Rick Helling, 2003 Topps #597

"Innings eater". Are there two dirtier words in all of baseball? Hey, it's great that you can throw a guy like Rick Helling or Steve Trachsel out there every fifth day for seven innings to give up four or five runs. But isn't it a little sad that this guy's defined role is "Hey, try not to suck too much, I want to give the bullpen some rest tonight"? Rick Helling sure thinks so. Look at the weary expression of resignation on his face. For good measure, Topps has included that same face from a slightly different angle in the inset photo. Rick hadn't even had a chance to toss up a career-worst 5.71 ERA in 24 starts for the O's yet, and he already had an impending sense of dread.

Buck up, Rick! It gets better! When the Orioles finally release you in August, you'll latch on to the Marlins' bullpen, allow one run in sixteen and one-third innings, and win a World Series for your troubles! (Of course, you'll pitch like crap in the postseason, but all's well that ends well, right?)