always sent a nice “Drink Milk” card of himself along with a form letter explaining how busy he was. Tony Gwynn apparently used to respond with a copy of his entry in the SD Padres media guide. Those would have still been pretty cool to get. Naturally, these things have no actual value. I have no idea who actually signed any of the things the players send. It could be the player, or a clubhouse boy. I have heard of some players having their girlfriends sign things for them. But, they look nice sitting on a shelf so it’s OK by me.

This week I sent a letter out to Tim Wakefield and Jon Lester. We’ll see what happens. I’ve heard that Wake only signs for charities. So, my main hope from him is some literature on a charity. But, I’ll see.

Has anyone else tried for autographs through the mail? Any successes or failures you’d like to share?