MLB Briefs

• Twins' pitcher, Matt Garza, got roughed up by the Mariners on 8/20, allowing 7 earned runs (4 HR) in just 2-1/3 IP. That outing alone jumped his ERA from 2.05 to 3.30! In his last outing, he somewhat redeemed himself, helping the Twins beat the O's 8-1, allowing just 1 earned in 5 IP. Garza's 05 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto RC has been a solid seller in the mid $30's range this month. I saw one of his 05 BCD Xfractor Auto's sell for $67.97 on 8/23.
  
• The Astros' Hunter Pence returned from the DL on 8/21. He's been trying to regain his pre-injury form, but is batting just .226 with 0 HR & 1 RBI in 7 games since his return. After his injury, the number of Pence Auto RC's listed on auction dropped off to very scarce levels. Now that he's back, they've been slowly returning. His average TAC values for the month of August have been: 04 Donruss Elite EE Auto #'d 672 - $105.81, 04 SP Prospects Auto #'d 600 - $238.52, and 04 Fleer Hot Prospects Auto #'d 299 - $119.50. Even if Pence isn't able to get his game back by the end of the season, he has plenty of time to wow the fans in future seasons, being that he's only 24 years old.
  
• As expected, the Padres' Jake Peavy has once found his groove, and has been dominating opposing hitters. He's 6-0 in his last 7 starts, with a 1.35 ERA & 11.76 K's/9IP. Also as expected, his 01 Bowman Chrome Ref RC has been getting a boost recently. It's now selling for around $45-50 TAC; up from the mid $30's range at the beginning of the month.