I am not so sure about the direction eTopps is headed with their Classics but I think they have at least realized they are not going to make the profits that they might have expected with this set. I am not against the set by any means, but I think there are several steps that could be taken to improve the Classics set and make it one eToppers chase like they do the 2002 Mark Prior.

First off, you need to fix the price issue with eTopps Classics. The $12.50 price tag is not working anymore. It may have worked last year when there were more accounts out there than Elvis impersonators. However, reality set in this year. The program was busted down from it's over-inflated image. The economy is still sputtering along and eTopps needs to change with the times. By that I mean reduce the IPO prices of the eTopps Classics. I am sure it would not help the older cards but it might add a bit of uncertainty to the Classics set. Something needs to be done. The product life cycle is not working here. Bottom line - the price for a Classic card needs to be $5 for the lesser-known greats and $8 for the big names.

After you fix the issue with the price then you can adjust the print runs. First, I think it is a mistake that eTopps changed the print runs before they took a look at the price. I know a lot of people don't think that you should change the price because it would de-value their 2002 Classics. However, I think it has to be done to be competitive and succeed. The PR needs to be a fixed number, not a floating one like those of regular IPO's. I say you keep the PR at 4,000 cards and just alter the price. The lowering of the price will no doubt lead to greater quantities sold in Classics.

Well, that is how I would fix the Classics. Now let's check out our picks for the week. Remember, do not trust my advice but use it as a tool along with other tools to invest smarter. Do your homework and invest wisely.

George Brett (2,500 @ $12.50)

George Howard Brett II was as complete a baseball player as you could have asked for in the 70's and 80's. The Royals Hall of Famer is best known for the pine tar incident that was ruled incorrectly and later changed by the American League offices. This 12-time All-Star was also an MVP during the 1980 campaign. He posts excellent numbers as well as a list of accomplishments as long as your sleeve. This feared batter appeared in two World Series and won one of those, the famous intra-state rivalry with St. Louis in 1985. He batted left and threw right, which is an odd combination even by today's standards. However, at the plate he posted a career .305 batting average and had over 3,000 hits and over 300 home runs. Known more for his bat, he was a clutch hitter and leader of a team that fought hard for recognition. Brett was one of baseball's classiest players as well. Never driven by money, he stayed in a small market to help a team become all that it could be. I like this guy and love this card. No issues with the price or PR -- both are fine with me. BUY THIS CARD!!

Mel Ott (2,000 @ $12.50)

Like Brett, Ott played for 22 seasons, during which he compiled a career batting average of .304, 511 home runs, and 1,860 RBI. He batted over .300 ten times, played in three World Series, and was the National League home run leader six times. He did all he could with his underachieving Giants team. They did appear in three World Series (the '33, '36 and '37 title series) but only won the 1933 championship. Like Brett, he was also a twelve-time all-star. Mel was also a very successful manager following his playing career. Interestingly, Mel was brought straight up to the Giants out of high school because legendary manager John McGraw feared that the minor leagues would ruin this player and his sweet swing. Therefore, during the first few years of Mel's career he saw limited action but learned a great deal. Mel was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1951. Mel's life took a tragic turn when he died in a car accident. I like this card and the print run. BUY THIS CARD.