This list is our interpretation of prospects in the sports card market, and how we see the cards stacking up based on player content. We took into consideration the players current prospect status, room for growth, and cards already on the market. I hope you guys have as much fun reading this as I did writing it. Thanks to FCB moderator Rob Zeida for the assist on some of the athletes I had trouble with write-ups on. If you are looking for their cards on eBay after reading this, the links will take you where you need to go.
21. Jarrod Parker -Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher- Tommy John surgery always throws up a red flag for people buying prospect cards, and as a bit of added uncertainty in an already risky game of expensive pitching prospect speculating perhaps the warning is best heeded. Still, his electric stuff makes him worth the risk and there are reports of a successful rehab and a strong 2011 season from parker. Get his 2008 Bowman Chrome autograph while you can.
22. Miguel Sano -Minnesota Twins IF/OF- Big body, thunderous bat, you can hear him taking batting practice in the parking lot. He is a raw hitter who hits the ball well to all fields, but hasn’t been tested against top tier pitching. It’s uncertain what position he will play, few evaluators think he will stay at short stop. His age has been investigated by the Twins, who were cautious before handing him a $3.15 million dollar signing bonus. The 2010 Bowman Chrome card is the card to get of him, and the best in the set. If you are looking for a cheaper card pick up the 2010 Bowman Sterling parallels.
23. DeMarcus Cousins -Sacramento Kings Power Forward- Cousins is potentially a physically dominating force waiting to put it all together as he adjusts to the NBA. Currently he shows flashes of exceptional play, only to mess it up because of his apparent lack of discipline. If he ever figures out how to handle himself like a professional he’s a superstar. Much like John Wall, Panini’s National Treasures Basketball should contain his best cards.
24. Shelby Miller -St. Louis Cardnials Pitcher- Shelby throws one of the better curve balls I have seen videos of. It moves so much that it almost looks like a wiffle ball. With the curve hes armed with about every pitch in the book. Most pitches he locates well, but has struggled placing his curve in the strike zone. He came in the draft at a hearty 6 foot 4 inches and 215 lb. That is a frame just built for a marquee front line starter. I think he has true ace potential. Look for his 2010 Bowman Chrome card, if it’s too rich for your blood the sterling parallels should do just fine.
25. Kyle Gibson -Minnesota Twins Pitcher- This position was a toss up, as it was almost Jeremy Hellickson. Leading up to the 2009 Draft Kyle was known as the best pitcher available not named Strasburg. He had been dominant in the NCAA, Cape League and on Team USA. But right before the draft an arm injury gave teams some concern and forced him to fall in to the lap of the Minnesota Twins. His first MILB season was anything but spectacular with him climbing the ranks from Single A to Triple A in one season. His Bowman Chrome Rookie has been the most popular as with any prospect, but don’t sleep on the value of the Team USA autographs from Sweet Spot or Ultimate. Strasburg taught us that if a players value blows up, than those super rare Sweet Spots will blow up as well.
