Of all the All Star games, Baseball is the one where people have the least potential to get injured – at least in my opinion. This leads to a game that can be played at almost full speed. Inexplicably, Bud Selig thought this was a cue to add stakes to the game, and make it count. I cant even explain how infuriating that is. Either way, this game is interesting without the prize, and I always watch every year.

This year, there are some BIG rookie names involved, as well as some bigger hobby names that continue to hold the market for MLB cards. Guys like Kris Bryant and Joc Pederson are making their all star debuts, and I could not be more excited. Here are some things to watch for.

Kris Bryant in the Derby and the Main Event

Over the last few years, there has always been at least one big name that Topps structures all their releases around. Puig, Abreu, Harper, Trout, all have taken the crown. This year its Bryant, and his cards are going absolutely fucking insane.

Check out some of the craziness:

2013 Bowman Chrome Kris Bryant Auto BGS 9.5

2015 Topps Archives Kris Bryant Fan Favorites Auto

2015 Bowman Inception Kris Bryant Auto Jumbo Patch /5

His Finest Superfractor auto is up for auction, and is already garnering huge bids. This is a rarity, considering that repack companies usually buy up all the big hits before they hit eBay.

Bryant will be partaking in both legs of the ASG festivities, with the Home Run Derby tonight and the All Star Game on Tuesday. Although a shitty performance wont hurt him at all, if he comes out a winner in either event, it could definitely help him.

He is, without a doubt, a guy that is performing on a level similar to what we saw with Puig, and that makes for good hobby results. Although Puig literally set the world on fire, he hasnt really sustained it. Bryant will have big shoes to fill if he wants to reach the level of other hobby mainstays, and this could be a step in the right direction.

Joc Pederson in the Derby and the Main Event

Like Bryant, Joc is having a great year. He is on the verge of setting every major Dodgers team rookie record, and he should be getting similar recognition to his counterpart. His cards arent selling half as well, as many dont believe his ceiling is as high, but man, he can put on a show.

Here is where his cards are sitting:

2012 Bowman Chrome Joc Pederson Blue Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

2015 Topps Museum Collection Joc Pederson Dual Patch Auto

2015 Topps Archives Joc Pederson 1990 All Star Rookie Auto

Pederson needs to make a statement on a national level to get even MORE love in the hobby than he is already getting, and this is a perfect opportunity for him to do so. Bryant was a big name from the time he was drafted, and Pederson is running the race in second place. Not bad for a guy drafted in the 11th round.

Considering he wasnt even in the top 25 for Baseball America in 2014, he has made waves since being promoted when the Dodgers got rid of Matt Kemp. Might eventually end up as a top hobby name, especially playing in LA.

Repeat MVP for Mike Trout?

I dont think Topps could be more excited than for their main spokesperson to win the MVP last year in Minnesota. Trout went on to win the league MVP, and solidify his spot atop the Hobby. He remains the top autograph in Baseball, and his production speaks to why that is the case.

2015 Topps Finest Mike Trout Orange Refractor Auto

2015 Topps Stadium Club Mike Trout Auto SSP

2015 Museum Collection Mike Trout Framed Auto

If he can repeat as MVP, I doubt it will have a huge impact for his already sky high value, but it could definitely mean a bump momentarily. Baseball is one of those sports where the minor big event can mean increases or decreases in value, and I would like to see him put on a show.

Pitching Takes Center Stage

Its really too bad that Max Scherzer will not be able to pitch due to his starting on Sunday. We almost had the same situation with Chris Sale, but I guess that Ventura and Yost worked it out. Pitching has been the story as much as the rookies this year, and its always fun to see them go one on one with the best hitters in the game back to back to back. Although its usually only an inning at a time, it makes for some fun TV.

All Star Releases in Topps Bunt

If you have been following along with me on Twitter, you know how much I love the digital apps that Topps does. Each of the last few years, Topps Bunt has made an event out of the All Star festivities, and they are knee deep in it again this year.

Here are some of the cards:

2015 Bunt All Star Legends Johnny Bench

2015 Bunt All Star Bryce Harper Card

If you opened Series 2 baseball, you probably have some of the codes for Bunt sitting around, and I would say now is the best time to use them. Get yourself signed up, get some free coins, and check out the all star sets they are running at the moment. The cards look great, and they will definitely be rocking and rolling all night long tonight and tomorrow.

I have mentioned before that the game has been generating a lot of buzz lately, and this is easily one of the biggest weeks of the year for them.

Overall – this is a fun time to be a collector of all things baseball. I hope everyone still gets the enjoyment out of the All Star Game that it brings me, or at least some entertaining hobby reactions. Here is hoping that we get a good show again.