Alfonso Soriano (1,200 @ $5.25)

Alfonso moved to the Texas Rangers with a truckload of potential. His statistics have been fair, but far from expectations. The Rangers are a fast improving team, with Alfonso being a core component to that growth. Without a more productive season at the plate this year, his performance bonus numbers will be tough to obtain. While the 1200 maximum print run guarantees that this will be his shortest printed eTopps card to date, it is definitely a difficult sale at $5.50. This will be his 5th issue, and with his 2001 issue out of the equation, none of his last three issues currently holds even a $1.50 price tag. Pretty simple, do not buy this card.

Miguel Tejada (1,200 @ $5.50)

This guy is a tank. He’s definitely had a dramatic impact on the Orioles organization and they are slowly become a winner following his lead. Unfortunately, in the world of eTopps, the only Miguel Tejada card that has maintained any meaningful value is the autographed copy distributed at the first eCon and through various catalog offerings. He does not have a 2001 issue, and this will be his second issue in an Orioles uniform and fourth issue overall. This is guaranteed to be his shortest printed card to date. The closest being his 2004 issue, with a print run of 1548. Let’s take a look at the numbers though: 2002 (4000PR) $1.43 SDA, 2003 (2630PR) $1.92 SDA, 2004 (1548PR) $3.15 SDA. If anything, this issue will have a tough time holding IPO and may create a further negative impact on his past issues. Buy if you’re a fan, otherwise, do not buy this card.

Tim Hudson (1,200 @ $5.50)

Tim was left out of the 2004 eTopps baseball set and this is his first issue in an Atlanta Braves uniform. What does that mean for the eTopps enthusiast? Not much. As far as eTopps baseball is concerned, his previous three issues all have lower than normal print runs. His last two issues, in 2002 and 2003, only hover around the $2.00 mark. His performance bonus numbers overall are within reach, but the move to the National league facing a crop of new hitters may take a toll on his WHIP. The 1.115 need is difficult even for a staff ace such as Tim. Do not buy this card.

Mark Mulder (1,200 @ $5.50)

Let me just cut and paste the same comments I made for Tim Hudson above. Change Atlanta Braves to St. Louis Cardinals and change the hovers around the $2.00 mark to a statement such as, “can’t even hold $2.00.” Cardinal fans may love this card, but the love will be lost on those hoping to avoid an immediate loss of money. The only upside I see on this card is it’s very legitimate shot to sell less than 700 copies. Otherwise, you just lost $4.00 for each one you purchased. Do not buy this card.

David Eckstein (1,200 @ $5.25)

This might just be the most interesting card of the week. A gritty shortstop who has found himself a new home in the St. Louis infield. Will he be able to replace the excellent play of Edgar Renteria? Most likely that answer is NO! Fortunately for the Cardinals he will provide an everyday player who will put 100% effort into each and every game. This guy plays baseball the way it’s suppose to be played. Even better then all that, this card has a very legitimate shot at claiming the title of eTopps 2005 baseball short print. $5.25 is an awfully large chunk of change to pay for a David Eckstein card, but I’m sure people will be buying. My advice, don’t buy this card.

Minnesota Twins (1,200 @ $6.75)

A solid team in the AL central, but the White Sox have them playing dead dog right now. It’s tough to count them out every fifth day when Johan takes to the hill. Unfortunately, that’s simply not enough to get them to the 93 win mark they’ll need to meet their season performance bonus target. Without those points coming, these 2005 team cards just aren’t worth the $6.75 price tag. Do not buy this card.

Texas Rangers (1,200 @ $6.75)

A great young offensive ball club with a pitching staff capable of keeping them in games all season long. I’m really big on the potential of this team to put together some solid runs in 2005. The 85 win target seems extremely obtainable, and the player selection on this card should be very appealing to the Rangers fan. Buy this card.

Seattle Mariners (1,200 @ $6.75)

The best thing about this card is its appearance. This Ichiro shot is great. Unfortunately it founds it’s way to the team card. This team could be great, but hasn’t quite seemed to be able to put it together the last season and a half. While the 79 win target seems like a no-brainer for a recent Mariners ball club, it might just not cut it this season. This is the perfect gamble card. Very legitimate shot to reach PB, with just as good a chance of being the set short print. What the heck, buy this card.