Can Hobby Gold be Found in the Cellar?
With the 2011 World Series upon us, fans of the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers must feel like they are on top of the world. But what about collectors whose favorite team is firmly nestled in the cellar?
As a life-long Houston Astros fan, I understand the pain. I haven't experienced the joy Cardinals and Rangers fans are in the midst of since 2005. I know I am not alone. In an attempt to look at the "bright side" of things, let's explore some recent cool cards for each of this year's cellar dwellers.
Baltimore Orioles: Zach Britton
Cool Card: 2011 Topps Chrome Baseball Rookie Autographs Zach Britton
Zach Britton is a young left-handed hurler that started the 2011 season strong before becoming plagued with inconsistency on the mound. Britton has the stuff to be a front-end starter and prospectors shouldn't give up on him just yet.
Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer
Cool Card: 2011 Topps Update All-Star Stitches Relic Michael Cuddyer
Michael Cuddyer has been with the Twins for 11 years and has been a model of consistency for the franchise with a .272 career average. As most Minnesota fans continue to focus on Joe Mauer, collectors on a budget can add Cuddyer to their collection cheaply.
Seattle Mariners: Felix Hernandez
Cool Card: 2011 Topps Marquee Titanic Threads Felix Hernandez
Certified ace? Check. Cy Young Award winner? Check. All-Star pitcher? Check. Despite the elite status of Felix Hernandez, his cards can still be had at a reasonable price. If the Mariners ever start to give him some run support, look for Hernandez to finally get the hobby love he deserves.
Florida Marlins: Mike Stanton
Cool Card: 2010 Topps Chrome Rookie Autographs Mike Stanton
A 2010 Rookie of the Year candidate, Mike Stanton showed off his power stroke in 2011 by belting 34 home runs. Due to the Marlins' microscopic fan base, the emerging slugger's autographed cards are still easy to come by.
Houston Astros: J.D. Martinez
Cool Card: 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs J.D. Martinez
With the sale of the team still pending, the Astros are an organization in disarray. This is a time for the team's youth to make a name for themselves. J.D. Martinez may be the best player on the roster to do just that.
San Diego Padres: Cameron Maybin
Cool Card: 2006 Bowman Sterling Autographs Cameron Maybin
Just a couple of years ago, Cameron Maybin was seen as a can't-miss five-tool prospect. Things haven't worked out that way. After the lowly Marlins gave up on him, Maybin emerged with the Padres last season. The fresh start seemed to help, although he still has a long way to go before the hobby accepts him as a star once again.
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