First Pitch: I thought I would go with the first pitch here instead of the usual warm up, since I already warmed up with my Baseball IPO article. I just happened to check my orders from last week and see with excitement the low print runs of the Classics. All hail, the Classics are back! Just when the market hits a low and you cannot expect it to go any lower, the Classics come out and drive the market up with overwhelming success, both in print runs and prices. I know what you are thinking now: the PR's were set at 1,250 so how can it be a bad thing from the get-go. You are correct. It was definitely a step to ensure it would succeed, something eTopps needed to do for the program. Who says that eTopps should just put out some cards each week and let the market dictate success? Where is the foul in ensuring that this product is a BANG? Also interesting was the fact that the IPO's for the week did not sell out. In fact, there were 2 cards that were right at 800. This leads me to believe people got discouraged with the low PR's and prices eTopps imposed and did not buy out of spite. Whether it be spite or insight, I am happy I got two of each. Now let's get on with our picks this week and views of who will be a good buy and who will not. As with all my picks, do your own homework and research and buy based on an educated decision.

Al Kaline (1,250 @ $9.50)

Mr. Tiger, the greatest Detroit Tiger according to some, had one of the most successful careers by a Tiger since Ty Cobb. He played 22 seasons in the MLB and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980, receiving 340 of 385 votes (88.31%). Al not only led the league in many statistical categories, but also in dedication and professionalism. He did win 10 Gold Gloves and he was selected to 15 All-Star games but it was his calm and laid-back personality that attracted many fans to him. This pure hitter had 3,007 hits over his career while sporting a .297 batting average and 399 home runs. Al helped lead the Tigers to the 1968 World Series and also to the 1972 ALCS. Did you know he achieved 3,000 hits in his hometown of birth (Baltimore)? BUY.

Jimmie Foxx (1,250 @ $9.50)

Jimmie was the second slugger in history to reach 500 home runs, following Babe Ruth. This hard-hitting star played for the Philadelphia A's and Red Sox in the AL before heading to the NL and playing for the Cubs and Phillies. He had a streak of 13 straight seasons driving in over 100 runs and also had two seasons of 50+ home runs. Jimmie won back-to-back MVP awards in 1932 and 1933. Then he turned around in 1934 and won the Triple Crown. This fearsome hitter is and was in a league of his own. Today he would be very comparable to any of the three 500 Home Run players who should have started in the OF for the NL during the All-Star game. BUY.

Robin Yount (1,250 @ $9.50)

Robin Yount played his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers, including his two MVP seasons and the 1982 Championship season. Robin was the leading hitter during the 80's and won his two MVP awards while playing two different positions, shortstop and centerfield. He is one of three players to win MVP's at two different positions. Robin had a great career. However, he was statistically just a little above average. There was no doubt when it came to Hall of Fame election though, due to the class he displayed and the fact that he was a very talented and dedicated professional who gave on and off the field. However this is not enough for me. DON'T BUY.

Satchel Paige (1,250 @ $9.50)

Satchel was a phenom in the Negro Leagues and then came to the MLB at the ripe old age of 42, when he helped lead the Indians to the pennant. A legendary storyteller and one of those guys who you could always count on, Satchel was the master. He named his own pitches and added a much needed quality to the sometimes dull and boring game. His uncanny ability to pitch and unravel tales to bystanders made him a legend across the country. BUY.