MLB Briefs

• Alex Rodriguez became the first Yankee since Roger Maris & Mickey Mantle (1961) to hit 50 home runs in a single season. In his last 4 games, he's batting .643 with 6 HR. Hopefully ARod will be able to continue his awesome offense in the post-season, unlike in the past. His 94 SP RC is currently selling in the $100-110 TAC range. The last sale that I saw for his 94 SP D/C RC was for $133 TAC.
  
• Jim Thome looks to become the next member of the 500 HR club, hitting his 497th on 9/8. Unfortunately, his rookie cards were included in the overproduced '91 sets, so he doesn't get much hobby love.
  
• Phillies' ace Cole Hamels is expected to return in about 2 weeks. His 02 Bowman Chrome Draft RC was averaging around $17 TAC this month, until one sold today for $28.50. Not sure if it's a sign of collector confidence rebounding, or just a case of auction fever. His BCD RC averaged $22 in August, and $23 in July.