Featured autographs - Andy Marte

It may not hurt to see what this guy can do for about a month when he's been scorching the ball at AAA - though I'd be really more interested seeing whether or not this other guy can get back to the Major Leagues with the Angels this September.

Brandon Wood - an Angel never has been

It was bittersweet to read about the Angels designating Brandon Wood for assignment - particularly after a trio of young Angels [Mark Trumbo, Peter Bourjos and Hank Conger] had combined for nine hits in a 15-4 win against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday.

There are guys like Albert Pujols who seem to hit from their first day in the Major Leagues and there are guys who struggle before enjoying any sort of success - as much potential Wood showed through his minor league career, it is puzzling why it had taken him so long to do anything with the Angels.

Maybe he should have taken the slow and steady route, like Trumbo - who isn't that much younger than Wood.

It might have taken awhile for Trumbo to get to the Major Leagues - but the Angels nearly buried the guy until he was 24 and maybe it was the right thing to do.

Wood on the other hand, was the top prospect whom the Angels probably couldn't wait to push through the minors - because of his once tangible power potential.

As I look through my handful of random Wood cards and lament his failure as a Major Leaguer - it looks like without establishing himself in Anaheim, the book on his Angels' career is a waiver claim away from being closed for good.

Featured card: 2003 Topps 205 mini Bryan Bullington #136

I got this card among a small group of Kansas City Royals players' cards given to me by a friend's friend who was visiting from Japan - it is a 2003 Topps 205 mini of Bryan Bullington, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bullington has spent just a little bit of time in the Major Leagues with four different teams in five years - he recorded his first Major League win for Kansas City on Aug. 15 against the New York Yankees.

Bullington shut down the Bronx Bombers for eight innings, allowing only two hits and striking out five - at this point who really knows if he can make stick around the Major Leagues.

Still, in the realm of professional sports - it is nice to watch an athlete who has battled some adversity enjoy any sliver of success.

Spot the uncorrected error: 2006 Topps Updates and Highlights Joe Borchard UH 46

I'm sorting random baseball cards and it hits me - something is wrong with this Joe Borchard card.