TTM autographs received: Dan Pasqua

The former big leaguer from the mid 1980s through early 1990s signed a couple of my cards, responded briefly to the what I'd written him and returned my other two cards unsigned - Pasqua played through the junk wax era as more of a rank-and-file player, who didn't put up the sexiest numbers as a hitter, but had some pop in his bat.

Flipping through his early 1990s cards, the bespectacled Pasqua didn’t look like any sort of athlete - while his MLB career petered out after turning 30, to cherry pick a run of years where he was most successful, Pasqua put up a decent slash line [.251 / .337 / .455, including a 118 OPS+] through his 20s.

TTM autographs received: Jim Walewander

The former big leaguer signed my cards in about three weeks and included a signed two-sided custom card he added an inscription on - I have nothing cool to add about Walewander that hasn't been mentioned somewhere else, though I was aware of his story as a pro ballplayer who was a little offbeat and marched to the beat of his own drummer.

A fun fact was Walewander actually had a 12-game stint with the Angels in 1993, which wasn't on my mind as I put together a request for him - now, I can count one of his cards I got back as part of my Angels all-time autograph collection.

TTM autographs received: Charlie Puleo

Puleo signed my cards in about a month and answered a couple of questions - it's a nice bonus when I write a former MLB player and get any sort of personal response.

About his preference between being a starting pitcher or a reliever - he wrote he was "more effective in the big leagues as a reliever."

How a pitcher, his catcher and pitching coach may have a game plan for an outing - he wrote "all 3 work together, but pitcher always had final say."

Featured card: 1988 Score Gary Redus #443

Gary Redus was a moderately successful Major Leaguer - however, a little known feat accomplished by the largely forgettable Redus is that he holds the minors' single-season batting average record.

I suppose he is being honored just a little bit, by being included in Tristar's upcoming Obak set - I looked at the checklist and wondered why Redus would be included. I'm sure collectors who end up pulling his card will be wondering who he is.

As a 21-year old in 1978, Redus- hit a blistering .462 in his professional debut in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system.

Tristar has a chance to hit a home run with their retro set, aimed for those who like the Topps Allen and Ginter - the set features some interesting subjects besides the typical current minor leaguers and top prospects. However, it remains to be seen if the product will be embraced by collectors who do not take minor league cards seriously in the first place.