Bitter disappointment of a failed TTM

I was mildly excited when this letter dropped through my letter-box this morning. A letter from the Boston Red Sox. I wasn't sure what to expect, however what did arrive I had completely forgotten about.
Think back to about 3 years ago, May 2009 and this post Postage USA and TTM autographs.
Can you believe it? Just over 36months ago I send an envelope laden with US stamps and carefully followed the suggestions regular autograph collectors offered. And then promptly forgot.
In the May 2009 post I wondered 'whether I was wasting my time!'
It appears so.
Enclosed within the envelope, which came nowhere near the $3.00 (give or take 50c) that I had worked out was:
My two cards (unsigned ) but politely apologising about high volume...unable to personalize (sic)...to every fan...yadda...yadda.

So no luck there.
Secondly was a letter. A little more personal and friendly. Pretty cool too.

Finally the official team photo.

You have to admit even after all this time the Red Sox still replied and returned my cards, that in itself is an impressive bit of PR. I am also the very proud owner of a personalised letter(and envelope) from the Boston Red Sox. I may even dream a little that Jacoby Ellsbury sat down in front of a computer and typed this message all by himself. That may be stretching it a little.
I never did receive cards from Mario. Should I expect them soon as well.

Postage USA and TTM autographs

I am avidly buying unused US stamps from e-bayUK, for two reasons. Firstly to send Mario at Wax Heaven some envelopes just in case a Jacoby Ellsbury card pops up in his generous give-aways and secondly I was reading about 'Through the Mail' autographs. I thought I might give that a try.

I have worked out that it will cost roughly $3.00, give or take 50cents, to post up to about 3 cards in toploaders, etc to the United Kingdom. There are plenty of unused USA stamps available on e-bay, located in the UK. The problem being they are mostly 10c and smaller denomination stamps. There just isn't the room to put 30+ stamps, besides the fact that it would look ridiculous. So I must find the airmail stamps or more recent 40cent stamps. During this process I can see how a fascination with stamp collecting can develop. I have picked up some nice, mostly sport related, US stamps. The baseball stamp was an unexpected bonus from one of the sellers when I explained what I was doing.

I'm not quite ready to send to Mario yet, I have a few more auctions to win. However, I will try the TTM autograph. But I will be honest and maybe there is a reader who can help me out on this. 'I don't have a clue what I am doing!'

I would like to get Jacoby Ellsbury's autograph on a card. I know where to send it but what do I send and which card?

Should the card be placed in a plastic sleeve and a toploader? Or will Jacoby not be bothered to remove the card. He must get 1000's of requests. Is it a waste of time?

What card? I have two Allen+Ginter cards which are not shiny and presume these will be easier to sign. Any suggestions?

Do I write a message, note, request? Short and simple? Specific- explaining exactly what I would like?

Do I include a pen?

I know that I must include a stamped, self addressed envelope but it will need a customs label. This is tricky. I have tried to get a hold of some but to no avail. It appears that you have a section to tear off and keep as proof of postage. Will he (or I presume a PA who deals with these) be bothered?

I would like to try it but keep coming back to:

Am I just wasting my time?

Any help greatly received.