Hot Prospect Profile: JAKE FOX

Posted by Jeremy on April 28, 2009 under Hot Prospect Profile | Be the First to Comment

 

Yesterday, Iowa Cubs slugger Jake Fox deposited two more balls into the cheap seats to boost his MiLB-leading total to 11 HR.  Fox’s numbers through the first 18 games (.443 BA 11 HR 29 RBI 21 runs scored) are legendary, but is it enough to sustain or increase the hobby heat that he has generated over the past couple of weeks?

Last season Fox played at AA Tennessee and AAA Iowa combining to hit .287 with 31 HR 105 RBI 39 doubles and 93 runs scored.  Most of his success was at Tennessee and his struggles to command the strike zone at Iowa (2 BB/31 K in 29 games) played a large part in his omission from a September Wrigley Field call up.  This season is an entirely different story, though as the former Michigan Wolverine impressed Chicago Cubs brass by hitting .350 with 4 HR and 16 RBI in spring training before tearing it up in his second stint at Iowa.

Currently, the Chicago Cubs are well set at 1B with perennial All-Star and Gold Glover Derrek Lee handling the duties, but the outfield offers some opportunities for Fox’s proliferation.  While Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome have been rock solid at the corners and Micah Hoffpauir has been quite effective as a left-hand hitting fourth outfielder, the Cubs could decide to recall Fox if (and when?) the tremendously disappointing Milton Bradley goes on the DL. 

The current eBay market for Fox’s cards has gone from non-existent to pleasantly warm over the past couple of weeks.  His premium card is undoubtedly his 2003 Upper Deck Prospect Premieres autograph which commands a current eBay price of $22-25 each.  Aside from that he has first year base cards from the once popular ‘03 Prospect Premieres set that sell for $1.00-1.25 each. 

Fox also has non-autographed cards in the 2007 Bowman Sterling set that have not had any eBay sales over the past two weeks.  This trend will not continue.  Expect to pay $2.50-4.00 for these cards right now and possibly more if he catches a break with the Cubbies.

BUY OR SELL: The autographs are really the only cards of his generating any considerable market attention right now and at their prices, it seems like a good sell.  His long term opportunities with the Cubbies will be limited as he is a right handed, one dimensional weapon in the same vein as other sluggers like Chip Cannon, Dallas McPherson and others.  On the other hand, his lower end base cards are at prices that could be nice value buys to hold on to for a brief period until Fox launches a couple of balls over the ivy at Wrigley. 

At that point….well….you know what to do.

Top 20 Third Base Prospects for 2009 (Part 1)

Posted by Jeremy on February 19, 2009 under 2009 Top 20 Prospects | 2 Comments to Read

For those of you who enjoy these top 20 lists, I apologize for the delay in compiling this one.  I knew that this was going to be a banger of a list, but after writing about 40-50 names of potential candidates, I am absolutely floored at the amount of talent left off of this list.  The top 20 is an intriguing blend of polished college players and high upside youngsters from both the domestic and international markets.   Diverse as they may seem, each player has something in common–they can flat out rake. 

After oscillating between two Scott Boras clients for top spot honors, I have decided to go with the #2 overall pick of the 2007 draft Mike Moustakas. 

 

1.) Mike Moustakas—Kansas City Royals

2008 Stats:

 

 

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
BUR	MID	.272	126	496	77	135	25	3	22	71	232	43	86	8	4	.337	.468	.805
Minors		.272	126	496	77	135	25	3	22	71	232	43	86	8	4	.337	.468	.805

 

 

Strengths: Moustakas has a bat that produces prolific power to all fields (he hit 52 HR in his high school career).  He has a strong feel for the strike zone and should be able to hit for a high batting average as well.  His cannon arm is ideal for 3B as he has been clocked at 98 MPH as a prep player.  His athleticism has continually improved over the past three seasons which should open up some opportunities defensively

Weaknesses: He is an average to below average defensive player at this point.  There has been come conjecture of playing him at 3B, RF and even C over the past couple of seasons.

2009 Outlook: Moustakas’ bat sizzled in the second half of the ‘08 season which may allow for him to use High-A Wilmington as a temporary springboard to AA NW Arkansas.  Moustakas is a prime time power prospect in every sense of the word and his role in the middle of a young and already talented Kansas City Royals lineup could begin as soon as Opening Day 2010.

 

2.) Pedro Alvarez—Pittsburgh Pirates

2008 Stats: N/A

Strengths: Pedro has a polished bat that should hit for above average power and should flirt with .300 on an annual basis.  He also has a strong grasp of the strike zone and should be able to put together a good BB/K ratio.

Weaknesses: His range, glove, and arm strength all grade out as fringe average and a shift to 1B may happen at some point in his career.  More disturbing is the revelations from Pirates camp that he has reported to camp overweight and out of shape.  After being a stick in the mud during the hotly contested bonus negotiations, Alvarez will be hard pressed to meet the lofty expectations heaped upon him.

2009 Outlook: Alvarez is on the fast track to Pittsburgh as the clock is ticking on his 6-year MLB contract.  Expect him to start at High-A Lynchburgh before moving to AA Altoona at some point.  The Bucs currently have Neil Walker and Andy LaRoche battling for time at the hot corner, but the swiftly approaching arrival of Alvarez will blow both of them off to other positions or organizations.

 

3.) Brett Wallace—St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Stats:

 

 

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
QC	MID	.327	41	153	28	50	8	1	5	25	75	17	32	0	0	.418	.490	.908
SPR	TEX	.367	13	49	13	18	5	0	3	11	32	2	7	0	0	.456	.653	1.109
Minors		.337	54	202	41	68	13	1	8	36	107	19	39	0	0	.427	.530	.957

 

Strengths: Wallace has proven at multiple levels and locations that his bat is MLB ready and has the potential to be amongst league leaders in several offensive catagories.  Wallace has above average power that racks up XBH in bunches and his plate discipline is nothing short of exceptional.  He has also worked hard to improve his defense at 3B, which seems like a good home for his strong arm.

Weaknesses: At 6-1 245 lb., Wallace has big limitations athletically.  His thick lower body should drastically limit his range and baserunning speed as he ages. 

2009 Outlook: Despite Troy Glaus’ uncertain status following his shoulder surgery, Wallace will not be given much of an opportunity to win a roster spot with the Cardinals this spring.  Expect him to start the season at AAA Memphis.  He will patrol the infield of Bucsh Stadium at some point this season, however, and once he is up, it will probably be for good.

 

4.) Mat Gamel—Milwaukee Brewers

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
HUN	SOU	.329	127	508	96	167	35	7	19	96	273	55	111	6	7	.395	.537	.933
NAS	PCL	.238	5	21	3	5	0	0	1	3	8	2	10	0	0	.304	.381	.685
Minors		.325	132	529	99	172	35	7	20	99	281	57	121	6	7	.392	.531	.923
MLB		.500	2	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	.500	1.000	1.500

 

 

Strengths: Gamel’s bat strokes line drives all over the diamond with improving power to the alleys.  He is a good athlete who has a fair amount of speed that he uses well on the basepaths and defensively.  His arm is quite strong and a seemingly good fit at 3B or in the outfield.

Weaknesses: Mat’s hot corner defense went from dispicable in ‘07 to just pretty bad in ‘08.  It is still the Achilles Heel in his game and a move to the OF seems imminent.  Also, Gamel’s plate discipline lapsed considerably after the Brewers traded Matt LaPorta away.  Perhaps Gamel was trying to do too much in his absense or just received tougher pitching without the lineup protection that the former Florida Gator provided.

2009 Outlook: The gaggle of mediocre third basemen (Bill Hall, Craig Counsell, Mike Lamb) is not enough to keep Gamel off of the Miller Park infield in 2009.  Gamel will get a ton of opportunities this spring as Bill Hall just recently tore his calf muscle and is expected to be sidelined at least until Opening Day.  That may be enough time for Mat to demonstrate to the Brew Crew that he is ready to take the mantle as Milwaukee’s starting 3B.

 

5.) Matt Dominguez—Florida Marlins

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
GBO	SAL	.296	88	345	59	102	16	0	18	70	172	28	68	0	1	.354	.499	.853
Minors		.296	88	345	59	102	16	0	18	70	172	28	68	0	1	.354	.499	.853

 

 

Strengths: Dominguez showed surprising power potential as an 18 year old at full season ball.  He has excellent contact rates and should be able to hit for a high average as well.  The defensive abilities, however, is what sets Matt apart from other 3B prospects.  His range, hands, and arm strength make him a perennial Gold Glove candidate.

Weaknesses: He needs to improve on his ability to work deeper into counts and draw more walks.  More advanced pitchers will be able to get him out with off speed pitches out of the zone, lowering his batting average totals.  Though athletic, Dominguez is not a threat on the basepaths (0 career SB).

2009 Outlook: Dominguez will move to High-A Jupiter to start the season.  If he continues to build on his successes from last season, it is conceivable that Florida could bump him to AA.  He is one of the Marlins’ brightest prospects and his track to the big leagues should move quickly.

 

6.) Wilmer Flores—New York Mets

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
KNG	APP	.310	59	245	36	76	12	4	8	41	120	12	28	2	1	.352	.490	.842
SAV	SAL	.400	1	5	1	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	0	.400	.400	.800
BRO	NYP	.267	8	30	3	8	1	0	0	1	9	1	7	0	0	.290	.300	.590
Minors		.307	68	280	40	86	13	4	8	42	131	13	37	2	1	.347	.468	.815

 

 

Strengths: Limitless projectibility.  Flores has a long, athletic frame that has already demonstrated the ability to hit for power and average in his debut season.  He has excellent bat speed and an advanced feel for the game comparable to a young Miguel Cabrera.

Weaknesses: Many of his skills right now are quite raw.  Flores is only 17 years old and there are some questions as to how his body will develop.  If he bulks up like Cabrera did, it could prove to be slightly detrimental to his athleticism.  He also needs to continue to strengthen his grasp of the strike zone and work deeper into counts.

2009 Outlook: David Wright has the Mets’ 3B job sewn down through at least 2012 (and likely beyond).  That should give the young Flores ample time to develop at a conservative pace.  His next step is full season Low-A Savannah, which should give us a better glimpse at where he is at in his development.

 

7.) Josh Vitters—Chicago Cubs

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
PEO	MID	.214	4	14	1	3	3	0	0	1	6	0	5	0	0	.214	.429	.643
BOI	NOR	.328	61	259	38	85	25	2	5	37	129	13	45	1	3	.365	.498	.863
Minors		.322	65	273	39	88	28	2	5	38	135	13	50	1	3	.357	.495	.852

 

 

Strengths: Vitters has big time power potential and the ability to hit for a high average as well.  His bat speed is top notch and the fluidity of his swing is akin to that of elite left handed hitters.  Those within the Cubs organization praise Vitters’ work ethic and makeup.

Weaknesses: Defense is still a bit of a struggle for Josh.  He has a decent glove and a very strong arm, but his footwork and range issues are still a work in progress.  He has a big frame which should make his speed on the basepaths become below average in time.  Like many young sluggers, Vitters needs to continue to progress with his knowledge of the strike zone.

2009 Outlook: Josh was pushed a bit too aggressively in the early part of last season by being sent to full season Low-A ball.  He’’s ready now.  Expect Vitters to blossom offensively at Low-A Peoria building on his power potential and, hopefully, his defensive prowess.

 

8.) Neftali Soto—Cincinnati Reds

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
BIL	PIO	.388	15	67	12	26	10	1	4	11	50	4	10	1	0	.423	.746	1.169
DAY	MID	.326	52	218	26	71	15	1	7	36	109	7	36	1	1	.343	.500	.843
Minors		.340	67	285	38	97	25	2	11	47	159	11	46	2	1	.362	.558	.920

 

 

Strengths: Soto has an awesome bat that has demonstrated advanced power potential and an ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field with authority.  Soto is an XBH machine, racking up 39 in less than 300 AB.  He makes good contact at the plate and should be able to keep his batting average at around .300 as a pro.

Weaknesses: He is a man without a defensive home right now.  The Reds shifted him from SS to 3B and 1B but his defensive acumen is so-so.  He may need to move to the OF down the road as both Todd Frazier and Juan Francisco have more defensive upside than him at the hot corner.

2009 Outlook: Soto should move to High-A Sarasota in April and, at just 20 years old, there is no reason to rush him to AA.  Keep an eye on where Soto plays defensively.  A move to the OF could open things up for him.

 

9.) Todd Frazier—Cincinnati Reds

2008 Stats:

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
DAY	MID	.321	30	112	25	36	10	0	7	20	67	15	28	4	2	.402	.598	1.000
SAR	FSL	.281	100	366	62	103	20	3	12	54	165	41	84	8	4	.357	.451	.808
Minors		.291	130	478	87	139	30	3	19	74	232	56	112	12	6	.368	.485	.853

 

 

Strengths: Frazier’s tall, muscular fram allows for him to hit for excellent power that should translate to 22-28 HR per season at the major league level.  He has a makeup that is off the charts and his desire to be the best player on the field is evidenced in his tireless work ethic.

Weaknesses: Frazier can become overly aggressive at the plate at times, racking up strikeouts.  He, like Soto, has yet to find a defensive home, having played at SS and 1B as well as the hot corner. 

2009 Projection: Frazier continues to the Reds’ new AA affiliate Jacksonville.  Keep track of whree he plays defensively.  If he makes the move to 1B, he may find himself packaged up in a deal to another franchise in the near future.  The Reds are quite set at first with both Joey Votto and Yonder Alonso having more upside than Frazier.

 

10.) Wes Hodges—Cleveland Indians

2008 Stats:

Strengths: Hodges has a smooth swing from the right side that has shown good gap power and the ability to drive in runs.  He has a strong sense of the strike zone and is improving on working counts. 

Weaknesses: Hodges’ defense is still way below average.  His range, glove and arm accuracy still need quite a bit of refinement.  Fortunately for him, there aren’t any other decent 3B prospects in the Indians’ farm system that threaten to push him off of the hot corner, but his sub .900 fielding percentage should not earn him any opportunities at Jacobs Field anytime soon.

2009 Outlook: Hodges should get a full dose of AAA this season with an implicit goal of shoring up his defensive shortcomings.  The Indians traded for Mark DeRosa in the offseason, likely as a one year stop gap to allow Hodges to develop.  Expect him to get a late season call up after the roster expansions in September. 

There’s the first 10 third base prospects.  I am currently working on the next 10 with a goal of getting them online by tomorrow morning sometime.  Feel free to comment on any one of these 10 or to submit your own top ten lists.  If you like what you are reading and are looking to buy cards of any kind, I would be honored if you did so through the eBay afflilate links on my site!

 

 

 

Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
AKR	EAS	.290	133	504	70	146	29	3	18	97	235	52	105	3	1	.354	.466	.821
Minors		.290	133	504	70	146	29	3	18	97	235	52	105	3	1	.354	.466	.821

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Carlos Zambrano-no

Posted by Jeremy on September 15, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

 

Last night, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano fired a no-hitter against the surging Houston Astros.  The only things separating Zambrano from perfection were a walk to Michael Bourn in the 4th inning and hitting Hunter Pence with a pitch in the 5th.  Zambrano struck out 10 in the outing including Darin Erstad to end the game.

This outing ironically comes on the heels of my last $100 Well Spent article in which I lauded Rich Harden as being the true ace of the Chicago Cubs.  While I steadfastly maintain that this is indeed still the case, Carlos Zambrano still has all the makings of a #1 starter and is, perhaps, the best #2 starter in all of baseball (with apologies to Dan Haren).

The market for Zambrano’s 2000 RC’s have jumped significantly.  Prior to the no-hitter, the Topps Chrome Traded cards were selling for approximately $3.00 each.  Those cards are now selling for about $10.00 each.  Similarly, his Bowman cards and Topps Traded cards has sold for exponentially more.  There has been no documented Ebay sales of his best RC, the 2000 Topps Traded Autograph, but several are currently on sale right now for $200 and up.

Zambrano has been solid all season pitching to a 14-5 record and a 3.41 ERA.  However, he is battling shoulder tendonitis which could drastically effect his post season contributions and performance.  As remarkable as his performance last night was, let us not forget that it was against a team that has been recently displaced from their home park to an environment, Miller Park, that was rooting hard for the Cubs. 

Zambrano’s popularity is at its apex…sell ‘em if you’ve got ‘em!

$100 Well Spent #4

Posted by Jeremy on September 13, 2008 under $100 Well Spent, Market Watch | Read the First Comment

As promised, this next $100 segment focuses on the N.L. teams that are in the playoff hunt as of September 12th.  One note, just hours after my post on the A.L. teams, Paul Konerko sprained his knee and Ervin Santana had one of his worst outings of his season.  So much for my Midas Touch.

I was parusing the box scores and standings in the N.L. and have come to the realization that this will be much more difficult than the A.L. post.  There are 8 teams (as opposed to 5 A.L. teams) with a realistic shot at the playoffs.  For the sake of convenience, I have omitted the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals from the equation as they seem to be the most unlikely temas of the bunch to stay in the pennant race.  My apologies to those of you who disagree.  Now, I bring you my $100 well spent for N.L. playoff contenders.

New York Mets—82-63 1st Place N.L. East

 

2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Mike Pelfrey (x5)—$7.50

• Pelfrey has been pitching like the frontline starter Mets GM Omar Minaya projected him to be when he selected him with the Mets’ 1st round selection in 2005.  Pelfrey has pitched at least 7 innings in 4 of his last 5 starts including back to back complete games.  With injuries to John Maine and the struggles of Pedro Martinez, Pelfrey has stepped up big time and may find himself as the number two option behind ace southpaw Johan Santana in the playoffs.  At $1.50 each, Pelfrey’s Bowman Chrome Draft cards are well under their $8.00 Beckett values and a great economical value buy right now. 

 

Carlos Beltran 1995 Topps Traded (x2)—$7.00

• Remember when this card was selling in the $15-20 range?  Beltran is having another solid season in which he has collected 100 RBI and scored more than 100 runs in the middle of the Mets lineup.  He is getting hot at just the right time and is one of the catalysts in the Mets lineup.  Gotta think this card will get some more attention if the Mets can continue their run and fend off the Phillies.

 

Philadelphia Phillies—80-67 2nd Place NL East, 2nd Place WC

 

Jason Werth 1997 Bowman Chrome (x6)—$12.00

• Werth is enjoying his best season as a pro with the Phillies hitting .276  with 22 HR 59 RBI and 17 SB in his first full season.  Werth has a powerful and athletic 6-5 225 lb. frame that, due to numerous injuries, has taken some time to blossom to its potential.  Werth can adeptly play any OF position and his #2 spot in the lineup between Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley leads to many scoring opportunities.  These cards are solid values at their prices for an underrated player in a lineup of superstars.

Brett Myers Topps Finest—$9.00

• This card is a limited edition of Myers’ RC.  Brett Myers has been shuttled from rotation to pen to rotation again.  He has been villified by some and diefied by others.  He is a talented but caustic enigma who is currently at the apex of his game and carrying the Phillie’s rotation through September.  Myers has won 5 of his last 6 starts pitching at least 78 innings in each while allowing only 6 ER and striking out 49 in 46 innings.  Myers is a fiery competitor who will not back down from the challenge that the post season brings.  Hopefully, he will not melt down either.

Chicago Cubs—88-58 1st Place NL Central (Best Record in NL)

 

 

Rich Harden 2002 Topps (x3)—$7.50

• Harden has rivaled C.C. Sabathia as the best mid-season acquisition this season.   Since his trade to the Cubbies, Harden has gone 5-1 with a 1. 65 ERA and has struck out 78 in just 60 innings and has held National League hitters to a stingy .169 BA.   Harden, with apologies to Carlos Zambrano, is the true ace of the Cubs and his continued dominance will be integral to the postseason success of the Cubs.  If the Cubs go to the World Series, which is very probable, Harden’s cards could enjoy the market bump that Josh Beckett enjoyed last year.

 

Aramis Ramirez 1997 Bowman Chrome—$6.00

• What an underrated rookie card this is!  Ramirez season after season is the glue that holds the middle of the Cubs’ lineup together.  This season is no exception.  Ramirez is hitting .280 with 24 HR 103 RBI and 87 runs scored.  Additionally, Ramirez has walked a career high 69 times and has a career best .373 OBP.  Ramirez has always been an underrated hitter, but since August 1st, he is batting .300 with 6 HR and 30 RBI.  A sterling postseason campaign can make Ramirez’s ‘97 Bowman Chrome card reach the plateaus of $15-20 that other former ‘97 Bowman Chrome RC’s of Adrian Beltre, Lance Berkman, and Eric Chavez have at one time enjoyed.

Milwaukee Brewers—(83-64) 2nd Place NL Central, 1st Place NL WC

 

J.J. Hardy 2003 Topps Blue Chips Auto—$10.00

• On a team glistening with young superstar hitters like Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, and Corey Hart, Hardy’s contributions often go somewhat overlooked.  However, his .283 BA with 24 HR and 70 RBI plus his solid play at SS has become a stalwhart fixture for an organization that has rapidly evolved into one of baseball’s best.  This is Hardy’s sole 1st year auto and it is certainly undervalued and, perhaps like Hardy himself, underappreciated.

 

C.C. Sabathia 1999 Topps Finest—$5.00

• Sabathia has been nothing short of dominant since his move to the Brewers.  A perfect 9-0 record with a 1.59 ERA, Sabathia is the ace that the Brewers have been seeking over the last two years.  Sabathia has numerous 1999 RC’s, but the Finest is a high quality and visually appealing card that seems to be in shorter supply than the others.  The Brewers have a daunting task of fending off other hot teams like Houston and St. Louis for the Wild Card spot, but their potent lineup and big horse at the top of the rotation should provide them enough firepower to earn their first postseason berth in 26 years.

 

Houston Astros—80-67 3rd Place NL Central, 3rd Place WC

Hunter Pence 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects (x2)—$7.00

• We were all introduced to Pence last season when he and fellow NL Central phenom Ryan Braun took the collecting world by storm with their sterling debuts.  This season, the rage for Pence’s cards have cooled somewhat as he has had a decent but understated sophomore season hitting .273 with 22 HR and 75 RBI.  Pence is an integral part to the surging Astros’ lineup as fellow OF Carlos Lee is on the shelf through thre rest of the regular season with a fractured finger.  Pence has done his part in September hitting .390 with 2 HR 6 RBI and 5 doubles.  While his 2004 cards are all too expensive for this list, his ‘06 Bowman Chrome Prospect cards could well be nice values if the Astros can continue their torrid pace and track down the Brewers.

Los Angeles Dodgers—75-71 1st Place NL West

Chad Billingsley 2003 Bowman Heritage Auto—$13.00

• Billingsley has taken huge strides forward to become the ace that the Dodgers projected him to be when they selected him in the first round of  the ‘03 draft.  Billingsley has won 6 of his last 7 decisions and has lowered his overall ERA to 3.02 after begining the season with an 0-4 record.  The playoffs are a time where the frontline players step forward and turn themselves into household names.  Surging since the Manny Ramirez trade, the Dodgers have several key youngsters that can make the transistion from sleepers to superstars.  Billingsley is at the top of that list.

Andre Ethier 2003 Prospect Premieres (x5)—$7.50

• This guy has been sizzling in September, hitting a robust .595 with 2 HR 12 RBI and 14 runs scored.  Additionally, he has walked 9 times while only punching out 5 times.  Ethier is the perfect compliment to Man-Ram and he has been very comfortble hitting in the 2 spot ahead of him.  The Prospect Premieres card is an XRC set which also features an autograph from Ethier.  His ‘03 and ‘05 autos are sold in the $20-30 range, but his ‘06 autos can be had for under $10.  As a first year card, the ‘03 Prospect Premieres has solid value for its price and could be a hot commodity if Ethier can transform inoto a postseason superstar.

Matt Kemp 2005 Topps Chrome Update (x5)—$8.00

• This guy is soooo close to being a big time superstar.  He has had a very nice 2008 campaign hitting .286 with 16 HR 71 RBI and 33 SB.  This is his first full season and not even the sky can limit his potential as an all-around mega talent.  He must learn to cut down his K’s and keep focused.  Kemp has many offereings in 2005 to choose from, including a Bowman Chrome auto that would also be a good investment (though too expensive for the $100 Well Spent article).  I chose his chromes as I felt $1.50 was a steal for a player of his talent.  The Dodgers have all the ingredients in place for a long and productive postseason run.

Phew!  There it is $100 worth of National League Playoff Contenders!  As always your thoughts and contributions are solicited and appreciated by me.  Hopefully, I won’t jinx this batch!  Stay tuned as I will be posting later about David Price’s promotion to the big club in Tampa Bay and we’ll also examine Razor’s newest signees. 

For now, though, it is time to go enjoy the sunshine!