2010 Bowman Platinum Chris Archer Autograph

Last summer was a rough year for the Durham Bulls and a tough year for me to add Durham Bulls cards to my collection.  Two different times last summer I added Durham Bulls cards and the players were traded shortly afterwards.  The team also had a gaggle of AAAA players like Rich Thompson, Jesus Feliciano, Juan Miranda, and many others.  Sometimes, AAAA players can become fan favorites, but last year's crop gave fans in the Bull City little joy.  The prospects offered little hope too outside of the team's star hurler, Chris Archer.

2010 Bowman Platinum Chris Archer Autograph

The Rays acquired Chris Archer, and a few other players, from the Cubs for Matt Garza.  At the time of the trade Archer was playing in AA, but made it up to AAA last year to play for the Durham Bulls.  The move was really cool for Archer since he is a North Carolina native and grew up in Clayton, NC which is about 45 minutes east of Durham.  Archer made an appearance for the Tampa Rays last year and went 1-3 with an ERA of 4.60.  However, Archer was able to strikeout 36 batters in 29 innings while walking just 13.  In fact, many believe that the Rays liked Archer's pitching so much last year that it helped the team trade James Shields to the Royals for several top prospects including Wil Myers.  I will enjoy adding this card to my collection and am hoping for a better year of collecting Bulls cards.