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IPO InsightBig names not necessarily big buys in week 3

By Matthew Crowder (e-mail)

March 29, 2005


Wow! A true SP already in week two. Congratulations to all who ordered David Wells! This week's offerings should boost sales for eTopps as the quality is much better.

Randy Johnson (2,600 @ $5.00)Randy Johnson 2005 eTopps

As usual, Steinbrenner had to have one of the best pitchers at any cost. Hence, "The Big Unit" meets "The Big Apple." Johnson seems to just get better with age. In 2005, he posted a sparkling 2.60 ERA and held opponents to a batting average under .200. This card should hold its IPO price and should have a little upside. Many Yankees fans will want this card and many will go in-hand right away. BUY.

Alex Rodriguez (2,600 @ $5.00)Alex Rodriguez 2005 eTopps

Nothing really special about this card since it is 2nd as a Yankee. With 4 prior ARod cards diluting his market this one may have a hard time holding IPO ultimately. Hold off until things settle if you're looking to buy this one. Don't Buy at IPO.

Curt Schilling (2,600 @ $5.00)Curt Schilling 2005 eTopps

This card is nothing special even if his courageous performance in helping the Red Sox take the World Series was. Great card, great player, but a terribly high print run considering it is his 5th overall and 2nd as a Red Sock. If you think the print run will be over 1500, don't buy until its on the aftermarket if you wish. Don't Buy at IPO.

Dallas McPherson (3,900 @ $6.75)Dallas McPherson 2005 eTopps

Dallas has been one of the top, if not the top, Angels prospects for several years. Last year, he hit a whopping 43 homers and 132 RBIs while batting over .300 between 3 different levels. With Troy Glaus in Arizona now, he should anchor third base and the middle of the order for the Angels for many years to come. Normally he would look to be a cinch to make his bonus but he has been limited by back problems thus far this spring. Buy.

Ichiro Suzuki (2,600 @ $5.00)Ichiro 2005 eTopps

When his career is over he'll be remembered as one of the best players of all-time. It's too bad he didn't play his whole career in America so we could see how he measured up against Rickey Henderson in hits, walks, runs, doubles, stolen bases, etc. Last year's card sold 2,228 and is barely holding $4.50. Take a wait-and-see approach with this one before diving in. Don't Buy at IPO.

Washington Nationals (1,300 @ $6.75)Washington Nationals 2005 eTopps

Gotta have one for sentimental purposes if you're a real baseball fan. However, it's not a money maker. It will be a nice keepsake and something to tell the grandkids about in your reclining years. Don't buy at IPO.

Chicago Cubs (1,300 @ $6.75)Chicago Cubs 2005 eTopps

Good solid BUY. The boys at the National will want a few of these so there will be demand. Plus, everybody loves the poor Cubbies. Maybe next year as their division looks tough this season. The card has a decent print run. Buy.

New York Mets (1,300 @ $6.75)New York Mets 2005 eTopps

This card will outperform in-hand for sure but will struggle to maintain IPO in-port. Pedro and Beltran will not be enough to overtake the Braves (or Marlins for that matter) so don't look for them to hit their performance bonus. Don't Buy at IPO.

I do not recommend buying any of these cards for the bonus points as most of the goals are unrealistic as usual. Sure some will hit, but most will miss. Good luck and have fun... With all the changes coming down the pike, eTopps is more fun than ever this year!

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