Your Daily Value #37

Posted by Jeremy on January 24, 2009 under Your Daily Value | Be the First to Comment

2002 Bowman Chrome Draft SHIN-SOO CHOO

Current eBay Price—$1.00-1.50

This guy has been around forever, yet will be just 26 this season and is coming off of a blazing final two months of the ‘08 season which saw him hit .359 with 10 HR 41 RBI and 41 runs scored in just 44 games.  Choo was a career .300 hitter in the minor leagues but never got an opportunity to earn much playing time with the Mariners.  After the trade to Cleveland, Choo platooned for a couple of seasons until the Tribe made him a full time starter in mid-July.  Choo has the potential to hit at least 20 HR per season as a starter and there is also some potential for him to chalk up double digit SB totals.  His strong arm and decent range makes him a  good candidate for RF which bodes well for his future with the club as prospects Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley profile to be better fits in LF.

The 2002 Bowman Chrome Draft set was a landmark set for top prospects like Cole Hamels, Jeff Francouer, Zack Grienke and others.  While the set has cooled significantly over recent years.  Choo’s first year card could be a nice little gem that can be grabbed at a bargain basement price.  Keep an eye out for his various autographed cards as well.  Once he starts compiling good stats, the demand for all of his stuff should appreciate both here and overseas.