MLB Briefs

• Ken Griffey Jr., just 6 home runs shy of 600, suffered a season-ending groin strain on Wednesday against the Cubs. His 89 UD RC has been falling in TAC value for the past couple of months, averaging around $37 in July, $29 in August, and $27 in September. In the past few days, it's been selling for right around $20. Since we're going to have to wait till next season to him reach his career milestone, I expect his cards to drop a little more in the weeks to come.
• The D-Backs' Micah Owings had a great outing on 9/18 against the Giants, making us think that he's decided to focus on being a pitcher instead of a hitter. He tossed his first career shutout, allowing just 2 hits & 1 BB, with 4 K's. It's a big improvement over his last two starts, in which he allowed 7 earned in 5-2/3 innings pitched. Owings experienced increased hobby interest last month when he hit 2 HR & 6 RBI against the Braves, in addition to getting the W with 7 K's in 7 IP. His 05 Topps Chrome Update Auto RC averaged around $15 TAC in August. Since then, the hype has died down, and that same RC card has been selling for around $8 in September. I still think that Owings carries quite a bit risk as an investment, but for $8 TAC, the price may be right to buy.
• The Angels' Ervin Santana has been a feast or famine type of pitcher. This season, he's had 9 starts in which he's allowed 5 or more earned runs. On the other hand, he's had 10 starts in which he's allowed 2 or fewer earned. The 24-year-old has some skill, but is still obviously struggling to gain consistency. His 04 Bowman's Best Auto RC is probably his best base rookie card. There aren't many of them on auction, but those that are listed can probably be picked up at very reasonable prices. I would say that if you can find one in the $6 to $9 TAC range, it would be a decent price to buy at.