Rejected

Well, like the pros say, "You can't win 162 games."

I didn't expect to be successful in all of my TTM requests, and I knew that this request in particular might be a bit difficult. But I was still disappointed when my card was returned to me today unsigned.

The envelope to Hideo Nomo arrived back in my mailbox with a bright, yellow "return to sender/unable to forward" sticker. I'm not sure why it happened. The address I received was from a very helpful and veteran TTMer. But I know how these things go.

Oh well. It's not a big deal, even if I dusted the card with baby powder and everything (to remove the gloss -- don't get any funny ideas).

So, if you're keeping score, after three successful TTM tries (Ron Cey, Duke Snider and Fernando Valenzuela), I'm now 3-for-4. Still batting .775, which ain't too shabby.

I still have some requests floating out there, and at least three that I haven't mailed out yet. So I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, the Johnny Cueto watch continues. Topps is almost at the 6-week mark in its self-imposed "allow a minimum of 4-6 weeks for delivery" deadline. I'm giving them to the end of the month. Then I wonder what their excuse will be. I'm sure it will have something to do with that word "minimum."