Josh Gibson (4,000 @ $12.50)

This week eTopps has thrown us a curve with it's first Classics representative from the Negro Leagues. Gibson has been lauded as "the Babe Ruth of the Negro Leagues" and Satchel Paige called him "the greatest hitter who ever lived." Despite his lack of notoriety among casual baseball fans there is no doubt he deserves to be in this set. This Hall of Fame catcher hit more home runs during his 17 years in the Negro Leagues than Hank Aaron did in 23 major league seasons. Gibson has been credited with hitting 962 career home runs against all levels of competition and 84 home runs in one season. Simply amazing! However, if ever there was an SP-candidate in this year's Classics set, Josh Gibson is it. Therein lies the rub. These days when a card is so clearly destined to be unpopular it inevitably sells well (is that a Yogi-ism?). You can thank "SP fever" for this paradoxical phenomenon. For that reason, combined with the likelihood that NASCAR will overshadow the late Classic IPO's this year, I must advise avoiding this card. SP's come when you least expect them. When the SP-eculators are proven wrong and the inflated supply hits the market look out below!

Willie Stargell (4,000 @ $12.50)

"Pops" brought class to the Pirates teams of the 60's and 70's. He also brought a big bat that produced 475 home runs and 1,540 RBI over the course of 21 seasons. This Hall of Famer's resume included 7 all-star appearances, an MVP award, and 2 championships (one in which he garnered World Series MVP honors). Despite all of this, Stargell would normally figure to be a compelling value due to a low print run (perhaps falling to, dare I say it, SP territory). But alas, eTopps is putting their marketing dollars to work during the all-star break and a bevy of newbies will likely buy into this Classic IPO, eager to get a taste of this pastime we call eTopps. If you grew up listening to "We Are Family" at the ballpark buy this one up. If you're hunting for SP's use this week to reload and take aim another week.