I look at this week and ask myself a general question: why do we get all rookies in the 7th or 8th week of IPO's? Why can we not space this out a little better and get some of these guys mixed in throughout the season? Regardless, five rookie cards is a big deal. It is the first time a week of IPO's in any sport have been dedicated to rookies. Is this a reach or is this a general attempt to garner some interest in a Bowman-like product that is heavy on rookies? I see it myself as an opportunity to reach out to the younger fans who will be out there at the National. Young fans want to see their stars but also like the younger rookies. It is a good attempt to balance the set and ensure we don't get, for example, five years of Jose Canseco's.

We are heading into the final week of preparations for eCON 2.0 and it is getting busy around here. However we continue to move along with our weekly IPO's and this week we have a fine crop of rookies and classics to keep our hopes high. The question is, who is eTopps saving for next week? It looks like they might have something up their sleeve in pulling a good card for us next week or giving us an all-star lineup. Whatever it is will surely carry over in two weeks and we might see our first big push since the gaming campaign early this year. A big push with new eToppers would mean a lot of things for our economy, eToppswise. As I sit here and look at this week, the next and try to predict two weeks from now, I am also trying to develop my piece for the eCON and what I want to say on behalf of eTopps Clubhouse.

As we near the eCON and we get ready to take our trips from wherever we are, we no doubt are also still looking forward to more and more IPO's. With that in mind, we should all want to come and turn at least one or two fans onto eTopps. Imagine the effect it would be if we could turn at least 60 fans onto eTopps. What a site it is going to be too, with eTopps working hand in hand with some of their clients. This is truly going to be an exciting day and should be a show for the ages! Remember to do your own homework and check up on your players before buying at IPO. Research equals gains in value that you hold in each card and possible monetary value. Now let's roll with our picks!

Aaron Miles (2,500 @ $4.50)

Aaron Miles is a young star who started off in the Chicago White Sox organization and is now the starting second baseman for the Colorado Rockies. Aaron blasted off in his first week in the big leagues, hitting 2 home rusn and driving in seven runs. However, he cooled off later that month and continued to underperform in May. But don't look now -- Aaron has hit .361 and .354 in the past two months. He is a good-hitting rookie who is now hitting for average as opposed to looking to drive balls in Colorado. Aaron has established himself as a sure-handed infielder who can get on base and score runs, which is what will keep him around in the major leagues. As with most rookies, do not expect him to earn his PB this year. BUY!

Akinori Otsuka (2,500 @ $4.50)

This young 32-year-old rookie is a closer from Japan who, along with Takatsu, has switched to the cash cow that is the MLB. He is 5-2 with a 2.34 ERA right now as a set-up man for ace Trevor Hoffman. He has a lot of power and skill in locating the strike zone. Look for this young pitcher to excel in his set-up role with the Padres, especially with the new stadium out there. Akinon will fit in nicely and create a similar all-star set up plan like the Astro's had last year. I am not sure he will be in contention for his PB. Akinori Otsuka is a good player and will excel but it will be a slower timeline in comparison with his buddy on the White Sox. Buy this on the secondary market, DONT BUY.

Casey Kotchman (2,500 @ $4.50)

Casey Kotchman is having some difficulties at the plate this year after putting in some fine years in the minors and being labeled one of the Angels' top prospects. He has appeared in 28 games and has batted a whopping .218 with 14 RBI. He is far off the pace he set during his stint in the minors but this does not mean he is lost forever. He is one of the most touted rookies of the year and is in the top 20 of most scouts. This young first baseman will one day shine with the Angels or another team. Glaus' injury opened the door for him to make the team. However, he is back at AAA right now. You are going to find it hard to get this card on the secondary market but it will be worth the wait, as he will not reach full potential this year. He most likely has one to two years left in the minors. DON'T BUY.

Clint Nageotte (2,500 @ $4.50)

The first time I saw this, I thought this was a joke. First we get the Snelling card and now the Clint Nageotte card? I am not sure what to think about this rookie. Hopefully he will stay healthier than his counterpart Snelling. Clint is 1-4 this year with an ERA over 6.80. He is definitely not the answer to Freddy Garcia's departure. Don't even look at this card twice or it will drop in value. I am predicting this to be the lowest-value card at the end of the season! DON'T BUY!

Shingo Takatsu (2,500 @ $4.50)

It was only a matter of time before Japan's all-time saves leader captured the closer job for the White Sox. Koch has proven his years in baseball are more limited than Mitch Williams', which is a rough ride. So Shingo Takatsu has secured the job and ensured that he will keep it for several years. He has gone 4-1 this year with 5 saves in 5 save opportunities. He has only played in the majors this year but you have to wonder how many years he has left. He is 36 right now. However, he is a good player who was a STAR in Japan. So this might be a huge buy for all Japanese baseball fans or Japanese-Americans. I also recommend it a buy as this guy will no doubt go to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. BUY.