Atlanta Sports Cards

Weekly Baseball Card Hot Sheet

By James Kennedy and Jim Graham

2. 2005 Bowman Sterling Andrew McCutchen Auto Jersey BGS 9.5/10

$30 and change last week, then after a walk-off homer and a pair of GWRBI’s, and add in the fact that the Pirates briefly hit .500, and you get a $100 price last night.

3. 2011 Bowman Dillon Gee Autographs

First NY Mets player to start 7-0 in 1st 7 decisions.  This card was below $10 at release and a week ago was still under $20.  $55 is the cheapest you can find a blue refractor nowadays.  What a sleeper.

4. 2008 Razor Brett Lawrie Autographs

Shocked to see Lawrie Razor move from $20 to $50 this week.  They may have dropped back a tad, but here is proof Razor is back….not that this author has been harping about 2008 Razoron his blog all year….but I digress…2008 Razor, led by Lawrie and Hosmer, has re-arrived.

5. 2011 Bowman Kody Hinze Refractors

The Class-A Home Run leader’s red refractor sold for $115 this week.  Compare that to Juan Nicasio Red Refractor, a MLB callup from the same set ($75), and you can tell Hinze is on the way up.  Although gold refractors can still be stolen at about $30-$40, no one (or at least 2 people) is sleeping on a rare red auction, as Hinze last week wasnt bringing a dollor or 2 for blue refractors.  Check his numbers- he has power plus.  Next year’s Goldschmidt??

6. 2010 Bowman Platinum Pat Corbin Autographs

#2 on BA.com Hot Sheet:  Tyler Skaggs might have been the most recognizable name the Diamondbacks received from the Angels in last season’s Dan Haren trade, but with his performance this season, Corbin has proven to be much more than a throw-in. Los Angeles’ second-round pick in 2009, Corbin completed two masterful pitching performances this week in which he allowed only one run over 15 innings to a pair of middle-of-the-road Southern League offenses, Huntsville and Birmingham. He matched a season high with 10 strikeouts in yesterday’s start, as he fanned Barons lefty batters Tyler Kuhn (who ranks second in the SL batting race) and Seth Loman three times apiece.

Corbin got rocked for nine runs on 13 hits in his May 19 start, but if we toss that one aside and consider the other five starts he’s made since May 14, the results are startlingly good. In that time he’s gone 5-0, 0.27 with 40 strikeouts, seven walks (with another two hit batters) and just 22 hits allowed over 33 2/3 innings.

The Bowman Platinum has risen from $1 to $8, and Blue versions /50, which previously sold at $8, are now being sold around $50.

7.   2008 Razor Baseball Hobby Wax Box

Up 100% from the offseason, the now $75 box was as low as $40 two weeks ago.  Brett Lawrie and Eric Hosmer driving the product for now….more to come.

8. 2011 Bowman Paul Goldschmidt Blue Refractor Auto

Leads Minors with 20 HRs, the blues are up $60 to $200 this week.

9. 2007 Bowman Dellin Betances Autographs

A base auto last sold for $19….there is one base auto at auction that is at $19 with 5 days left.  This one is gonna blow up.

10. 2008 Donruss Threads Carlos Peguero Autograph

Up 100% since last week’s small dip.  Still producing.

11 2005 Bowman Draft Jacoby Ellsbury Autographs

The fantasy stud is playing better than he ever has, currently owns a 8-game hit streak (his second that long of the seaon), and his best card is showing that.  Refractor versions were selling for $60 last week, and this week base autos have topped that.  not huge gains, but enough of a trend to remind people that this card once neared $200.  With ALL Red Sox players “in play” because of their seemingly easy run to the playoffs from here, the highest ROI may be with Ellsbury.

12. 2011 Bowman Jurickson Profar Gold Refractor Auto

Cold, numbers wise, the Gold Refractor jumped $100 since the products inception, to $250 a copy.  Sell!

13. 2007 Bowman Draft Devin Mesoraco Autographs

Anyone familiar to my Minor League Updates knew I had placed a 5 star buy on Devin when this card dropped to $5.  They were rewarded this week as it jumped to $15.

14. 2010 Dylan Bundy AFLAC

This card reached $90 on draft day, but has since dropped back to $50.  Still an accomplishment, as this card sat at $20 just 10 days ago.  250 copies exist.

15. 2008 Sterling Greg Halman Autographs

A PSA 10 base auto sold for $40 this week with Halman’s debut in Seattle.  This jump will be short-lived as Halman’s average sits around .240 lifetime in the minors.  The PSA 10 was bought for $3 by yours truly in the offseason.  Another STRONG SELL here.

16. 2011 Bowman ”Bowman’s Best” Bryce Harper

As the rest of 2011 Bowman Harper’s collapse in price across the board- the base Auto is down to $300, the blue down to under $500, and refractor parallels tanking, its starnge that these cards have jumped $10 to $25.  Everyone blow Bryce a kiss….

17. 2011 Bowman Dee Gordon Autographs

His callup sent his golds soaring from $65-$75 to $140.  A more intriguing card is the 2008 Bowman Chrome parallel, or the 2010 Elite SP Auto /301.

18. 2008 Bowman Chrome Mike Moustakas Autographs

A little birdie (me) told everyone last Sunday that both Moustakas and Rizzo would be called up this week.  Psychic?  Who am I, Gary Brown?  Nope, just perceptive, as anyone listening got paid off on Rizzo’s, and to a lesser degree, Moustakas, whos up 25% across the board.

19. 2010 Bowman Chrome Vance Worley Refractors

On the BA hot sheet, these once common gold/orange refractors have soared to $15/$25 respectively.  Sell.

20. 2010 Bowman Sterling Taijuan Walker Autographs

My #1 buy right now, friends at FCB correctly showcased Walker at #2 on their weekly Hot Sheet.  Although I was able to pick up a BGS 9.5/10 of the trickier Elite auto @ just $20, these cards ARE trickling upwards, and Taijuan beats out the rest of the competitors to earn the #20 spot.

Many thanks to Gary Brown for Tweeting our “Prospect Alert” to his followers this week.  Anyone NOT following Brown on Twitter is missing a show.  Keep an eye on Brown to EXPLODE in price as mid-season approaches.

Thats all folks.  Meaty Hot Sheet this week.  Have a great week, and check in daily for all new features on the Cape League, new product box breaks, and the release of 2011 Bowman Platinum.

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ASC WEEKEND HOT SHEET

By James Kennedy, ASC Blog Writer

“Heads Up”

As some may have heard, unarguably the most scary and downright saddest sports story hit the wires on Friday.   http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/13-year-old-killed-by-pitch-in-Arizona-Little-Le?urn=highschool-wp2516 . 13 year old Hayden Walton, who died this weekend after being hit in the chest by a pitch, tragically is being remembered by being “that young kid who died in Little League.”  His name is almost never mentioned in the media.  It makes me stop in my tracks: Not only am I lucky to be alive and healthy, Im lucky to have such a great family, wonderful friends- old and new, I’m lucky I get to do what I love and I’m lucky that I’m lucky (unless you count Casino trips).  We’re all lucky to be in such an awesome hobby.

Heads Up:  There are lots of cards moving up and down, and rumors abound.  At ESPN, AAA-Omaha’s Mike Moustakas is up to 1.8% owned, and AAA-Tuscon’s Anthony Rizzo is over 1% owned.  Both are up from .1% owned a week ago.  Someone knows something.  These guys will both be up by May 15th.  Brett Lawrie, an incredible 18% owned (he hasn’t even got called up yet), hurt his hand and that is the sole delay for the callup.  So 1 through 3 are:

1. 2007 Elite Mike Moustakas Auto /999

2. 2008 Razor Brett Lawrie Autographs

3.2010 Bowman Anthony Rizzo Auto

The majors have had some strange successes and failures recently.  Red hot Matt Kemp and Josh Hamilton are expected.  Arencibia is holding his own in Toronto.  The Red Sox are on fire, and when they win it all, Pedroia, A-Gon, and Youkilis cards will be the big winners.  Jacoby Ellsbury is really heating up- outside of my Beantown backyard, theyre probably affordable.  Forget Beckett, he has too few key cards.  Jay Bruce has been the SECOND hottest hitter in the last 15- the always monsterous Asdrubal Cabrera is sabermetrically hotter.  (Funny side:  Baseball Prospectus employees had to go to a Sabermetric seminar/classes weekend this last week, out of town.  Really?  Thanks for burning the Jet fuel BP: its not like we normal people need gas….)

4.  ALL RED SOX ROOKIE AUTOS

5. All 2005 Jay Bruce cards

Dillon Gee beat previously undefeated jair Jurrjens yesterday to jump in the ROY race.  Out of nowhere, eh?  Shelby Miller has started his ascent to becoming VERY expensive, and the same is happening for Nolan Arenado (the consensus #1 overall potential ROI gainer from the resident ASC scouts; I agree btw).  Bryce Harper is up significantly after dropping a bit once 2011 Bowman was widely broke as he was slumping.  He’s roared back.

6. 2011 Bowman Bryce Harper Autos

7. 2011 Bowman Bryce Harper Chrome

8. All Nolan Arenado cards

9. 2010 Bowman Shelby Miller Autos

Now the Final Four, as I am off to a show this AM:  Both Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler are hiting their peaks in their careers, Jose Altuve is becoming lights-out, hitting .420, and Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway is becoming their best prospect.

10. 2008 Razor Letterman Ryan Lavarnway

Have a great Sunday all, and God Bless

Atlanta Sports Cards

Weekly Baseball Card Hot Sheet

June 3, 2011

Written by James Kennedy

Contributions by James Graham and site/ASC owner Josh Pankow

“The prodigal son also rises”

1. 2005 Topps Chrome Jay Bruce Autographs

His Captain-Insano hot streak is one of two things.  Another giant tease, or the start of what was supposed to come all along.  Think about it this way- had Bruce went to college, his RC would be 2009 Bowman Draft.  Instead, he’s taken his lumps, honed his craft, and a new superstar is born…..or is he?  This is the same player who set the world afire when he was first called up in 2008.  His cards are still kinda cheap.  Topps Chrome @ 60, Sterling @ 50, and those are up from $35 last week.  His 17 HRs lead the NL, and there isnt a hotter position player….there is a hot pitcher though, named….

2. 2007 Bowman Signs of the Future Jair Jurrjens

Jair Jurrjens (pronounced: G-EYE-AIR  JUR-JENS) is still terrorizing hitters, using 4 pitches, and gearing up for a legit CY YOUNG campaign.  The Dutch Jurrjens is sleepwalking right through the NL, as hes yet to give up 3 runs in a start.  This card moves from $12 to $40 this week.

3. 2008 Razor Jordan Lyles Letterman Autographs

Why did collectors let this card go for $1 last week, when its now doing $20-$40??  Oh, I forgot, its a Razor card.  Beggars can’t be choosers.

4. 2011 Topps/Bowman Wax Presells

Wax is hot.  Baseball is hot.  Topps isnt overproducing.  Not just that, they have no competition.  A chain reaction is taking place…..after 2011 Topps doubled in price upon release, Heritage followed ($50 from factory to $85 a box), the widely unliked Gypsy Queen put a “stamp” on it (pun intended), going from $70 to $140 overnight, and now Bowman has followed suit, dropping 20% after rising 50% upon release.  Harper will make or break that product.  Anyway, what does this all mean?  Its real simple….those who got in early (geez, I forgot the hugely successful Tribute), cashed in, and they want more of that.  So more product  is being ordered.  Somewhere in the 2011 Bowman cluster****, either the factory cut production or unscrupulous distributors did (at ASC we are NOT distributors!) to make extra dough.  But with so few legit releases coming out, Topps 2 has sold out even before release, and Bowman upcoming releases will follow suit.  So theres 1 more question: Will Topps overproduce like they did so intergalactically last year with BowChro and TopChro?  Ony time will tell.  Until then, the presell market remains red hot.

5. 2011 Bowman Retail Brandon Crawford Autograph

After a walk off grand slam, Crawfords card soared $15 from $5-$8 to $23.  0 star buy.

6. All Mike Stanton 2008 Autographs

Imagine if he had Youkilis’ eye?  This guy can hit the ball 700 feet soaking wet and using a 2×4.  That makes me wonder: Did Hacksaw Jim Duggan cork his wooden friend?  Stanton 08s are up across the board, with RAZOR copies (yep, i said Razor) commanding $50 per at one point last week.  If Stanton never hits .300 though, he will become a novelty.

7. 2010 Elite Matt Moore Autograph /819

8. 2010 Bowman Chrome Jose Altuve Refractors

The only minor leaguer batting over .400 (.414 to be exact), is drawing DAILY raves from the baseball equivilent of the Dali Lama, Kevin Goldstein.  As you can see, a AA promotion hasnt slowed him

The stats tell the story: his card above is his lone issue

9. All Paul Goldschmidt Cards

Goldschmidt has made our Hot Sheet over half the time this year!  We warned he wouldnt hit at advanced levels, and despite 18 HRs at AA, no one is getting too excited until Goldy gets called up and faces some pitching.  To his credit, fellow slugger Rich Poythress, who had similar high K numbers last year, similar low BA, and similar HUGE power numbers, has not been able to hold a candle to Goldy.  And the D’Backs system is developing perfectly.  AJ Pollock, Bobby Bochering, Matt Davidson, and Jarrod Parker are just a couple names in the deep ‘Zona system.  Goldy’s Chrome Autos are up 20% this week

10. 2011 Bowman Bryce Harper Orange Autographs /25

Harper is on fire again!  From milb.com:

Harper slammed a walk-off two-run homer in the 10th inning on Thursday, his second home run in as many days, as Class A Hagerstown rallied past Greenville, 9-8.

“It felt great,” Harper said. “I was looking for any pitch to drive and getting that pitch is huge.”

The Las Vegas native went 4-for-5 with a walk, helping push his average back up to .346 as he enters his third month in professional baseball. The huge game comes a day after Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo’s comments regarding the phenom’s potential future this year.

“He’s having a terrific season [at Hagerstown],” Rizzo told MLB.com on Wednesday. “I like the setup he has there — he’s very comfortable in his surroundings and has a great staff around him.”

Harper, who hit .333 in April and .330 in May, will be promoted at some point this season, Rizzo said. Many feel the right fielder could move straight to Double-A Harrisburg.

“I don’t see him staying [at Class A] for the entire season,” Rizzo said. “He’ll be moved at some time. We’re just not at the point where he’s ready to move yet.”

The Greenville Drive might have wished he was missing Thursday. The Boston affiliate tied the game with two runs in the ninth and then took the lead on Henry Ramos’ RBI single in the 10th.

Hagerstown came right back in the bottom of the frame as Adrian Sanchez hit a leadoff double and Harper followed with a game-winning drive to left off Tyler Lockwood, a reliever he singled off of in the eighth.

“Sanchy got a hit before me and that was big. I hit a changeup away,” Harper said. “[Lockwood] had a good two-seamer that was sinking. The time up before he gave me a fastball that I handled to left.

“I came up confident to see the breaking ball in the next at-bat,” he added, “and got the change.”

The clutch shot came a day after Harper clubbed a two-run homer in the third inning of Wednesday’s 14-12 slugfest loss to the Drive. He ranks second among Class A batters in homers (13) and RBIs (41).

The 2010 No. 1 overall Draft pick had slumped — by Bryce Harper standards — down to a .320 average last week (he was 4-for-30 from May 22-30) after flirting with reaching .400 earlier in the month. He’s been on a roll entering June, though, with 10 hits in his last four games.

The converted catcher worked his average to as high as .396 on May 11 after his first career four-hit effort.

“Finally,” Harper said after the win, “the ball rolled our way.”

The sky’s the limit

11. 2011 Bowman Retail Michael Pineda Autograph

12. 2008 Bowman Brad Peacock Refractors

Brad Peacock, RHP, Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg): 6.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 9 K

That line is actually from Wednesday, but I didn’t hear from a scout about the game until yesterday afternoon. Few pitchers have been more impressive of late, as Peacock has whiffed 33 over 19.2 innings in his last three outings while allowing just nine hits and four walks, and the stuff is backing up the numbers. The 23-year-old is not overwhelming physically, but with super-fast arm action, he’s consistently sitting in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball, and the pitch plays up from there due to his ability to locate and use both sides of the plate. He’ll flash a good curve ball and decent change, and even with secondary pitches that lag a bit behind, he projects as a number three starter with room to grow if his arsenal does.

13. 2010 Bowman Platinum Gerrit Cole Auto /740

Pre-Draft hype moved these from $27 to $42 this week.  He’ll most likely go #5 or #6.

14. 2009 Elite Joe Kelly Autographs

Joe Kelly, RHP, Cardinals (High-A Palm Beach): 7.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 9 K. Second straight start where he’s had a no-hitter after seven; plus-plus sinker but doesn’t always control it well.

15. 2006 Bowman Draft Clayton Kershaw Refractor Autos

Dominating NL hurler has seen this card jump $20 this week.

Honorable Mentions:

- 2009 Elite Tyler Skaggs Autos- Leads AA in Ks

-                     2010 Bowman Chrome Shelby Miller and Zack Cox Autos- Both promoted to AA this week

-                     2011 Bowman EXCH Prospect Card (Jared Cosart Auto)- Top 10 prospect in 2012.

-                     2011 Bowman Platinum Wax Presells- Harper will be in here and not as hard to pull as Bowman

-                     2010 Elite Tyler Thornburg Autos- 1.31 ERA good for 4th in all the minors

-                     2010 Robbie Erlin Cards- He’s so far ahead of anyone else in WHIP and BAA, its real scary

-                     All Francisco Lindor Cards- He may go #2 in the draft

-                     Alex Cobb Cards- AAA Era leader getting MLB starts for the Rays

-                     2010 Bowman DJ LeMahieu Autographs- called up to the show this week

-                     2011 Gypsy Queen Prince William / Kate Middleton Relic Card- Never heard of them.

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Atlanta Sports Cards Weekly Baseball Card Hot Sheet

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Written by ASC Writer James Kennedy and ASC Contributor/MLB scout Jimmy Graham

“March of the Prospects”

The average age of a Major League Baseball player has risen 30% since steroid testing began.  More and more youngsters are getting called up early: It was huge news this week when Eric Hosmer of the Royals and Julio Teheran of the Braves were called up the Big Show this week.  However, it’s a former second-round top prospect that is dealing in a small market in the AL West that everyone has their eye on this week.  Its taken a 6-0 start and the AL Lead in ERA and WHIP for people to finally take notice of this week’s #1.  We mentioned him 2 weeks ago on the Hot Sheet as “Cards to Watch.”  This feature, which we continue this week, showcases 5 cards who SHOULD be moving on Ebay, but for one reason or another, are not.  The 15 players you read here, are ranked on performance, hobby love, and Ebay movement in the last 7-14 days.  So without further ado….

1. 2007 Bowman Chrome Trevor Cahill Autographs

2. 2008 Upper Deck USA Eric Hosmer Autographs

Hosmer, who is the #5 prospect coming into the year in our Top 100, was raking in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League at AAA Omaha.  With an On Base % well over .500, the Royals had no choice but to give the kid a shot.  Coming into tonight (the 11th), he was 3-12, but had walked 4 times showing his excellent eye.  Collectors though, need to see meatier stats, and they came tonight in a big way.  AJ Burnett had given up just 1 hit to the Royals through 7 innings tonight.  That 1 hit was a Hosmer home run.  In the 9th, with KC down 2-1 to the Yanks, Hosmerdrew a lead-off walk, only to be driven in to tie the game with 2 outs by Jeff Francouer.  And if that wasn’t enough, the One Man Band hit a deep fly ball in the 11th, good for a Game Winning RBI sac-fly.  Whew.  Imagine Hosmer’s output when he is surrounded by almost-as-good hitters such as Mike Moustakas, and Wil Myers.  Right now, Hosmer’s ABsremain Must See TV.  His cards are simply through the roof.  In the last week, the USA card pictured above has surged from $45 to $65.  His dual USA auto with Justin Smoak is up 75%.  his Razor Letterman, which have always sat around $25-$30, are  doing $40 plus for the unnumbereds, and asking prices are $80 for the copies /20.  Hosmer’sRazor non-Letterman cards (his auto /699, his unnumbered razor auto, and his Metal Razor Autos), have topped out at $40- both recently, and about 3 months ago.  But just before the call-up, they could be found for $12-$13, so you had to time Hosmer’s ascent just perfectly.  Oddly enough, most of Hosmer’s cards were as high as they are now in the off season, as Top 100 lists had him so high across the board, his cards jumped some 500%.  The steak meets the sizzle today though, as Hosmer has arrived in the big leagues, seemingly for good.

3. 2010 Elite Extra Edition Robbie Erlin Autographs

Kevin Goldstein, my favorite writer, summed up Robbie Erlin better than anyone has been yet to do.  I’ll let him tell the story: “It was a week of no-hitters in the big leagues, and while Erlinhasn’t quite thrown one, he has been the least hittable pitcher in the minors this year; after six starts, the Carolina League is batting a paltry .115 against him. On Friday, he went seven innings and gave up one hit. His last three starts have been even crazier: He has allowed just four hits over 21 innings (4-for-67) with one walk and 24 strikeouts. That’s a 0.24 WHIP for you numbers folks. At the beginning of the year, he was one of the just-missed players from my Top 101 prospects, as he’s just 5-foot-11 and has no more than average velocity. With each start giving more reassurance that he’ll reach his ceiling as a good third starter, that lack of inclusion is looking more like a mistake.” Kevin, if you noticed, referenced how he didn’t include Erlin in his “Top 101.”  That’s the reason why his cards are still affordable.  Because he wasn’t the only one to leave him off his list.  But how could anyone do this, when the just-turned-20 year old Erlin led the Minors in ERA in 2010?  Amazing.  Scouts get hung up on projectability.  How tall is he?  Can he throw 99?  That is more important than, “What’s his ERA?”  Or, “What’s his BB/K rate?”  Both Jimmy Graham, my co-writer, and myself had Erlin in our Top 100- Graham had him at 42 and I had him at 29.  Did we know something others don’t?  Probably not.  Everyone could see his leading ERA and 19 year old age at the time.  We just look at things differently.  We’ll take the guy who’s proved they can hang over the guy who has 80-grade attributes across the board but has never played any day.

4. 2010 Bowman Anthony Rizzo Gold Refractor Auto /50

Two of the three players to rank ahead of Triple-A Tucson’s Anthony Rizzo(Padres) in the Pacific Coast League batting race also play first base—and both the Royals’ Eric Hosmer and the Blue Jays’ David Cooper have been called to the big leagues in the past week. The 21-year-old Rizzocontinues doing his part to get that same call. He batted 10-for-31 (.323) this week with two homers, three doubles, a triple (.677 slugging) and 13 RBIs. His eagerness to please also was apparent with nine strikeouts and zero walks. Regardless, Rizzo leads the PCL (or shares the lead) in six categories: home runs (10), RBIs (43), hits (48), slugging (.741), extra-base hits (22) and total bases (91).  This card sold at $300 this week….its orange counterpart, which always sells for more, sold at $300 just a week ago.

5. All Drew Pomeranz Autographs

Pomeranz’ season to date:

His cards are all up this week following the Ole Miss star’s 6thstraight effort giving up 4 hits or under.  With a 1.27 ERA, and a .162 AVE against, Pomeranz fastest moving card seems to be his Bowman Sterling Auto, which has jumped from $6 to $15 + s/h this week.  His cards won’t stay even that cheap for long.

6. 2009 Finest Letterman Gaby Sanchez Autograph (RC)

Crazy card movement of the week:  About a week ago, a copy of this card, #d to 170, sold for $3 and change.  The last few to go off have been around $20, with one as high as $30.  That’s a 1000% increase for those keeping score.  While many thought it would be Mike Stanton providing the power for the Marlins, it has been Gaby, who’s  first cards are in 2004 Bowman Draft.

7. 2011 Gypsy Queen Evan Longoria Short Print Autograph

Gypsy Queen has held its value like no product I’ve tracked in a while.  Maybe it’s because Topps is taking so long in between releases.  It just makes us think 2011 Bowman, out in 6 days, will be a monster product.  These Longoria cards, despite being short-printed, have surged 25%-50% since his return.  His true RC, 2006 Bowman Draft is also up significantly, but most of those haven’t been listed as auctions, but rather Buy It Nows, and there just aren’t enough “completed listings” to give our readers an accurate portrayal of the actual dollar increase, but we can say, with full confidence, that the 2006 Bowman Draft Auto has risen as well.

8. 2010 Bowman Chrome Jeurys Familia Refractor Auto /500

9. 2008 Donruss Threads Alex Cobb Autograph /999

Cobb has barely been touched this year at AAA-Durham, and has made a MLB spot start in which he looked pretty good.  His stats on the year:

The 2 starts in bold represent his 2 starts since the last hot sheet.  Because of that, his 08 Threads has moved from an average of $2 to and average of $9.

10. 2008 Razor David Cooper Autographs

Cooper, a Razor exclusive, could be bought for 99 cents before being called up this week by the Jays.  Now, any base Cooper Razor is doing at least $8 dlvd.  And if you haven’t noticed, Razor is getting hotter and hotter….

11. 2010 Bowman Platinum Allen Webster Green Refractor Auto /199

12. 2008 Upper Deck Eric Surkamp Autographs

13. 2010 Bowman Julio Teheran Autographs

14. 2009 Bowman Chrome Michael Pineda Blue Refractor /150

Pineda has an Ebay user with a name something like “PinedaBuyer,”  who seems to be on a mission to buy all Pineda refractors, no matter the price, driving the whole market up significantly.  I have already sold him most of my Pineda’s. taking HUGE gains from where I bought them in the off season.  I picked up this card in a BGS 9.5 holder for $60 in the off season….they are now asking $350 at Buy it Nows on Ebay.   The last raw went off at $215.

15. 2009 Elite Extra Edition Louis Coleman Autographs

Recent call-up has gone from .99 to over $8 dlvd.

BONUS HOT CARDS TO WATCH

A) 2010 BOWMAN DRAFT BRYCE BRENTZ AUTOGRAPHS

MAY 11, 2011.  Courtesy of Milb.com:  “Red Sox first-round pick Bryce Brentzflirted with the cycle while extending his hitting streak to 23 games on Wednesday night, but Class A Greenville fell at Asheville, 10-8.

The 36thoverall pick in the 2010 Draft went 4-for-5 withhis eighthhomer, a double and four RBIs. He’s 10-for-16 with two longballs, four doubles and eight RBIs in his last three games and has collected a hit in 31 of his 32 games this season. He went 0-for-6 with three strikeouts at Savannah on April 16.

After striking out to end the first inning, Brentz homered in the third, doubled in the fifth and singled in the seventh and ninth. It was the first four-hit game of his pro career.

Brentz led the way, but it was a good night for offense all around with the two teams combining for 29 hits. Drive first baseman Miles Head went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles while Lucas LeBlanc delivered a two-run blast and a single.

Five Tourists collected multiple hits and Asheville combined for a pair of homers and five doubles. Leadoff man Rafael Ortega contributed a go-ahead three-run shot in the eighth.”

Brentz is at the breaking point in the hobby where you probably don’t have much time left to pick up any nice Brentz cards at an affordable price.   When we did price research for the Hot Sheet Wednesday night, we didn’t see much upward movement in Brentz’ cards since last week.  The Hot Sheet went to press before his May 11th line came in:  If we had waited another hour or two to go to press, Brentz, who had 4 hits, flirted with the cycle, and extended his hitting streak to 23 games, would definitely have made the Top 15- somewhere about #6 or #7.  If at this time next week, Brentz’ streak is at 30 games, he will most likely land atop the Hot Sheet- This may be your last weekend to scoop up any and all Brentz autos at shows, before his price goes in the stratosphere.

B) 2010 EEE PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT AUTOGRAPHS

Paul Goldschmidt, like Brentz, was in the midst of a huge accomplishment as we went to press.  Late last night, Goldy hit his Minor League leading 13th home run for the Diamondbacks AA affiliate.  He’s days away from a promotion to AAA; possibly to the Majors.  Goldschmidt’s cards have slowly- but surely- climbed in value since he started raking back in Spring Training.  Goldschmidt, who’s autographed RCs are in 2010 Elite, and 2010 Bowman Platinum, has a couple other cheaper alternatives, namely, 2011 Tristar Pursuit Autographs, and 2011 ITG Autographs.  Goldy has plus plus power, but no other tools rate higher than average.  Finally, keep in mind Goldschmidt does not have any 2010 Bowman Chrome autos.  He is however, slated to be in 2011 Bowman, as an autographed chrome card.  This may trump his 2010 releases.

Here’s a poker analogy for you Hold ‘Em players (if you don’t play poker, just skip this one!):  having Goldy’s 2010 autos are like having 8-8 heads up vs Ace-2 off suit.  You’re a huge favorite preflop, and your opponent doesn’t pair his ace!  The board comes J-J-K-K-4.  The board is like the 2011 Bowman Chrome Goldschmidt.  Even if you currently have a ton of Goldschmidt’s2010 releases, and no matter how hot he is, they are likely to go down when the 2011 Bowman Chrome is released, thus “trumping” the 2010 releases.  Same withyour pocket 8s.  The “board” makes the player with Ace-2 win, “trumping” your 8-8.  Your opponent uses the J-J-K-K and his ace.  You have to use the J-J-K-K with one of your 8′s, thus making your pocket 8s worthless.  Bad luck?  Absolutely.  Same goes with your 2010 Goldschmidt autos.  You did everything right, buying them cheap, but “Chrome is King.”

Some other examples of this is Starlin Castro’s 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie card.   The week before 2010 Bowman came out, 2009 Chrome Castros were bringing $25 apiece.  Fast forward a week: 2010 Bowman drops and Castro has a Chrome auto.  His 2009 non-auto (but real rookie card) drops overnight to $8 a copy, as EVERYONE puts their money into the 2010 issue.  Michael Pineda collectors, be forewarned: The same thing is about to happen to his 2009 Bowman Chrome RCs and parallels.  While refractors are commanding over $50, and blue refractors commanding $225, as soon as the 2011 Topps Chrome Pineda auto comes out, which will be his 1st licensed auto, the 09 releases will drop.  Pineda, although not announced yet, will most likely be in the 2011 Bowman Chrome Autograph Set, which comes out early August.  By this time, Pineda will have autos in 2011 Bowman Retail (out in 6 days), 2011 Topps Chrome, and 2011 Bowman Chrome.  If history repeats itself, the 2009 Bowman Chrome and Bowman Sterling issues, because they are not autographed, will almost surely drop in value.

“5 to watch”

“5 TO WATCH” IS THE PART OF THE HOT SHEET WHERE WE SHOW YOU 5 CARDS THAT DIDN’T GO UP IN VALUE THIS WEEK, BUT WE BELIEVE, SHOULD HAVE.  YOU COULD HAVE FOUND TREVOR CAHILL, THIS WEEK’S #1 HOTTEST CARD, IN THIS SECTION JUST 2 WEEKS AGO!

1. 2010 Bowman AFLAC Buyback Bryce Harper Autograph /230

Harper got off to a somewhat slow start, but in the past two weeks, he’s hammering pretty much anything over the plate. Since April 20 (a span of 13 games), Harper is hitting .467/.556/1.022 with seven doubles and six home runs. It’s right in line with what everyone expects from last year’s top draft pick, but it’s worth remembering that Harper is the third-youngest player in the league.

2. 2008 Donruss Threads Danny Duffy Autograph /499

From BA.com: Omaha has one of the best assemblages of prospect talent you’ll ever see, but that didn’t inoculate them against a slow start. Two weeks into the season, Omaha was 4-7 and several of the prospects, most notably Mike Moustakas, were struggling.

Fortunes can change quickly in baseball. Now, the Storm Chasers are working on a nine-game winning streak, and Thursday night was a great example of how they are getting it done. Duffy allowed only one hit while Moustakas homered twice and Eric Hosmer homered as well.

Duffy didn’t have any problems with a slow start—he’s working on a 15-inning scoreless streak, and he’s sporting an excellent 24-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

“He didn’t command his offspeed very well tonight,” Omaha manager Mike Jirschele told the Omaha World-Herald after his start Thursday night. “He threw enough for strikes, and when you’re throwing 94 to 96 (mph), it helps. He mixed his pitches well and for the most part kept the ball down in the zone.”

3. 2008 Playoff Contenders Tyler Chatwood Autograph SP

Chatwood pitched great tonight: 6.1 IP, 8 H, ER, BB, 3K’S.  He left with the lead, but Walden blew it and Chatwood got his 5th straight ND.

4. 2010 Elite Extra Edition Jedd Gyorko Autographs

From BA.com:  Team:  high Class A Lake Elsinore (California)
Age: 22,  Last 7 days: .407/.515/.704 (11-for-27), 2 HR, 2 2B, 6 RBIs, 6 R, 6 BB, 2 SO
Playing every other day at third base, Gyorkohas thrived as the Storm’s No. 3 hitter, leading the club with five homers, 24 RBIs, 17 walks and a 1.098 OPS. (He shifts to DH on days Edinson Rincon plays the hot corner.) A middle infielder in college, Gyorkohas endure typical growing pains at third base, committing four errors in 14 games. But with a .326 average and .400 on-base percentage through 96 pro games, he clearly has a feel for hitting that could carry him to Double-A before the year is through.

5. 2008 Razor “Exclusive” MLB Stars- Justin Smoak, Brett Wallace, and Jordan Lyles

Lyles:  Lyles continues to pitch well beyond his years, carving up hitters nearly a decade older than him despite not having a mid-90s fastball to throw by them. Lyles compensates by spotting his fastball, using an advanced changeup and mixing in an improving breaking ball to keep putting away hitters. Though he’s probably one of the five best starting pitchers in the organization right now, there’s no rush for the Astrosto bring him up to Houston yet. Still, with a 3.55 ERA and a 28-8 K-BB mark in 33 innings, it has to be tempting.

Thanks to Baseball America and Kevin Goldstein from Baseball Prospectus for some of the best insights in the game.

VERY SPECIAL CONGRATS TO OUR BOSS, JOSH PANKOW, ON GETTING MARRIED!  HIS NEW WIFE MEGAN WAS A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!  YOU’RE A LUCKY GUY, JOSH!  I WISH NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR THE BOTH OF YOU, AND HOPE YOU’RE LOVING YOUR HONEYMOON!  THIS ARTICLE IS DEDICATED TO YOU BOTH!- YOUR FRIEND, JAMIE K

Incoming search terms:

• Eric Hosmer S letterman card
• greens corner atlanta sports cards

Well baseball fans, this is what we’ve been waiting for!  On the heels of other Top 100 prospects being promoted to bigs- Tyler Chatwood, Alex White, Alex Cobb to name a few….here comes the two biggest all year.  #3 overall Julio teheran starts tomorrow for Braves, and #4 overall Eric Hosmer starts tonight at 1B.

Pick up ANY and ALL cards of these  2 stars, and add them to your fantasy rosters!

James Kennedy

Best cards: 2009 Bowman Chrome and Bowman Sterling Teheran (non-autos), and 2010 Bowman teheran autos.  Hosmer:  2008 UD USA, 2006 AFLAC non-auto, and 2008 Razor Hosmer autographs.

Good luck! 

Incoming search terms:

• hosmer bowman auto

Atlanta Sports Cards  

Weekly Hot Sheet, Thursday, May 5 2011

By James Kennedy, ASC Writer with contributions from Jim Graham, MLB Scout and ASC Contributor

 Hello.  Lots going on in baseball this week.  I want to apologize up front for the lack of pictures and comments:  they will be added throughout the day, as I am using new software to produce these!  For now, here are the hottest cards of the week:

1.     2010 Bowman Draft Manny Machado Autographs

 Mr. Machado’s Bowman Draft autos, which had trickled downward in price after a slow start, have caught fire because of his 2 week home run binge.  Last year’s #3 overall pick, has seen his Bowman Autos gain 40-80% in the last week.

UPDATE:  Machado was carted off the field late last night, throwing a wrench into this breakout performance of the year.  There is no word on how badly he is hurt, but it would be a shame if his season ended in the midst of some of the best hitting seen in years from a SS prospect.

2.     All Andre Ethier Autographs

Nothing like a 29-game hit streak to blow up card prices.  His 2005 Topps Chrome rookie advanced from $25 to $50 in the last week, and the card pictured above advanced from $15 to $30, with refractors /199 advancing 100% this week as well.  If the streak hits 30 tonight, one has to think about profit-taking as its unlikely, as great as Ethier is, that the streak lasts too much longer.

3.     2008 Elite Jake Marisnick Autograph

Marisnick has absolutely blown up this week, from $3-$5 to about $20 for the card above.  Kevin Goldstein, the most respected Minor League mind in cyberspace, adds this: “ A third-round pick in 2009, Marisnick was one of those all tools/no skills types when he signed, and he looked totally lost last year in a late-season assignment to Lansing, hitting just .220/.298/.339 in 34 games. Returning to the Midwest League for this season, he looks like a changed man, as after going 5-for-11 with a double and a home run over the weekend, he’s batting a whopping .350/.447/.575 in his first 22 games. The tools certainly back up the numbers, as he’s a tall, sculpted athlete with strength, speed, an outstanding arm, and as much pure upside as anyone in the system. It’s not enough of a sample to officially label this a breakout, but it’s one of the most intriguing April performances in all of the minors.”

4.     2008 Upper Deck USA Eric Hosmer Autographs

Now that Hosmer has been called up, and Machado is hurt, consider Hosmer to be the hottest name in the Hobby.  3 cards should be considered:  2006 Topps AFLAC Promo (see supplemental Hot Sheet), the Razor cards (both the on-card autos and the letterman autos), and the 2008 Uper Deck USA issues.  Because of a 3-year exclusive deal with Razor, its only now, as he debuts tonight for the Royals, that Topps can include RC Logo autographs, which probably wont debut until later on this year, so for now, collectors only have a few cards to choose from.

5.     2009 Sterling Alex White Autograph

White, the Indians’ top pitching prospect, made his debut this week, looking sharp, and showcasing a 95 mph fastball, and a sinker that is considered one of the best in the game.  He has great command, and has a 4-seamer that runs in on right handed hitters, jamming them consistently.  With no slider though, right-handed batters don’t need to worry about pitches tailing away, just dropping down or running inside. After shutting down the Detroit lineup the 1st time though, Miguel Cabrera and Grady Sizemore were able to make adjustments, and hit solo homers, the only runs White gave up.  His sterling cards, which have never topped $5, have varied from $10-$25 on Ebay this week.

6.     All 2001 Topps Heritage Chrome Commons

With Topps’ 60th anniversary promotion in full swing, ’52 Topps cards are getting more and more looks.  In 2001, Topps Heritage used the 1952 design.  Inserted were these Chrome versions which are selling at many times Beckett value.  Check them out on Ebay- they are one of the few parallels in the last 10 years where commons are commanding over $25.  Props to FCB for pointing this out!

7.      2010 Bowman Hak-Ju Lee Cards

 Lee missed the opening of the season with chicken pox but showed no ill effects once he was able to take the field for his high Class A debut. A big part of the Rays-Cubs Matt Garza trade last winter (along with Chris Archer), Lee accumulated five multi-hit games this week, including a 4-for-5 night Tuesday that saw him fall a triple short of the cycle.  His cards are up 50% across the board, with his 2010 Sterling Black /25 doing $60 recently.

8.     2010 Bowman JR Murphy Autograph

Murphy seems to always be overlooked in the Yankee system because of their crowded Catcher prospects.  Murphy is having a breakout year though, and his cards remain cheap.  When typing his name in Ebay, make sure you type both “JR” and “J.R.” for his first name, as they are listed differently.  His cards are up 20-30%, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

9.    All Bryce Harper Autographs

Harper is finally hot!  From Baseball America:  Last 7 days: .520/.586/.760 (13-for-25), 1 HR, 1 3B, 1 2B, 3 RBIs, 6 R, 4 BB, 3 SO, 2-for-5 SB
The Scoop: Harper got off to a somewhat slow start, but in the past two weeks, he’s hammering pretty much anything over the plate. Since April 20 (a span of 13 games), Harper is hitting .467/.556/1.022 with seven doubles and six home runs. It’s right in line with what everyone expects from last year’s top draft pick, but it’s worth remembering that Harper is the third-youngest player in the league.  All his cards remain hot, and his numbers add fuel to the fire to upcoming releases: 2011 Bowman, 2011 Bowman Platinum, 2011 Topps Pro Debut.

10.   2011 Gypsy Queen Auto Relic Jose Bautista

Bautista seems to be the real deal.  This card is tough to come by, but is selling VERY strong when available.  Also, his 2010 Platinum Relic Autos have surged 200% in the last 2 weeks.

Honorable Mentions:

11)   2010 Bowman Jaff Decker Autographs

12)   2009 Elite Extra Tyler Skaggs Autograph

13)    2010 Bowman Anthony Rizzo Autographs

14)    Prince William/Kate Middleton 2011 Gypsy Queen Relic

15)    All 2010 Bryce Brentz Autographs

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• atlanta sportscards weekly

Daily Minor League Update

Monday, May 2^nd

Written by James Kennedy, ASC Writer.

With Jameson Taillon, last year’s #2 draft pick, pitching at home for only his 2^nd pro start, and considering he only went 2 IP due to inclement weather last week in his debut, I figured I’d travel to the modern Mecca of the USA, central West Virginia, to see the powerless West Virginia Power.  Taillon went just 4 IP (52 pitches), but impressed from the get-go.  The stadium is enormous for a Minor League stadium, so Taillon should put up great numbers this year.  I was taken aback by how much he uses his fastball, especially on 0-2 and 1-2 counts.  His secondary pitches had plenty of movement but were thrown sparsely.  When he did, he would tighten up and throw wild….so clearly Jameson needs more seasoning, Born in November 1991, the 19 year old probably should have spent more time in extended spring training.  With his 100 mph fastball, he’ll dominate the South Atlantic League.  But I wouldn’t shell out top dollar for Taillon…..my prediction is that he hits some road bumps on his road to The Show; when he does, pick up some autos.  Until then, it’s a gamble at these prices.

Manny Machado is absolutely on fire.  His cards were expensive to start….after a cold start though, they’ve roared back to all time high prices.  If you get a chance to pick up any Machado cards at reasonable prices (this may be a pipe dream), don’t bat an eye. Standouts last night:

Jordan Henry, CF, AA-Cleveland

5-5, 2 SB

Henry is heating up, with 9 hits in the last 3 games.  Throw in multi-SB games, and Mr. Henry is now a prospect to watch.  His lone auto is in the red hot 2010 Bowman Platinum Set.  We will feature Henry tomorrow as part of our Bowman Platinum 9-spot.  Interesting sleeper here.

Bryce Harper, LoA-Washington

3-3, 2B, 2 BB

Harper’s en fuego, and I can’t think of any better news for our beloved hobby.  His first pro cards drop live this month in Bowman and Pro Debut.  Expect 2010 Strasburg like madness if Harper stays this hot.   After an ice cold start, Harper’s last 10 games have produced a downright scary line:  16 for 32 with 5 homers, 13 RBIs, 6 doubles, 8 walks to 7 Ks, and 2 steals for good measure.  Slow out of the gate, Harper and Machado are showing exactly why they were the first 2 position players taken.

Shelby Miller, HiA-St Louis

6 IP, 4H, ER, 3 BB, 10 K, W (1)

His chromes are at all-time highs.  Why not pick up the 09 Elite rookie.  It precedes the Chrome by a year, and is in fairly short supply.  There’s way more room to move on the Elite than the bank breaking 2010 Chromes.

Josh Vitters, AA-Chicago NL

2-4, 2B, HR (4)

Batting .241

His cards are cold, and for good reason. While still young, he is streaky at best, and those streaks are too few and far between.

SLEEPER ALERT!

Eric Surkamp, San Francisco

6 IP, 2H, ER, 2 BB, 10K

His only auto lies in 2008 Upper Deck USA, and I’ve heard more and more respected dealers talking about Surkamp lately.  The high strikeout total isn’t an aberration- this kid can deal.

Dan Robinson, AA-San Diego

Hits for cycle today

Jameson Taillon, A-Pittsburgh

4 IP, 2H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6K

Clearly overmatches Low A hitters; he wont be in Charlestown, West Virginia for long.  This state is so spacious (aka nothing to do….anywhere), he may pitch better just to pitch somewhere else.  (I apologize if you live in WV.   Really sorry [about having to live there.]  Unless you’re a Mountain Man.)

Alex Liddi, AA-Seattle

HR (5)

The Italian Stallion is young despite being in his 4^th pro season, and has pop….but doesn’t show any plus skills anywhere else.

CAN’T MISS MLB SUPERSTAR

Eric Hosmer, AAA-Kansas City

3-4, BB, batting .422

He barely has any cards, nevermind auto’d ones.  He’s so good, he may save 2008 Razor.  His USA autos are over $50 for the fairly common on-card version.  His Razor contract (like many top 2008 draftees) have kept him from signing any other cards.  While $50 seems ridiculous for a USA on-card auto, its purely a supply and demand thing.  Demand that your favorite sellers give you a break on some Hosmers.  Then supply them with the moolah.  Hosmer is as can’t-miss as it gets.

Kevin Pucetas, AAA-Kansas City

6 IP, 4H, ER, 2 BB, 6K

In 07 he was BA’s “Pitcher of the Year.”  In 2008, he won the Cal league’s Pitcher of the Year, with a 3.00 ERA, which actually is a phenomenal stat considering every park in the league plays like Coors Field.  He also was featured in the Futures Game that year.  Pucetas was well on his way to a stellar career before his confidence was shattered after he posted a 5+ ERA in the even less pitcher-friendly PCL in 09.  He repeated his stint in the PCL in 2010, but by then he had pitched a remarkable 650 innings in his brief minor league career. Now starting over with the Royals org, he has started 3 games and pitched 3 in relief.  His dead arm has been defibrillated evidently, as his ERA is only is 1.96, and he has struck out 20 and only walked 5 in 23 innings.  This is Pucetas’ last chance as he’s 26 years old.  But don’t count him out yet.  He may be the next “back from the dead” prospect; something that has been a theme so far in the minors this year.

JD Martinez, AA-Houston

2-4, 2R, HR (3), 4 RBI (27)

This kid’s bat is dangerous.  One of Houston’s top prospects, don’t rule out seeing him in an Astros uniform by years end.  His 27 RBI’s pace double A.

EARLY HOT SHEET FAVORITE

Manuel Machado, A-Baltimore

2-3, R, RBI, batting .349

Manuel “Manny” Machado started his pro career a tad slow, but lately there isn’t anyone hotter.  7 of his last 10 games have been multi-hit efforts, with 5 HRs in his last 8 games.  In that span, he is hitting.500 with 13 RBIs and an OPS of 1.870.  His Bowman Draft autos are through the roof.  Pass on those for now, as they are in excess of $100.  Opt instead for the short printed Elite auto- its less money and far more short printed.

Last 10 games:

NAME TO KNOW NOW BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

Danny Rosenbaum, HiA, Washington

7 IP, 3H, 0ER, 3 BB, 4K.  Lowers ERA to 2.15 in 6 starts.

He’s so under the radar, its scary.  He’s put up good numbers every single year.

TRIPLE A KING OF THE WORLD AWARD

Brandon Belt, AAA-San Francisco

4-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI, SB

Since being demoted from the big club, Belt has shown why he is an elite prospect.  His average in 9 AAA games is a eye-gouging .517.  Is he the next Wade Boggs or Mat Gamel.  It’s really hard to tell.  If B-squared keeps this pace up even a little bit, his stay in AAA will be brief.  The bartender just made last call.  If you believe Belt WILL be a superstar, his lone rookie, the heralded 2009 Elite, is now at the lowest level it ever will be.

Incoming search terms:

• kevin pucetas nov 2011

Daily Minor League Update- Weekend Version

Games from April 26, 2011

By James Kennedy, ASC Writer

Editor of Invest-In-Cards.com

On Sunday, most teams had the day off, so we didn’t have a daily update.  Games resumed on Monday, and here are the top performers:

Kirk Nieuwenhuis, AAA-Mets

1-4, HR (3)

Alex White, AAA-Indians

5.2 IP, 5 H, ER, HR, 2 BB, 8K

White, who has the best sinker in the minors according to scouts, lowered his season ERA to 1.90.  He is a no-brainer investment:  his 2009 Draft Autos and Sterling Autos can still be found under $10.  5-star buy all night long here.

Julio Teheran, AAA-Atlanta

8 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 7K, W (2-0)

Teheran, considered by most to be the top pitching prospect in the minors, upped his ERA to 2.25 on the year; still not a bad start considering Teheran just turned 20.  He’s yet to give up a longball on the year, and his lone auto, yet another gem from 2010 Bowman, still sits around $40 per.  While that may seem pricey to some, the upside is huge, and we are still advising to buy copies while they’re still relatively affordable.  With 2010 Bowman Wax pretty much untouchable, cards like Teheran, Wil Myers, Nick Franklin, Grant Green,  JR Murphy, and Anthony Rizzo are very attractive buys on the market.

Eric Hosmer, AAA-Kansas City

3-4, R, RBI, SB

While many of the high profile KC prospects have struggles to live up to the ginormous hype bestowed upon them to start the year, Hosmer has been the exception.  While he is still developing power (1 HR, 10 RBI on year), he is still 21 years old, and has a .380 average on the year.  Hosmer doesn’t have 1 “key” card.  His USA autos, along with his 2008 Razor Autos remain good investments ($30 for USA, $15-$20 for the Razor), he also has a 2007 AFLAC promo ($30) which is a super-attractive buy.  This kid can hit, hit, hit.

Brad Hand, AA-Florida

6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4K

Not his best outing, this super-sleeper just turned 21, and has a fairly impressive 3.00 ERA on the year.  We love his bargain bin prices: his 08 Sterling/Elite Autos remain solid pickups.

DJ LeMahieu, AA-Cubs

2-4, batting .297 on year.

What’s so attractive about LeMahieu?  He had yet to have a good hitting year, but his skill set (and the fact that he’s a second base prospect that can hit), makes him worth a second look.  He has AFLAC buybacks that are very cheap ($15-$20), and the upside potential is there- it’s just a matter of when he blows up, not if.

Brett Jackson, AA-Cubs

0-4, batting .350 on the year.

Why do we include the O-fer on the update today?  Because any lull in his performance is a chance to buy.  Also included in 2010 Bowman (his true RC is 09 EEE), if you can pick either card up under $20, don’t hesitate, as Jackson is poised to be in the Cubs lineup by the start of 2012.

JD Martinez, AA-Houston

2-4, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI (22)

Martinez, an advanced hitter for AA, seems to crack the updates daily. His RBI and double totals are very high, and his average sits at an impressive .340, with an OPS near 1.000.  Pretty good for a prospect in the pitcher-friendly Texas league.  His lone auto, a box-topper redemption from 2010 Platinum is nowhere near where it should be ($15), and remains a 5-star buy.  His inclusion is 2011 Bowman should only heighten this tremendous hitter’s profile.

Tyler Matzek, HiA-Colorado

2 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 8 BB, 2K

Yikes.  Colorado’s top prospect has run into massive trouble in all 4 starts this year.  With his ERA hovering at 10.22, we worry about his future, but can’t help but to not overlook his AFLAC buyback (from 2009 Draft). The short printed card, which has neared $80 in the past, surely has hit rock bottom.  Take a chance: as long as there is no underlying injury, you have to employ the “buy low, sell high” adage that is so easy to overlook.  Not giving up on Matzek yet.

Bobby Bochering, HiA-Arizona

2-5, 3R, HR (3), RBI

Still waiting for the #3 prospect in the AZ system to heat up.  There are a lot of Bochering fans out there keeping prices fairly high ($8).

Arodys Vizcaino, HiA-Braves

3 IP, 6H, 3ER, BB, 2K

This is an awesome pitching prospect.  Now may be the time to pick up some 2010 Chrome Autos, or 2010 EEE autos.  Again, buy low, sell high is tough to pull off because the player is cold, but in some cases, it’s the best way to get wanted ROIs.

Incoming search terms:

• Eric Hosmer RAZOR letter card

Minor League Baseball Daily Update

By James Kennedy, Atlanta Sports Cards Writer

April 14th

Mike Antonini 6 IP, 0 ER, 4H, BB, 4K, W

Jeff Baisley 3-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI

Scott Barnes 7IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 10 K, W

Michael Bianucci 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB

Charlie Blackmon 4-6, HR, 2 RBI

Michael Burgess 2-4, (2B)

He may rack up HRs, but stay away from this strikeout king.  A title only good for a pitcher!

Tanner Bushue 8 IP, 0ER, 5H, 2BB, 4K, W

Also a favorite of many scouts, Bushue’s lone auto is 09 EEE.

PROSPECT OF THE DAY

Alex Cobb 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 10 Ks, W

Cobb (and his lone auto, 08 Threads) is one of our favorites.  Still chaep, you will be kicking yourself if you don’t pick some up.

Mark Cohoon 7IP, 0ER, 4H, BB, 4Ks

His short-printed, only-auto 2008 Elite Auto is a must-have despite his advancing age.

James Darnell 1-4, HR, 2RBI, BB

Jaff Decker 2-5, 2(2B), 3RBI

His 2010 Bowman EXCH Auto looking better and better.  Picking up the EXCH card and redeeming it yourself will a) cost less, and b) give you a factory fresh card.  We graded all 6 copies that we redeemed; all 6 came back BGS 9.5/10.

HITTING PROSPECT OF THE DAY

Nick Franklin 3-4, HR, RBI

Bizarrely enough, his 2009 Elite and 2010 Bowman Autos remain relatively cheap….for a power hitting SS….

Mat Gamel 3-4, RBI

This one time aging prospect can still rake….his 06 Sterlings are tough to come by.

Paul Goldschmidt 1-2, HR (5) , RBI, BB

We’ve consistently warned not too get too involved in rising Goldschmidt prices….our sentiment remains despite his 5^th HR….at this point, you’d have to pay $35 per auto….hes at an advanced age, and still far from MLB active duty….

A J Griffin 7.2IP, 0ER, H, 2BB, 9K, W

Eric Hacker 6IP, 0ER, 2H, 5K

Brad Hand 7IP, 0ER, 2H, BB, K, W

Bryce Harper 1-3, 2B, BB

Chris Hernandez 5IP, 0ER, H, BB, 7K,W

Pete Hissey 2-4, 2B, RBI, BB

A 2008 Razor exclusive, this is as low cost, high reward (because his letterman can be found under $1) as it gets.

Eric Hosmer 1-4, HR, RBI

Perfect time to invest:  Hosmer WILL blow up….will you have the cards (USA autos, 06 AFLAC promo, 2008 Razor) when he does?

Chad Jenkins 6IP, 0ER, 4H, 2BBs, 6Ks

Cody Johnson 2-4, HR, RBI

Former big-name power prospect should be ignored after spending 5 years in pro-ball and advancing in age.

Casey Kelly 6IP, ER, 3H, BB, 2Ks

His 2008 Razor (see a theme here?) are beaten down, yet he was the centerpiece to the Red Sox’ biggest trade of the offseason.

Bobby Lanigan 6IP, ER, 5H, 2BB, 4Ks, W

Another favorite of many a scout friend…. His 09 Chrome Auto wont cost you more than shipping and handling. Only for now.

J D Martinez 1-3, HR, 4RBI

This top prospect has a forthcoming 2011 Bowman Auto (check ASC.com next Wednesday for a Feature Article:  fellow scouts will help for a preview and scouting report of ALL forthcoming autos to be included in 2011 Bowman…JD is Tier 1.)

For now, his Box-Topper EXCH out of 2010 Platinum is a KEY pickup.

Will Middlebrooks 2-4, HR, RBI

Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2-4, 2B, RBI

Chris Owings 3-5, 2B

Another prospect with a 2010 Platinum Auto

Martin Perez 5IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BBs, 9Ks

His beaten down 2010 Bowman Autos should be considered for your portfolio.  This flamethrower eclipsed Teheran’s price when the product released a year ago.

Cesar Puello 2-4

A “lone-auto” guy, his 2010 Sterling Autos are back to affordable prices, despite Beckett up arrows.

Anthony Ranaudo 4IP, 0ER, 2H, 3BB, 5K

See yesterday’s Hot Sheet….this Top Prospect of the Red Sox is a must must have.

Trevor Reckling 5IP, 0ER, 2H, 2BB, 2K

Still 21, his lone auto is 2008 Threads.  Like Alex Cobb, many players stand out in 2008 Threads, because they dug deep for prospects and in turn created an “exclusive” auto feel.

Anthony Rizzo 2-5, HR, RBI

Clint Robinson 2-3, HR, RBI

Jerry Sands 3-5, 3B, RBI

Another 2010 Platinum Auto prospect

Joe Savery 2-4, 2B

The former pitcher (a la Rick Ankiel) continues to rake at crazy levels.  We’d advise to stay away no matter what his batting average is.

Patrick Schuster 7IP, 0ER, 2H, 2BB, 1K

Great outing for an auto that one would consider a “bad hit” out of 2010 Bowman.

Chris Seddon 7IP, 0ER, 2H, 2BB, 5K,

Ervin Magic Johnson 7IP, 0ER, 4H, 9K

Um, we mean, Jordan Swaggerty.  The former catcher has his first good outing in awhile dating back to last year. Keep in mind his 2010 Elite Auto, is really the NBA hall of famer’s ‘graph.  How DID that happen?  Hmmmm….

Julio Teheran 4IP, 1ER, 3H, 4BB, 3K

The 4 walks are a tad concerning, but keep in mind he’s still super-raw, and pitching at AAA for the first time.

Aaron Thompson 6IP, 0ER, 2H, 1BB, 5K, W

Jorge Vazquez 2-4, 2HR, 3RBI

Josh Vitters 2-4, 2 (2B), RBI, BB

Kyle Weiland 4.2IP, ER, 4H, 2BBs, 10Ks

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Atlanta Sports Cards

Daily Minor League Update

April 12^th, 2011

by: Jamie Kennedy

Jerry Sands, AAA-Albuquerque, Dodgers

2-5, 2B, HR (4), 5 RBIs, BB

He keeps homering, and homering, …you get it.  Bet on his card being on this week’s Hot Sheet.   Still decent buys, even at rising prices.

Jordan Lyles, AAA-Corpus Christi, Astros

4 IP, 2 ER, 6H, 0 BB, 4K

Lyles, despite an average line tonight, is major league ready, and will be up sooner than not.  Take advantage of Razor’s low profile, and pick up some Razor Lyles Cards (the numbered ones are more desirable).  Metal Versions, which vary in P/R’s but never exceed 200 on the regulars, 100 on the blues, and 25 on the golds, are all deep sleeper, high reward buys. 5-star buy (last one, pictured above, sold for $7 even)

Andrew Brackman, AAA-Scranton W-B, Yankees

5 IP, 3 ER, 5H, 3 BB, 2Ks, no decision.

Ben Revere, AAA-Minnesota

3-4, BB, SB

Jesus Montero, Scranton W-B AAA, Yankees

3-5, 2B

How long will his autos remain low?  Answer:  Not for long.  He’s next after Lyles for being a “sure-fire” call-up in 2011.  Lotta options for his autos.  Autos: 4 star buys

We will keep showing despite off nights….for now.

Bryce Harper, A-Hagerstown, Nationals

0-4, 3Ks, (.211 on year)

Mike Olt, Rangers

2-4, HR (.583 BA on year)

Card pictured is looking more attractive, eh? 4 star buy.

Kyle Heckathorn, Brevard County, Hi-A Brewers

7IP, ER, 7H, 0 BB, 6KS, W

Manny Machado, Orioles

0-5, K (batting .350 on year)

Anthony Bass, AA-San Antonio, Padres

5.2 IP, 0 ER, BB 7 Ks, W (1.54 ERA for year)

Not a young guy, he’s still has a huge fan in a scout friend of mine.  These couldn’t be much lower ($1 for base auto, $20 for card above)

Jaff Decker, AA-San Antonio, Padres

3-4, 2 (2B), HR (3), BB, 2 RBIs

Beamer Weems, AA-San Antonio, Padres

3-5, 2 RBI

Wil Myers, AA-NW Arkansas, Royals

3-5, 2B, 3 RBIs, BB, SB (.333)

Derrick Robinson, AA- NW Arkansas, Royals

3-6, 2 RBIs

Mike Montgomery, AAA-Omaha, Royals,

4 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BBs, 5Ks

Matt Harvey, Hi-A Port St Lucie, Mets

6 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BBs, 8 Ks, W (0.00 ERA in starts)

His cards remain cheap at auction; savvy dealers have high priced Buy It Nows.  If he has another strong outing, how long can they stay at $7, like the card above?

Mike Minor, AAA-Gwinett, Braves

6 IP, 2 ER , 6H, BB, 9 Ks

After a so-so MLB start, Minor shows why he is a strikeout king in the Minors.  Brendan Beachy may have beat him out of his spot for now, but it won’t be long before he’s a successful starter in Atlanta.  Pick up 09 Bowman Chrome Autos now; theyre probably as low as they ever will be.

Interesting option above: a 2008 Sweet Spot USA ($20-$25 when put up for auction)

Bryan Morris, Pirates

6 IP,4 H, 0 ER, BB, 3 Ks (1.74 ERA in 2 starts)

Great Sleeper. 2007 Elite Autos are dirt cheap.  4 star buy.

Jacob Turner, AA, Tigers

7 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, BB, 4 Ks

Bryce Brentz, Low-A Greenville, Boston

2-4 HR (2), 3 RBI, BB

Already more HRs than last year, Brentz’ 2010 Draft Autos, and EEE Autos remain fair ($10-$15).  He’s better than Ellsbury and look at his prices.  4 ½ star buy.

PROSPECT OF THE DAY:

Mike Trout, AA-Arkansas, Angels

3-4, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, BB, GS

Everyone’s #1 or #2 overall, his cards remain high despite a slow start.  Tonight’s performance will keep interest high, but his high prices

Dillon Gee, AAA-Buffalo, Mets

7 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BBs, 4Ks, W

Brett Pill, AAA-Fresno, San Fancisco

4-4, HR, 2B, 4 RBI (.560 AVE for year)