I think this is going to be a great week for eTopps and for collectors/investors, whatever you want to call us. Maybe we should take an official vote and name ourselves something... .as long as it does not rhyme with "Trekkies"! I have been looking forward to the convention ever since Sponge started the thread back in January. Now I am not a convention man, so an idea like that from me would be like me redefining quantum physics - it ain't going to happen (yes, ain't is not a word). What also impresses me is that all these people have stepped up to the plate and have been gracious enough to ante up an item or two to donate towards the cause. We have some big sponsors out there as well, our Clubhouse gang and Cardtarget. So let's remember when we are there in Vegas, spending our entire month's paycheck, to thank those responsible. Also don't forget to thank the eTopps Staff for putting out a good product and listening to us... in between their roasts from the boys and gals!

One of the things I would like to see discussed at the convention is where we are going to do ECON 2004. I know Chicago, AC, and New Orleans have been thrown out there. I just think we should take an official vote on it. We obviously are dedicated enough to attend so we might as well have some say in the thing. That brings me to the other point... do we need representation or someone to be a leader? I am just throwing it out there. Most investment groups have them. I say we elect a senior class-type leadership. Remember how meaningful those guys were (LOL). I am kidding but we need someone to be able to represent all eTopps collectors to management in the future and relay our feedback directly.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at the convention. Look for me; I will be the one dog-tired from a Military competition with beer in hand. Now what do you say we move on and roll with our picks for the 10th IPO week of 2003 baseball.

Andy Pettitte (3,000 @ $4.00)

Andy is one of those "homegrown" boys or so everyone likes to think. He is actually from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He has definitely been one of the mainstays in the Yankee organization for the past 9 years. He is not a hard thrower but he does record his fair share of wins and strikeouts. He has recorded 12 wins or more every year since he has been in the majors. Don't expect a great ERA out of him or complete games but the bottom line is he wins games. This year he started off hot and then ran smack into the average wall. His ERA blossomed to a robust 4.93 and he lost 5 straight games. In fact this year he has averaged less than 6 innings per start without a complete game/shutout. However, there is a lot to like about this card. First, the bad news: he is not going to make his performance bonus (K's). But I like that this is his first, and probably last, eTopps card. Additionally, he pitches for the Yankees which means he is going to get 15 wins because of their big sticks. Don't expect this card to double or triple in value but expect gains of about 15% or so. It should settle around $6.50. $4 is a very fair price for this card. So based on that BUY THIS CARD.

Austin Kearns (3,500 @ $6.50)

Austin is coming off of a spectacular year in which he finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. His average has dipped below the .300 level as of late. However it should climb back over .300 in due time, especially in the hitter's park of Cincinnati. There is a lot to like about Austin. He is a powerful player that can drive the ball all over the field. He hits for average and does not strike out as much as his fellow Reds phenom (A. Dunn). Now he does still need to improve his strikeout-to-walk ratio. His ratio is not the best on the team or in the league but it's adequate for a sophomore. So far this year he has hit 13 home runs and is on pace for 37 with 140+ RBI. His numbers across the board look good but I don't think he will get his five steals to earn the PB. Anyways, I like the card better than the 2002 version and I think it will immediately surpass the '02 card in value. Currently the '02 card is valued at $7.32 ($0.82 above IPO) with a print run of 6,000 cards. Wow! A lot of cards vs. a short print run... I think I'll go with the short print run. However I am recommending that you DON'T BUY this card. Wait and catch it on the second market. It will be a better value. It will not gain on the '02 card until the end of the season. Again, DON'T BUY THIS CARD.

Derek Jeter (3,500 @ $9.50)

Derek entered the big leagues the same year that Andy Pettitte did - 1995. Since 1995, Derek has been a mainstay of the Yankees and a primary factor in their success. He has hit over .300 in all but two season. He also averages around 21 steals and 75 RBI a year. However, we all remember how rough a start Derek had coming out of the gate in Toronto. What an awful way to begin the year with such an injury. But like any true professional he has made a mark in his speedy recovery and immediately resumed his role as a leader on the team. With two other eTopps cards under his belt don't expect a scorcher out of this card. The allure might be the PR but the price is the same of that offered last year and that '02 card is down over 30%. Expect slightly better marks from this card, 10 - 15% above and below IPO). Don't expect Derek to meet his PB numbers either. He would have to tally 70 RBI this year and he only averages 75 or so in a full, healthy season. So as much as I would like to say BUY I cannot. For you collectors out there get your card off eBay and save the money. DON'T BUY THIS CARD.

Hee Seop Choi (3,500 @ $6.50)

I like this card A LOT! I think Choi has a big future with Dusty and the Cubs. He is getting excellent tutelage from Eric Karros and will soon be a serious daily threat. At 6'5" and 240 lbs. this kid is huge! In three years in the minors he hit .286 and slugged 82 HR's and 307 RBI. Not bad for the first position player ever signed out of Korea. He is the number one prospect in the Cubs system and he is going to get every chance to excel and make people forget the "Crime Dog" and "Gracie." Hee Seop is currently only hitting .236 with 7 HR's and 21 RBI but expect bigger and better things to come from this young 23-year old. Being that this is his rookie card with eTopps and the PR is only 3,500 I am going to give this card a big thumbs up. I also think the value of this card will increase anywhere from 15 - 25%. Also, this card is going to sell out. Watch out for this kid - you heard it here! BUY THIS CARD!

Kerry Wood (2,000 @ $6.50)

One of the three young guns for the Chicago Cubs, Kerry is making his third appearance in eTopps sets. His 2001 IPO sold 1,056 cards at $3.50 apiece and it is now averaging $21.05. His 2002 edition sold 3,346 at $6.50 and it is now hovering around $4.90. So you see a little disparity here. I like eTopps' answer in giving us a lower PR, 2000. I think that alone will make this card more attractive than 2002 but not as appealing as his 2001. Kerry is going to be around for a long time (as long as Baker does not abuse these young arms). The past two years he has rung up over 200 K's and last year he passed the 200-inning mark. Look for his W-L record to improve over time, as will those of Prior and Clement, with Baker leaning forward in the saddle. As attractive as Kerry is, I don't see any immediate value in this card. You're better off getting it on the secondary market at a 15 - 20% discount. DON'T BUY THIS CARD.

Kevin Millwood (3,000 @ $4.00)

He lost out in a tight vote a couple of weeks ago but he was thrown back into the mix and was selected this time. He only threw a "no-no" in Pac Bell Park where Mr. Bonds happens to play. Now what I like about this card, even though he is no Smoltz or Pettitte, is that this is Kevin's first eTopps card. He has simply exploded these past two years! What a loss to the Braves to give up one of the major league's best young arms! He is currently leading the Phillies' Staff, posting a sparkling 7-2 record and 2.93 ERA. He already has 2 complete games (one shy of his career best). Now I am not sure how much of a value the Millwood card is, being it is his 7th year in the pro's, but I like it a lot! This is a collector's card and people with great seasons should be rewarded like this. BUY THIS CARD!

In closing, I am off to another week of Army training. I hope you all enjoy the piece. I know you all are diligent and do your research each week. So I don't have to worry about you all getting burnt at the drive thru, LOL. I know everyone is logging in at 0600 on Mondays to order away. Anyways, have fun, be safe and I'll see you in Vegas!!