What I Bought #2
Posted by Jeremy on November 11, 2008 under What I Bought | 
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After looking at the huge list of prospect autos in the recent release of 2008 Donruss Threads, I tossed some coin at a variety of autos. Here’s the breakdown of Ebay purchases over the last couple weeks from most recent to least recent.
The first batch of cards I bought were all from the same seller who gave me a solid deal on the combined shipment which save me a few bucks. Note: When buying several items from one seller, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a deal on the shipping (especially before the auction ends) usually they are very willing to acommodate you. Here’s the breakdown:
2008 Donruss Threads Desmond Jennings Auto #/749—$4.25
- Jennings has an incredible ceiling and I purchased this shortly after I saw that he was playing in the Arizona Fall League. Health has been a big problem for Jennings, but I figure his first autographed card is well worth this price.
2008 Donruss Threads Wilin Rosario Auto #/999—$9.00
2008 Donruss Threads Wilin Rosario Gold Signatures Auto #/100—$8.49
- Yep, you read that right. I got the Gold Signature for less than the regular auto. I am pretty high on Rosario as one of the next big superstar catchers and think that less than $10 for each card is a good buy.
2008 Donruss Threads D.J. Jones Auto #/399—$4.25
2008 Donruss Threads D.J. Jones Gold Signatures Auto #/100—$4.58
- Jones is a classic high ceiling/high risk player. He is very raw offensively, though his athleticism is said to be off the charts. I like those types of players. You cannot teach athleticism, though, raw tools can be refined. Jones was drafted in the 11th round as it was thought that he was going to commit to playing football at Auburn. The Rays took a chance and signed him to a bonus for well over slot money. Let’s see if their gamble paid off. Given the Rays’ recent track record, I’m willing to toss in a few chips
2008 Donruss Threads Dominic Brown Auto #/999—$10.16, $11.34, $11.53
- I purchased a Dominic Brown Auto from 3 separate vendors, which increased my per/unit price. Even at their final costs, I think I will come out ahead. Brown has so many intriguing tools to like. Big frame, power potential, great speed, solid range and arm strength, but most of all, superior plate discipline. That aspect in his game will help him to carry his batting average forward against tougher pitching. Prices have come down a little since Threads went live and $10 a pop is a super bargain price.
2008 Donruss Threads Gold Signature Josh Vitters Redemption Auto #/25—$33.99
- The jury’s out on this pickup. True, Vitters is a supreme talent and likely will be one of baseball’s top 10 prospect within a year or so, but this is not his first year card or even his first auto. Being numbered to just 25 copies, though, I just couldn’t resist. We’ll see if my gamble pays off in the long run.
2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Brandon Snyder Lot (X29)—$21.61
- Those of you who read my blog know that I think very highly of Brandon Snyder as a sleeper prospect in ‘09. It is hard these days to find bulk lots of his stuff in this quantity. At the above price, I paid 75 cents per card, which to me seems about right at this time. Snyder is slated for AA Bowie this season which should give me a better look at his long term potential.
2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects Carlos Rivero Lot (X20)—$12.07
- Rivero is another guy that is high on projectible skills and low on outcomes. The first thing that sticks out to me is that he is a big-bodied SS who has the range and glove to stick there. The Indians are going to be hard pressed to move him to 3B with the rapid ascention of Wes Hodges and Beau Mills. Rivero is very young and was a young prospect at High-A Kinston. This tells me that he is on a fast track, though I am hoping that the Tribe is prudent in allowing him ample time to develop and mature.
2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects Josh Bell X-Fractor Auto #/250—$8.50
2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects Josh Bell Blue Refractor Auto #/150—$10.00
- These two autos came via the same dealer who had them for auction on a Best Offer feature. I contacted the buyer with an offer that was about 70% of the asking price and got combined shipping. I have been a fan of Bell since his draft in ‘05, but many collectors shied away from his stuff this season as he was shut down early this sesaon with injuries. After reading an article about him, I discovered that the surgery he has was a precautionary venture and his rehab has been going well. You can’t always believe what you read (unless its on this blog!) but I got the feel that Bell was hungry to fulfill the potential that he was showered with in ‘05. The Dodgers don’t have any real solid 3B threats holding Bell back. Watch his BB/K numbers this next season. If they improve…watch out!
