1. Blake Griffin Rookie Autographs
Comments: It is only one game but it seems like a year was worth the wait. Blake looked fantastic in a Clippers uniform and I’d have to imagine that with players like him and Eric Gordon, Clippers fans haven’t been this enthused about the future of the team in a while. All of Blake’s rookies are popping and the classics auto above which moved from about $45 to $70 is but one example.
After a long wait, and only 10 days until release date, Panini America has listed the much anticipated checklist for 2010 Elite Extra. The list includes such draft standouts such as Jameson Taillon, Manny Machado, Christian Colon, and Chris Sale. It also includes some big bat sleepers like Auburn University standout and Falmoth Commodore Hunter Morris. You can view the complete checklist at the Donruss website.
Panini has apparently done away with cards that aren’t autographed, but left the number of hits per box the same. There are an amazing 6 autographs per box in this product, giving you plenty of chances to hit the prospects you happen to be chasing. There will also be 30 subjects on card, as opposed to the 15 of last year. The on card autographs performed very well on the secondary market.
I linked to Dr. Price’s blog yesterday in general. Today, I’d like to point you at a specific post.
Basically, Panini has been soliciting autograph contracts from prospects and young players and including a clause that would not allow these players to sign for another company, unless they are NHLPA licensed. Autographed cards of guys like Jordan Eberle could be impacted by this clause.
Pretty much a direct shot at ITG. Although, from the information at hand, it is not entirely clear where this clause originated. To me, the fact that it says “NHLPA licensed” rather than “NHL / NHLPA licensed” might mean it comes from the PA, rather than Panini. The NHLPA has to be concerned about losing revenue in a battle with an unlicensed manufacturer. Indeed, if the PA is charging for licenses, it is in their best interest for unlicensed companies to be unsuccessful, and including this language in contracts might be just the way to go about it.
As of right now, there is a lot of unknowns. If Panini included this language themselves, it is certainly interesting, and it clearly shows who they think they can make inroads against, while still staying within the NHL and NHLPA’s mandate against exclusive contracts. If it is a case of the NHLPA mandating or encouraging the inclusion of such a statement, it shows that they are becoming more and more interested in protecting the interests of their licensed manufacturers.
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