MLB Briefs

• Padres' ace Jake Peavy picked up an uncharacteristic win on Wednesday over the Giants, striking out a season-low 1 batter, in 7 innings pitched. Peavy is now 19-6 with a 2.36 ERA (he leads the NL in both W's & ERA). His 01 Bowman Chrome Ref RC is averaging around $47 TAC for September, up from $40.65 in August. I expect it to rise into the $50's range next month. Oh, did I mention that he also leads the NL in K's, with 234?
  
• Dustin McGowan is still trying to find consistency on the mound. The 25-year-old Bluejays pitcher has 12 starts in which he's allowed 2 or fewer earned runs. He also has 8 starts in which he's allowed 4 or more earned. His 03 Bowman's Best Auto RC is averaging $12.90 TAC in September, and has been selling more recently in $14-15 range. I still think that McGowan is a good investment, and a good buy at around $10-12.
  
• Troy Tulowitzki, the 22-year-old Colorado infielder, has played an integral role in his team's efforts to win the wild card this season. Through August & September, he's hitting .319 with 11 HR & 46 RBI (pretty good for a SS). His 05 Topps Rookie Cup Auto #'d 399 (the only set containing his rookie year auto) is averaging $41.24 in September; flat compared to August prices, and up from July's average of $35. Tulowitzki is still very young, and remains a very solid investment with strong long-term prospects.