Dykstra: How to Keep This Rally Alive

The first-game jitters are gone. Heading into the second week of my inaugural season, let's check my stats thus far.

My leadoff hitter last week, Symantec (SYMC), was up 6.4% to $22.18 as of Monday's close, from $20.85 when I recommended it here. Keeping pace, my second hitter, Dow Chemical (DOW), was up 4% from where I recommended it to $44.97.

While these represent impressive gains in a week, the combined increases will merely buy you a few gallons of gas or a couple of lattes at Starbucks. Always remember to keep things in perspective and please note: I am a trader! I lock in profits when I feel the market is extremely volatile, as it has been of late.

So I sold Symantec on Thursday at $22.22 for a $2.27 gain -- I bought the stock on Aug. 25 with a cost basis of $19.95. As for Dow Chemical, I am still holding my January $35 calls. Rather than cashing in here, I have chosen to wait because I believe this option will yield greater gains down the road.

So my table setters have done their job, they got on and scored. Now, we have to keep the rally going.

A Pitch to Hit

My leadoff hitter this week, Mine Safety Appliances (MSA), should actually be hitting cleanup.

Mine Safety manufactures and supplies a sophisticated and comprehensive line of products used by workers around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction, oil and gas, chemical and other industries, as well as the military. Somehow, this company has been able to remain beneath the radar screen. Insiders still hold 25.55% of the company. On average, it only trades approximately 226,000 shares a day -- although it did have a big move up on Friday, prompting me to sell my pre-existing position.

Now let's get to the bottom line: making money. This hidden gem certainly delivers on that account.