1. Randall Cobb 2011 Topps Inception Autos
Comments: It almost had to happen, after all sorts of conversation about the kickoff being moved up 5 yards and that resulting in no run-backs, Cobb broke one out in his first NFL game. Oh yeah, he also caught a TD too, quite the debut on quite the big stage. As you can imagine, his cards went nuts, Inception Autos /99 were at $20 last week and several BIN or best offers were hit in the $70s last night.
2. Ian Kennedy 2008 SP Authentic Auto
Comments: I’ve mentioned it before, D-Backs pitchers just don’t get love no matter how good they are (sell all your Jarrod Parker cards now!!!!!) but in the tradition of Brandon Webb and Dan Haren – Ian Kennedy has managed to stay below the hobby radar at 19-4 with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. However, his SP Authentic Autos from 2008 did move from $15ish to $30 this week showing some signs of life.
3. Jesus Montero 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Ref Autos /500
Comments: He’s third on the list but probably the most talked about Hot Lister this week. Jesus has never been known for his Gold Glove fielding skills or his fleet feet. Instead, he’s known for just what he did the other day, hitting home runs. Doing that as a highly touted prospect in a Yankees uniform makes for a spike in prices, 2008 Draft Refractors moved from $90 to $140ish this week.
4. Brett Pill 2008 Bowman Chrome Parallels
Comments: In Mr. Pill we have almost the exact opposite of Mr. Montero. An unknown but a guy who hit a HR in his first big league at bat (first Giant to do that since Will Clark!) and as a result his 2008 Bowman Chrome Parallels go nuts. I’m going to let you off by not telling you a lame Jagged Little Pill joke…oh wait.
5. Eddie Rosario 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Parallels
Comments: In 67 games in the Appy League Cousin Eddie has 21 HRs, 9 doubles, 9 triples and is just all around tearing it up. His 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft parallels previously sold for very little but are now heating up. An Orange Ref sold for $56 this week and a Red went for $151.
6. Jordy Nelson 2008 SPX Autos
Comments: Having the benefit of playing on a big stage (who doesn’t watch the first NFL game of the year) Jordy picked up right where he left off with catches and TDs for the Packers. His SPX autos moved from$12 to $35 this week.
7. Brett Lawrie Razor Metal Autos & Parallels
Comments: Mr. Seasoned Salt has played 33 games and his OPS is 1.081, only one other guy like that in the league – his teammate and MVP candidate Jose Bautista. FCB’s owner Mr. Chris Gilmore always remarks about prospecting that he cares a lot less about the card and a lot more about the player. This is certainly true in Brett’s case as his “much-loved” Razor cards are on fire – Blue Metal Autos are over $50 per now.
8. Justin Verlander Rookie Autos
Comments: He just keeps winning and throwing fabulous games, what a season and its not even over. Sterling Autos hit a new high this week with the most recent ending at $71.
9. Jermichael Finley Rookie Autos
Comments: Please see above: Nelson, Jordy and Cobb, Randall. Big stage, early in the year and Jermichael looks like the TE everyone drafted prior to getting hurt last year. His Autos are already climbing and Contenders moved from $38 to $55 this week.
10. 2011 Topps Chrome Rookie Autos – Kimbrel, Beachy, Hosmer
Comments: I cannot say I’m a believe in the merits of busting Topps Chrome products now that they aren’t prospect inclusive. However, they do provide very nice singles opportunities and already Craig Kimbrel and Brandon Beachy two Braves phenoms are selling well. Not to mention an Eric Hosmer Atomic Auto /10 Redemption just sold for $700…and yes, that is an actual redemption from Topps although it looks like one of those letters you see in a crime movie where magazine print has been copied and pasted to conceal any handwriting analysis.