C: Brian McCann (Braves)
The Rookie Card: 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs are the one to have falling in the $35-60 range the last couple months.
The Player: Having a very solid season batting .310+ and on pace to set a career high in HR’s. Not a lot of competition in the NL for this spot outside of Yadier Molina since Buster Posey went down.
1B: Prince Fielder (Brewers)
The Rookie Card: My personal favorite is his 2002 Prospect Premieres XRC Auto. It was a very good looking set and had a lot of quality players in it. He also has 2005 Leaf Limited,Ultimate Collection, SP Authentic, Bowman Sterling and SPX Autographed RC’s that draw a lot of attention.
The Player: The 27 year old is on pace to hit over .300 for the first time in his career. He and the other Brewer’s All-Stars lead an early season surge to first place in the NL Central but have stumbled on the road especially leading to a very tight Central race at the break.
2B: Rickie Weeks (Brewers)
The Rookie Card: Another 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft mate, this card is not a tough one to find in a BGS slab so pick one up before the Brew Crew make the playoffs.
The Player: He still strikes out a lot for your typical second baseman but the fans have really gotten behind Weeks this season and made him an All-Star. He’s not even on pace to do much better than last year.
SS: Jose Reyes (Mets)
The Rookie Card: 2001 Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome Traded are his best with Bowman Chrome being the most valuable by far. Both of them are very cool and also very centering sensitive when graded. If you think you have a gem send that baby in. Use the Group BGS submission at FCB!
The Player: Having an amazing year in his “contract” year has caused skepticism in some fans but it doesn’t really matter in the end. He was doing very well until an injury derailed his hot start a week or so before the break landing him on the DL. After all it wouldn’t be baseball season without Reyes on the DL.
3B: Placido Polanco (Phillies)
The Rookie Card: He only has a couple but the best one is a 2001 Leaf Rookies and Stars RC that is short printed. Even being short printed these are very cheap so if you’re a Philly fan you should absolutely pick one up.
The Player: His numbers aren’t even as good as last season’s but Polanco is an All-Star for the second time in his career. He is a player that everyone loves and has been a very consistent player for a full decade now. Congrats to Placido.
OF: Lance Berkman (Cardinals)
The Rookie Card: 1997 Bowman Chrome and Parallels are the way to go with Mr. Berkman’s RC. He does also have a nice looking Topps Stars RC.
The Player: Getting it done for the “old guys” out there Berkman has rejuvenated his career at the age of 35. Three years removed from his last All-Star appearance Fat Elvis will get the start in RF thanks to his 23 HR’s.
OF: Matt Kemp (Dodgers)
The Rookie Card: 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph is the one to get and you better get it fast. This card has climbed about 80% since last season and as more people catch on the base RC may hit $100. The Blue Refractor with his Dodger blue uniform make a lovely combination.
The Player: If the season ended today it would be tough not to name Kemp NL MVP. Top 5 in nearly every category and leading a few (SLG % and OPS). The kicker is he plays for an awful Dodgers team.
OF: Ryan Braun (Brewers)
The Rookie Card: Another 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft wiz kid. Base Chrome Autographs are regularly over $100 with his Gold Refractors over $1K.
The Player: A major part of the Brewers revival the former Miami Hurricane signed an 8 year contract earlier this year and will likely be the face of the franchise for quite some time.
Brent Schultz is the founder of the Card Geeks Blog and longtime Jerry Rice collector. Follow his Blog and Twitter for more updates and conversation.