Setting up at a card show these days means keeping an eye on the news headlines.

A month ago, you could put out a few nice Alex Rodriguez cards at a small card show and probably have a decent chance of selling at least a couple.

He’s not dead yet, but you can safely put ARod on the pariahs in purgatory list that continues to sap some strength from the modern-era market. At least it makes for a popular topic of discussion.

These days, dealers are appreciating any profits they can generate at shows like the one in Maugansville, Maryland this past weekend. The Herald-Mail of nearby Hagerstown stopped by to take a few pictures and chat with the table holders.