Card Of The Week - Sonny Gray 2015 Topps Museum Archival Autographs 070/399

My card of the week continues my fascination with unique pitchers with Oakland's ace, Sonny Gray.

This young kid has a long, bright future ahead of him. This year he showed what he is truly capable of, making his first All-Star appearance this year and becoming a finalist for the Cy Young Award.

He isn't going to overwhelm hitters with power, even though his fastball can get up in the 94-95mph range. His keys are all the pitches he has the ability to throw. He can throw not only a wicked, arching curve but a cutter, a slider and a changeup to add to his 4-seam fastball.

I hope Mr. Beane knows what he really has in this kid and gives him the money he deserves, otherwise, there will be plenty of teams that will be willing to offer him the cash.

Card Of The Week - Dusty Baker

My card of the week is a little different this time. This card is an original 1981 Topps Dusty Baker in Dodger Blue. This one is signed by Mr. Baker himself that I personally acquired at a grand opening of a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Sacramento, CA. Fortunately for me, this one came out in good shape, as there were two other cards that did not fare so well since, his his felt pen(not a sharpie) was failing.

Dusty Baker, although not the greatest Dodger to ever play, had his best years in Los Angeles. He was part of the Dodger team that took the 1981 World Series. He also was an All-Star that year and received the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards for his 1981 performance. Mr. Baker, known more for his managerial stats, has never managed in LA but as most remember, for the rival orange team in San Francisco. An interesting and often controversial figure in baseball, he has a knack for saying and doing some odd things. (ie. "blacks and Latinos work better in the heat")

Although an odd personality, he remains a fan favorite and is a throwback to managers of the old days.