Deadline Deals and Their Hobby Impact
Major League Baseball's non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, and so have many top players and prospects. With all the shuffling of talent, collectors should comb through their personal collection for recently traded veterans and prospects alike. Some of the game's top prospects like Zack Wheeler, Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton and Drew Pomeranz are now with new teams. Here's a look at some of the veteran players who will make an immediate impact on their new clubs and possibly your collection.
Hunter Pence
The two-time All-Star was sent to Philadelphia for a bevy of prospects including Cosart, Singleton, Josh Zeid, and a player to be named later. Hunter Pence has always had a strong fan base in Houston and his popularity is sure to rise as he joins the first-place Phillies. A strong showing in the postseason would further increase Pence's stock.
Key Card: 2004 SP Prospects Autograph Hunter Pence Rookie Card (/600)
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Carlos Beltran
Traded to the reigning World Series Champions, Carlos Beltran is the offensive bat San Francisco desired to help the team return to the Fall Classic. In return, the New York Mets received Wheeler, a top pitching prospect. Though Beltran is leaving the huge hobby market of New York, San Francisco is known for its great fan base, which will help the value of Beltran's collectibles.
Key Rookie Card: 1995 Topps Traded Carlos Beltran Rookie Card
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Chris Davis
The corner infielder was sent to Baltimore with Tommy Hunter for relief pitcher Koji Uehara. After the Orioles made the deal with Texas, they then sent Derrek Lee to Pittsburgh, opening up first base for Davis. Davis has been up and down with Texas for the past couple of seasons. A stud at the minor league level, Davis hits with great power and has a good glove at both first base and third base. However, Davis is notorious for his strikeouts. He should benefit from regular playing time in Baltimore.
Key Card: 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Chris Davis Rookie Card
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Mike Adams
Many thought Heath Bell would be the Padres' relief pitcher to be traded. Instead, Texas acquired Adams for Joe Wieland and Robbie Erlin. Adams joins the American League West-leading Rangers in their quest to return to the World Series. While the Giants needed offensive help, the Rangers addressed their bullpen by adding Adams and Koji Uehara. Both the Giants and the Rangers seem poised to make a strong showing in the playoffs again.
Key Card: 2003 Bowman Chrome Mike Adams Rookie Card
Erik Bedard
In landing Erik Bedard from the Mariners, the Red Sox added depth at starting pitching. This is something they desperately needed with Clay Bucholz on the disabled list. Though Bedard is no longer a front of the rotation starter, the fact he is joining the hugely popular Red Sox should show collectors a jump in value, especially if the team makes an impact in the playoffs.
Key Card: 2001 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Erik Bedard Rookie Card
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