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.
