Opening Pitch: As I did two weeks ago, I am going to launch into my eTopps slush fund campaign. As time dwindles down towards eCON04 money becomes more and more of an issue for the big boys helping steer the ship during eCON04. There are many overhead and out-of-pocket expenses they are committing to without any backup from board members and fans alike. I did this last year for the program and raised several hundred dollars. This year I have started the same program with a goal of $1000. I want to be able to send Bearabull or Ronin a 1K payment for them to use to make sure we have a great time at eCON and we get those nice little giveaways like last year. If you are interested in donating to the eCON slush fund, please go to the general forum and search for it under Slush Fund. It lays out the nitty gritty or you can just email me at etoppsguru@aol.com. I would gladly help anyone out who is helping out this program.

Before we roll into the picks I want to highlight a couple more key things here. I am not sure if everyone is up on the boards but if not please check out the general forum and reference eCON04. There you can research anything from hotel information to national updates. There are also several key events that other eTopps personnel are running, such as the golf outing. So please help out, support the program, and come to eCON and get your free card. Meet and greet with the fans, drink beers with me (if of age) and let’s have a great time. So with that... remember that these picks listed below are done with research and common sense. Do not trust my opinion. Simply use this as a tool or guide then develop your own buying strategy. Let’s roll!

Javy Lopez (3,750 @ $4.50)

We finally get our Javy card after his phenomenal year with Atlanta last year and signing with Baltimore this year. He makes the catching corps in the AL the best, along with Posada and Rodriguez. Javy has only caught 13 games but has hit 3 HR’s and has 10 RBI’s to add to it. Based on the catching rotation it might require a lot for him to reach his bonus this year, which means I don’t think he will quite make it. I could go on about how he has only two seasons with 30+ HR’s, or that he has only two seasons with 98+ RBI’s. However this card is going to be a sure draw for the simple fact that this is his first eTopps card. So, that being said, BUY this card.

Kevin Brown (2,750 @ $4.50)

Kevin is appearing on his second eTopps card, this time with the Yankees. Kevin is another older pitcher, like Clemens, who has shown success in his prime. His first card sold out but I am not so sure this card will, maybe 2,250 - 2,500. His RP bonus might be a bit far-fetched, with 17 wins (he has done that only once in the last 5 years). However, he is pitching for the Yankees so anything is possible... So far this year he has appeared in 4 games and won 3 of them. In his 18th season, Kevin is primed for an excellent year with those big bats in his lineup. I like the price of this card but am having a hard time trying to figure out why this card will be worth anything. I would wait and pick this up on the secondary market. DO NOT BUY.

Khalil Greene (5,000 @ $6.50)

A rookie for the Padres making a big splash in the majors? Say it ain’t so! The Padres farm system ranks 25th in the MLB, out of 30 teams in case you forgot. He doesn’t have the speed or arm of a true shortstop but he does hit for average and hits the gaps very well. He breezed through the minor league system and is now primed for a big year. He won the job outright with a huge spring training. Since he is a rookie he should sell out. However, do not expect the fanfare that Matsui got or Mauer will get. Do not expect this kid to earn his bonus either. However, look past all the fluff here and recognize that he will be in the majors for some time - he is only 24. So this is a weak BUY.

Miguel Cabrera (3,750 @ $5.75)

The best rookie out of last year’s class has again taken off this year, proving that this young star is no fluke. For all we know he might be the next Pujols. This young star is a versatile player and can play many positions. Last year's numbers were just a glimpse into what he has to offer. He hit .268 with 12 HR’s and 62 RBI’s in 87 games last year. This year he is already hitting .327 with 6 HR’s and 10 RBI’s. He has also stolen the one base he needs for his bonus. Now all he needs to do is maintain the course for the rest of the season in the other categories. Miguel’s card should sell out and be a huge draw for many fans that are a fan of this star. BUY.

Roger Clemens (3,750 @ $5.75)

Back after a brief retirement with a new team, the Astros, and off to a HOT start, this aging star is proving his worth once more. Appearing on his 4th eTopps card, Clemens is a lock for the Hall of Fame who will draw plenty of interest to this card. His RP numbers are all attainable as well. Over the past five years he has only had two "off" years where he did not match the numbers for his bonus. However we have not seen a bonus for Roger yet. So one stat that might hold him back this year might be his K’s. With 313 wins, he is primed to climb some spots this year on the all-time win charts. This card is a lock for all Clemens and Astros fans as he continues his fine career. Though not a strong buy (because this is his 4th card), I still rank it a BUY.

Baltimore Orioles Team Card (3,750 @ $6.50)

If the Orioles win 13 games in May and/or 78 games this season you will earn reward points. Every month that they meet their target you earn one RP. If they meet their target for the year you get another RP. If they advance to the World Series you get 2 RP’s and another 2 RP’s if they win the World Series. I would like to think the Orioles are a lock for winning 13 games in May. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and are in second place in the heated AL East. I do not doubt that they will win 78 games this season either (in fact I expect them to win 85 or so games). So this card is a BUY.

New York Mets Team Card (3,750 @ $6.50)

If the Mets win 13 games in May and/or 76 games this season you will earn reward points. Every month that they meet their target you earn one RP. If they meet their target for the year you get another RP. If they advance to the World Series you get 2 RP’s and another 2 RP’s if they win the World Series. The Mets continue to amaze me and others with their dismal performance in the NL East. They have a decent pitching Staff but have only one or two bats a night show up to hit, hence they are now 4-6 in their last ten games and challenging Montreal for the cellar position. They have an outside shot of winning 13 games in May but to win 76 games this season might be a reach, especially when your 3-6 at home. DO NOT BUY!

Detroit Tigers Team Card (2,750 @ $5.75)

If the Tigers win 11 games in May and/or 65 games this season you will earn reward points. Every month that they meet their target you earn one RP. If they meet their target for the year you get another RP. If they advance to the World Series you get 2 RP’s and another 2 RP’s if they win the World Series. What a great start for the Tigers this season. No one expected them to make a push for anything and right now they are sitting in third place while going 4-6 in their last ten games with 8 wins already in April. The addition of Ivan Rodriguez has finally pushed the Tigers from a prospect collecting team (Pena, Bonderman, and Munson) to a team that is going to make a push in the AL Central. What are the chances of winning 65 games? I say GOOD. So, with that, I say this card is a BUY.