Carlos Mendez, 2003 Fleer Tradition Update #U368

I can't say that I remember much about Carlos Mendez' 26-game stint with the Orioles in 2003, which also represented the entirety of his major league career. But there's something about this card that I really like. The bright blue Florida sky in the backdrop, full of fluffy clouds. Carlos domineering over the photographer, strong arms crossed over his chest, grinning gregariously. He looks much bigger than the 6'0" and 210 pounds at which he's listed. Even though the infielder is on the verge of his 13th professional season without yet having reached the bigs, he projects an air of confidence and joy. It's spring training, and anything is possible.

Luis Matos, 2003 Fleer Tradition Update #U68

My flight from San Diego (by way of a connection in Cincinnati) is scheduled to arrive at 9:33 this evening. Since timely air travel isn't always predictable, and in the best-case scenario I'd be back at home by 11:00 PM, I'm going with a failsafe post. And since this is a bit of a lazy entry, here's one of the laziest O's in recent memory. Happy President's Day to one and all!