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Chipper is appearing on his fourth eTopps card but is one of the four best players on the Braves team, so he should get a card. He has played well over the years and fought through injuries to continue leading this team. I am however going to let you in on a little secret about this card. First off, the print run is too high. Last year they only sold 1,443 of Chipper's cards. Secondly, the price tag here should have been $4.00. In my honest opinion this card could easily have sold out at $4.00. It still might fare well due to an influx of new buyers but watch his 2003 first and compare it to this before buying on the secondary market. Also, if you're looking for a lock for the reward points given out, look elsewhere. Chipper is only on pace in two categories to unlock his bonus. DON'T BUY.
Jeff Kent is an amazing baseball player -- that is just the bottom line. Right now he is on pace to break every category of his performance bonus and earn you a nice RP for every card you have in your port. So expect his card to jump from the $4.50 price right now to about $6 - $7. This card has a lot of potential during the season in regards to the bonus. However, if you take away the bonus this card is really not worth that much. His 2003 has a lower PR than this card and is selling for a cool $3. So if that is your cup of tea pick one up on the secondary market. This card is a BUY though, for the simple reason of a bonus.
After 7 stints with 5 different teams, it looks as if Jeromy has found a home, as do most average stars that get into their prime at Coors field (do I really need to name them all?). His numbers are gaudy and will continue to be so as long as he is hitting in thin air. I think this is another card that has great potential of meeting its objective with the performance bonus. Another good aspect about this card is that it is his very first eTopps IPO. I like this card better than the Kent and would highlight this card as the BUY of the week!
Can you make a set of baseball cards or a IPO set without including Mark Prior? Even if he is on the DL with an Achilles injury, he is still one of the top names in baseball right now. Look at what his rookie card is commanding on the secondary markets. Speaking of which, if you have not picked one up yet you might want to soon. This card is looking like it might take off again. Now with this card, I would recommend it as a weak BUY. Mark has the talent and the skill but his 2002 and 2003 cards overshadow this one. I think they should have cut us some slack on the price since he has done nothing this year. If you want a good kick, check out his performance bonus. Looks like you are buying this card for nothing more than the love of Prior. BUY.
The only rookie in this group of IPO's, Matt made a huge splash with the Rockies when Larry Walker was unable to play. He has since cooled off and is being dumped quicker than Troy Glaus in the fantasy leagues. He busted out of the gates with a couple multi-HR and -RBI games then dropped off the third rock from the sun. This 6'4", 235-lb. right-handed batter does have a lot of talent. However, he needs to develop a better eye and stay at Coors field. Do not expect a lot out of this rookie card. DON'T BUY.
If the Rockies win 11 games in June and/or 70 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. With a stadium built for hitters and an atmosphere to push balls into orbit how can the Rockies lose games? They find ways because right now they have a losing record at home (12-13). So unless Preston Wilson and Larry Walker come off the DL, like right now, the Rockies will not win 11 games this month and will be pressed to win 70 games this year. Right now they are on a course for 60 wins or so. DON'T BUY.
If the Expos win 10 games in June and/or 63 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 only news here is when the Expos will move to Washington DC and when Peter Angelos will stop whining. I doubt the Expos could win 10 games in any one month, let alone win 63 this year. Decent young stars have a tendency to nurture in the Expos young system but quickly jump ship the first opportunity they get. Bring back "The Hawk" and "The Kid" and then you might win 63 games. DON'T BUY.
If the Rangers win 13 games in June and/or 88 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 Rangers will get tested in June with the Yankees and Marlins playing host to the second place AL West team. The Rangers are 2 games back of the Angels and are showing more gusto than many people thought they would after losing the AL MVP, Alex Rodriguez. This card is a decent pick-up and might do well in the long run with the Rangers getting more than 88 wins. BUY.
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