Ryan Minor, 1999 Topps #293

There's something incredibly eerie and lonely about this photo. Ryan Minor is just readying himself for a line drive down the first base line, but because of the zoom and the angle, it looks like he's the only man left standing on the diamond. There's nothing but arid infield dirt, dull outfield grass, and a man's own shadow. He remains vigilant against an opponent that may never come.

Juan Guzman, 1999 Topps #309

This is kind of an odd photo. Is that Juan Guzman's actual pitching motion? It doesn't seem like he'd be able to generate much velocity if his front foot was already on the ground before the ball was released. I'm guessing that he was playing long toss between innings, or maybe he's intentionally walking the batter. Hell, maybe he's lobbing an eephus pitch to throw the batter off-balance. Whatever he's doing, it looks like there are about five fans there to witness it.

Jerry Hairston, Jr., 1999 Topps #426

Here's something you don't see every day. It's been 11 years since this "Prospects" card was issued, and all three players featured are still active. None of the three has developed into a real star, but they've been solid role players for a good while. Oddly enough, all three also set personal bests in home runs in 2009: Michael Cuddyer belted 32 for the Twins, Mark DeRosa clubbed 23 for the Indians and Cardinals, and Jerry Hairston, Jr. totaled 10 for the Reds and Yankees. I'm sure that means something, but just what that might be is a cosmic secret.

Jayson Werth, 1999 Topps #209

From Jayson Werth's Baseball Reference page:

December 11, 2000: Traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Toronto Blue Jays for John Bale.

Ouch. In case you were wondering, this is what the O's got out of John Bale: 26 and 2/3 innings of relief in 2001 with a 3.04 ERA. He was traded to the Mets for Gary Matthews, Jr. the following Spring, and has been a fringe major leaguer ever since, suffering through 43 games in the Royals bullpen this year with a 5.72 ERA that probably should have been worse (judging by his 1.84 WHIP).

You probably know all about Werth, but let me put it in stark relief. In 2009, the Phillies right fielder hit .268. Not bad. Of course he also scored 98 runs, walked 91 times, clouted 36 home runs, and stole 20 bases for good measure. Today he scored the first run of the defending World Champs' 5-1 win in Game 1 of the NLDS, and later tripled in another run.

Sure, the Orioles are pretty set in the outfield with three talented young players, each of whom is at least five years younger than Jayson. Sure, the Blue Jays and Dodgers both let him slip away as well. Neither of these facts makes it easier to accept his breakout season, occurring as it has some 12 years after the O's made the then-high school catcher their first overall draft pick.

Oh, and the inclusion of sluggard Ramon Hernandez on this card? That's just salt in the wound, isn't it?

As long as we're examining the other players pictured, I have no beef with Pat Cline. Besides the "Patsy" taunts that the poor young man must have endured from cruel peers, he slogged along for eight minor league seasons with a .762 OPS, never getting a brief taste of the majors.

But seriously, that Werth trade was turrible.