Eric Gagne (4,000 @ $6.50)

WOW! That about sums up Gagne's 2002 season, ending with 52 saves and a 1.97 ERA which is absolutely amazing. This kid isn't a seasoned veteran either. At only 27 he has lots of years ahead of him. Looking at his performance bonus, if he repeats what he did last year you can get ready to hunt that Tony Banks in the catalog (but that's like saying "if I win the lottery twice this year I can buy that Ferrari"). If Eric continues his domination of the 9th inning I would grab and hold this card. Bottom line - this kid gets the job done and that's what I look for in my eTopps purchases. So you should buy this one at IPO and buy it on eBay. Heck, buy it off the boards and your neighbors! Just make sure you buy this card!

Garret Anderson (5,000 @ $6.50)

World Series champion Garrett Anderson!!! Every young player's dream and this guy lived it last year. In his 9th major league season this year, he has started off pretty hot and is making pitchers tremble as he walks to the plate. This guy just looks like he can hit. He seems to be even stronger this year than last, though at the time of this writing he hasn't yet hit a homer. At the very least this guy is an Angel in the outfield and deserves to be in your port. Come on - you have worse guys in there and this one will make you some money! I'm buying at IPO and you should too.

Omar Vizquel (3,500 @ $4.00)

Hmmm... A 35-year old shortstop? Do I want to put my money on him? I, for one, am unsure about this $4.00 card. However, with this being Omar's first eTopps card it is a sure sellout. I'm not putting down Vizquel by any means. He is probably one of the best defensive shortstops in the major leagues but I see him slowing down. For one thing, just look at his stolen base output. He is losing steam. Even though he is only $4 I wouldn't throw too much money at this card unless you want your port to lose steam too. I don't see a lot of room for growth in this card. Nonetheless, this is a first issue and earns at least a slight- to moderate-buy from me for that reason alone. It's not going to lose you money but you aren't going to Jamaica on your profits either.

Todd Helton (3,000 @ $6.50)

Do you like losing $1-2 instantly??? Well, if you answered "yes" buy this 3rd year card. If you answered "no", don't buy this card and spend the money on either Anderson or Gagne. Your wallet will thank me later. The only other reason for you to purchase this card at IPO would be because you are hunting for a short print which, as almost anyone who has been around for awhile will tell you, is a lose/lose proposition. You'll end up with a bunch of crappy cards that you're losing your butt on and one short print whose proceeds aren't even going to cover your losses. I'm not doubting Helton's ability - the man is one of the best hitters in baseball the last few years. But there is no way his fan base can absorb 7,408 cards (which is how many will be in existence if this issue sells out). Granted, some players have higher print runs in a single issue (see Sosa and Ichiro). But Helton is no Sammy (at least not with the fans). If you must buy this card, wait and do it on eBay.

Torii Hunter (4,000 @ $6.50)

Hunter is a great young outfielder who will be around for a long time. This guy will be one of the best ever if he stays on his current pace and remains injury-free. This is his second eTopps issue. His 2002 card had a 4,000 print run and is selling around $8. So, I ask you this, with 4,000 Hunter cards on the trading floor (assuming this issue sells out), where do you see this card going? I'll tell you where - straight down! This card has absolutely no room for growth. Even if it doesn't sell out and is a shorter print run than his 2002 what is the best-case scenario? You make a few pennies after fees on flip day?? I'm not touching this card with a ten-foot pole. Pass this one up and jump all over his first issue.

Vladimir Guerrero (4,000 @ $9.50)

10,854. What does that number mean to you? I'll tell you what it means to me. It means that eTopps should have never made the print run on this card 4,000 (or maybe shouldn't have given Vlad a 3rd card) because 10,854 is the total # of Vlad cards in existence if this issue sells out! As great as Guerrero has been, at $9.50 run away from this card like you would from Richard Simmons in hot pants. If you waste your money on this card you deserve to lose it! I pity the fool who buys this card...

So in review:
Gagne - Strong Buy
G. Anderson - Strong Buy
Vizquel - slight to moderate buy
Helton - you can't be serious?? Ummm. maybe eBay
Torii - eBay if you must
Vlad - LOL, no...