4 Baseball Stars Seeking Redemption in 2012
When most collectors hear the word redemption, they cringe at the thought of a long wait and delayed hits. However, a handful of baseball players are looking for personal redemption in 2012. And if redemption should be found, collectors will be pleased as well because it will mean a rebound in values.
Here's a look at some players that are looking to climb back into the good graces of fans and collectors.
Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun was at the top of the baseball world in 2011, winning the NL MVP and helping the Milwaukee Brewers win their first postseason series since 1982. Within weeks of being named MVP, critics and fans were calling for it to be revoked after Braun failed a drug test. Now the superstar is facing a 50-game suspension at the start of the 2012 season. Braun is appealing the suspension, but his status remains uncertain. Plus, his reputation has been tainted. If, and this is a big if, Braun wins his appeal, he could find himself out of the interrogation room and back in the spotlight.
Today, savvy collectors can find Ryan Braun autograph cards, which are somewhat plentiful, for around $20 and up.
Buster Posey
As a rookie in 2010, Buster Posey helped lead the San Francisco Giants to a World Series Championship and earned the 2010 Rookie of the Year Award. As the 2011 season began, Posey's future was on track. That is, until a collision at the plate with Scott Cousins. Posey sustained a broken leg and torn ligaments, which cost him the majority of his season. Look for the young catcher to come out strong in 2012, sharing time behind the plate and at first base.
Buster Posey autograph cards can be found for $30 and up. He has several rookie cards across 2010 sets.
Jose Reyes
While Jose Reyes hasn't had a catalytic moment like Braun or Posey, the prized Miami Marlins acquisition does have a history with injuries. His long locks of hair may have fetched over $10,000 for charity, but it's his six-year, $106 million contract that the Dominican has to live up to. Over the past three seasons, Reyes has only played in 295 games. With the second largest contract ever for a shortstop, Reyes will need to stay healthy.
Jose Reyes has a handful of rookie cards in 2001 products. Autograph cards can be found starting at about $20.
Carlos Zambrano
Joining Reyes in Miami is the veteran pitcher, Carlos Zambrano. Better known for his blow ups than his strikeouts in recent years, Zambrano is looking for a fresh start. It's doubtful that the sunshine in Florida will warm the heart of the burly 270-pound hurler, but, perhaps, under the leadership of fellow Venezuelan, Ozzie Guillen, Zambrano can refocus. Hopefully not too much, though, because who doesn't love watching Big Z take out a water cooler in a random fit of rage?
Carlos Zambrano rookie cards can be found in four products from 2000. He has several autograph cards, which start out for around $15.
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