And You Thought Gas Prices Were Outrageous?

If there’s one thing that’s always gotten our goat, it’s athletes, particularly fading or wannabe stars, who charge for autographed memorabilia. We understand the need to make a living after a rugged life of professional sports; however, we can’t help but wonder if the athletes and their agents, themselves, truly understand the laws of supply and demand. Perhaps Darren Rovell should intervene before things get out of hand.

Why are we bringing this up now? This link to the Subway Series Show, sent in by our old college buddy “Gou” in Manhattan, pretty much confirms our suspicions: those in charge of determining market value are somewhat removed from the real, actual world. It’s the only logical conclusion after seeing that current Yankee backup — and “future Yankee star” ??? — Wil Nieves commands $25 per autograph, despite going hitless since the fall of 2002. Seriously, look it up. How is this possible?

In fact, after catching our breath from the star-studded cast of second-rate guests that will be at this affair — seriously, the axis of the planet may tilt a degree or two — we couldn’t help but ask several other, equally puzzling questions:

• If Doug Sisk wants $20 to sign a baseball, but nobody shows up, is it still worth $20?
• When did Aaron Heilman go from a middle reliever to being marketed as a Mets “star”?
• How much to tug on Jose Valentine’s well-groomed mustache?
• Will the $20 paid per autograph to Ambirox Burgos be used to re-imburse the Mets front office?
• Who the hell is Randy Niemann?
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how insecure is Robin Ventura that he will NOT, under any circumstance, sign photos of himself fighting Nolan Ryan? Seriously, don’t even @#&%in’ bring it up.

We’d feel a lot better if we could get some clarification. But all that aside, this show is clearly worth the $10 entrance fee, if only to see so many utility guys, role players, and nobodies under one roof. Plus, for only an additional $12, you can get the other, whiter and older Frank Thomas, an “original” Met, to inscribe “Sucka!” on a baseball. Everyone knows you could use that to fleece someone on eBay.

LINK: The Subway Show