Columnist Tim Graham: Gauge a player by his card

Tim Graham

Thursday, April 8, 1999 | 11:01 a.m.

Tim Graham's column appears Thursday. His media notebook appears Wednesday. Reach him at tim@lasvegassun.com or 259-4078.

It sounds silly, but it's true.

One of the most accurate ways to gauge a baseball player's worth isn't with a calculator, radar gun, stopwatch or tape measure. It's much easier than that.

A baseball player's value corresponds with that of his rookie trading card. Just pick up a memorabilia pricing guide and see for yourself.

I used to collect that cardboard back in the 1980s, when the trading card industry was exploding. Every baseball card I came across that was worth a few dollars -- or projected to be some day -- was carefully slipped into a clear plastic holder. This way they would remain in mint condition and retain their value forever.

Among these prized possessions were a half dozen Shane Mack rookie cards. The young outfielder appeared ready to conquer the world, wearing his U.S. Olympic uniform in the portrait that graces No. 398 in the 1985 Topps set.

Mack had all the tools. They were evident when he played for the Las Vegas Stars from 1986-89.

He could hit for average and power. He could steal bases. He could gun a runner down from the warning track.

Mack showed flashes of brilliance as he progressed from the San Diego Padres to the Minnesota Twins.

He hit .310 with 18 home runs and 74 RBIs in 1991 for the world champion Twins. Mack, who batted .326 the previous season and .315 the next, was evolving into one of the game's most consistent hitters.

Check a price guide today, however, and Mack's rookie card is measured in "," not "$."

Mack, 35, is starting this season on a rehabilitation assignment with the Stars after signing a minor-league free-agent contract with the Padres. But he won't be in the lineup when the Stars open their season tonight at Cashman Field.

Mack, a five-time disabled list visitor during his 8 1/2 years of major-league service, isn't sure he'll ever return.

"I had a good career and I'm very thankful," said Mack, who moved here a few years ago and has invested in local real estate. He also has made a comfortable living on the field, including a record $8.1 million contract to play in Japan in 1995-96.

"Hopefully I can come back. If not I have no regrets."

A bulging disk in his neck cut short his 1998 season with the Kansas City Royals. The ensuing surgery included taking a piece of bone from his hip and attaching it to two vertebrae with a plate and two screws.

The operation was similar to one performed in 1993 on current St. Louis Cardinal Eric Davis.

"It took Eric a year and half to get back," Mack said. "I don't have that kind of time."

And Mack doesn't even have a rehab regimen yet. He doesn't meet with his local doctor until Monday.

Although he still experiences tingling in his throwing hand, Mack claims his arm strength is steadily improving and his neck is pain-free. But he adds his bat speed is poor. He had fewer spring training at-bats than Garth Brooks.

Mack refuses to guess what his chances of returning might be. He won't set a timetable either.

"I love the game, but your body will tell you" when it's time to quit, he said. "I'm not the type of guy that will hang on forever."

To retain their value, baseball cards must remain in mint condition.

Shane Mack's body is creased and his gloss is gone. His wear and tear could be beyond repair.