Tag Archives: FCB top 25

FCB’s Top Prospects In Sports Cards 1-5

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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.

1. Blake Griffin – LA Clippers Power Forward- His recent emergence as a hobby staple can’t be ignored. Neither can his highlight reel style of play and endearing personality. When he was drafted people wondered if his physical style of play would translate to the NBA where he would have to out muscle grown men. The early results say that it translates quite well. Recently we have seen a Tim Duncan style short range style from Blake, and I am sure other adjustments are to come. His National Treasures rookie is the card to get, but it’s quickly approaching the Lebron James level of card sales. Those wanting a good, affordable rookie card of him seem to be going for the Topps Chrome refractor numbered to 500 copies.

2. Bryce Harper -Washington Nationals Right Fielder- He is the most hyped baseball draft pick of all time. This coming a year after his team took Steven Strasburg another massively hyped draft pick. Bryce is considered an elite power hitter, with all star level defensive tools that should make him a fan and hobby favorite for years to come. Time will tell what his key rookie card is, for now we have the 2010 Bowman Draft Aflac autograph.  If you are in the market for the Aflac, make sure it’s got serial numbering in the top left hand corner.  A few of these were signed in person or feature a flat out faked signature as these cards were distributed at the all star show case they are named for.

3. Taylor Hall -Edmonton Oilers Left Wing- In the eyes of many experts the 2010 Hockey draft is one of the best of all time, and Hall leads that class. The #1 overall pick is an elite goal scorer. His combination of speed, soft hands and impeccable shot placement are complimented well by his ability to instinctively react to defenders. His ability to work over defenders makes it look like he has precognitive abilities. Like Harper, the book isn’t closed on Hall rookie cards. I expect his top tier card to come out of Upper Deck’s “The Cup” product, but for now you can pick up his Panini Certified for about $100.  As far as other Upper Deck products go, his SPX is a redemption and SP Authentic isn’t out yet.

4. Mike Trout -Anaheim Angels Center Fielder- In order to break down the abilities Trout displays some evaluators have invented the term “6 tool athlete” just for him. Jim Callis of Baseball America quoted a scout who said that a Mikey Mantle comparison for Trout is a pretty good one.  He has become the biggest prospect card gainer of this off season as premium cards hit 4 figures.  There are still valid concerns about his ability to hit for power, but no one doubts the rest of his skill set.   His 2009 Bowman Draft autograph card is the one to have, with Bowman Sterling being an affordable option.  ITG releases it’s heroes and prospects set this month, and the premium cards in it should fetch a pretty penny.

5. John Wall -Washington Wizards Point Guard- His first step looks like a blur. His card sales started off with a bang. He has only started building his game and reputation. As hot as his cards have been, it’s only the beginning. The patch autograph out of Panini Limited seems to be the way to go for now with Wall, though I am sure National Treasures will have a card that blows it away. For now, my personal favorite is the Donruss Rated Rookie autograph.

FCB’s Top Prospects In Sports Cards 6-10

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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.

6. Sam Bradford -St Louis Rams Quarterback- The clear best player in 2010 Football products seemed to be destined for a rough rookie year. The Rams don’t have much around him and many thought that no rookie quarterback could succeed there. Sam proved doubters wrong with a pretty good season with all factors considered as 3500 yards from a rookie qb in a struggling offense is not too shabby. It also helps that people who know football have raved about his ability as a pocket passer, and expect him to put up some gaudy numbers soon. Topps Five Star Football will certainly have his key card in it. The Topps Chrome auto is also a good staple card for collectors.

7. Jesus Montero -New York Yankees Catcher- If this were strictly a baseball prospect list, Montero would fall a bit due to his glove and positional uncertainty. However there is no denying the special card status that top dog Yankee prospect always gets. The general consensus on his cards is that the time is now as his cards are on an uphill climb to spring training. If he comes up this year as a Yankee and crushes bombs, the glove won’t matter and the cards will explode again. As his rookie cards go, 2008 Bowman Draft is where it’s at.

8. Domonic Brown -Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder- Another guy given a boost by his prospect status within his franchise, Dom certainly has all the tools to justify his hype. I am fully aware of his struggles at the big league level when he was called up last year, and I am willing to overlook them because his baseball ability is off the charts. His 2008 Contenders Autograph is his rarest card, I expect people to chase the 2010 Bowman Sterling autograph as well due to it being his first autograph in his MLB uniform. When you shop for one, try and find a copy that has the autograph all on the sticker, he got a little pen happy when signing.

9. Tyler Seguin -Boston Bruins Center- There was a back and forth debate of who was the #1 Prospect for the 2010 Draft between Taylor Hall and Seguin. The Oilers took Hall, but the Bruins and Oilers teams won by drafting the #1 ranked player at their age. The Bruins have been working him in slowly, but unlike when they had Joe Thornton a decade ago they at least have him involved in his rookie season. Stephen Stamkos credited Marc Recchi for being one of the biggest influences in his career leading to him leading the league in goals last season. Seguin is studying under Recchi, will the results be the same for him in the near future? Much like all of the 2010 Hockey draft class, The Cup Hockey will have the key card.  If you want one now, check out the 2010 Panini Certified.

10. Tim Tebow -Denver Broncos Quarterback- There are plenty of Tim Tebow doubters, as he is the most polarizing figure on this list. Any prospect list is all about upside, and few have more than him. He was a legendary college football player who has a huge following that was his before he ever played a NFL down. If Tebow has a good NFL career his cards will drastically increase in value, at a rate like we haven’t seen before. If you think Blake Griffin’s 2010 hobby climb was sudden, Tim Tebow could eclipse that if he has similar success. His card to get will come out of Topps Five Star, but don’t overlook the UD collegiate stuff as a lot of his following comes from the Florida Gators.  The 2010 Topps Chrome will be one of his key cards as well.

FCB’s Top Prospects In Sports Cards 11-15

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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.

11. Aroldis Chapman – Cincinnati Reds Pitcher- 105 MPH. That’s the first, and main thing you need to know about this Cuban defector. ESPN, and MLB Network have covered and will continue to cover Aroldis’ every move. Will he be a starter or stay in the pen? We don’t know yet. If he can improve his control and secondary pitches, we definitely have the potential for another Strasburg on our hands. His key card is his 2010 Bowman Chrome autograph, although he has many other acceptable options. The 2009 Elite Extra was the first, and is the most rare base version at only 695 copies.

12. Mike Moustakas -Kansas City Royals Third Baseman- The Royals are loaded with prospects, and light on star big leaguers. This is great for prospects because there is no way for them to be blocked because of a big name occupying their position. This is great for Mike, who has done nothing but excel at every level of minor league play and has earned a shot at the big leagues. His bat profiles extremely well, especially at third base. His arm is above average, and he makes all the plays. His range at third has come into question. His card to get is the 2008 Bowman autograph, and the 2007 Bowman draft rookie card parallels are definitely worth a look as well.

13. Julio Teheran -Atlanta Brave Pitcher- What does it take to draw a Pedro Martinez comparison? Julio has given us an answer to that question. In a scouting world where these type of measuring stick statements are over used, this one may actually hold up. Julio is a bit of an oddity. It’s rare to see a small guy throw massive gas with seemingly little effort like he does. He easily glides through his delivery only to have the ball explode out of his hands. It’s this lack of effort that could keep him out of the bullpen, and starting games. This is excellent for his cards, because people just don’t collect relievers. His card to get is the 2010 Bowman Chrome autograph, but don’t ignore the 2009 first year chrome card.

14. Jameson Taillon -Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher- When Taillon is mentioned two schools of thought always come up. The first raves about how he is mature beyond his years, has electric can’t miss stuff and a competitive drive that sets him apart from any other pitcher in his class. They will also mention that he was the only player that made some evaluators even think about saying they might be willing to consider drafting him over super draft pick Bryce Harper. Then in the card world they will mention how his first year autographs are criminally cheap. The other side will simply say, Bryan Bullington. If you decide his massive upside is worth the risk like I have, then his 2010 Bowman Draft autograph is for you.

15. Dez Bryant -Dallas Cowboys Receiver- NFL Recievers are at their best when they are the center of attention. Dez certainly has the personality to be just that, and if he puts up huge numbers in a cowboys uniform his cards will get a huge bump. His rookie year showed that he does have the talent, and the only question is will the offensive scheme used by the cowboys next season feature the type of passing game that would benefit Dez. As is the case with all NFL rookies, look to Five Star, National Treasures, and Topps Chrome.