Over the last 3 years, Topps has made Bowman its primary driver for pre-premiere cards. Although this could even technically be called a pre-draft product, there are elements of rookies with NFL logos on base cards. The product has been relatively polarizing, mainly because of its presentation style, which means that many either love it or hate it.

Here are some of the first cards up so far:

2015 Bowman Chrome Marcus Mariota Orange Refractor Auto /50

2015 Bowman Chrome Bryce Petty Red Wave Refractor Auto /25

2015 Bowman Chrome Ameer Abdullah Gold Refractor Auto /75

2015 Bowman Chrome Shane Ray Blue Refractor Auto /99

2015 Bowman Breshad Perriman 1948 Mini Auto RC

Although I understand that generic pictures of the rookies in retouched college pictures isnt the ideal situation, I would buy singles and boxes of this before venturing into stickers that are comprising 100% of Panini’s product line so far for 2015. I love Chrome and I will tolerate the photograph situation so that we can have on card autographs, and that is that. On card is essential at this point in the year, as we have seen with releases for Leaf and Upper Deck. When stickers are used, it just kills all the appeal for the card, especially when there are on card examples available elsewhere.

In all honesty, I think the best solution is to wait for the NFL stuff to be ready, but that means forgoing most of the profit that can be gained from an early release. In fact, Bowman surprisingly remains valuable through the year, especially in high grade examples of the numbered refractors. Considering how much some people hate the pictures, many other people dont seem to care all that much.

The scariest thing is that Panini doesnt even value on card autographs enough to get many cards signed at the premiere, opting instead for rookies to sign scraps of paper, sketches, cloth or anything that can be used as a sticker replacement. Based on what we saw from Twitter and other social media, Topps got THOUSANDS of on card autographs signed a few weeks ago, and that 2015 looks to be the year of the hard signed card for them. I could not be happier. Considering that they were able to get Bowman done with no redemptions is pretty impressive. Lets hope the rest of their stuff turns out similarly. The only draw back is it seems that the signing of a late autograph deal means Melvin Gordon will only have base cards in the product.

I actually like this year’s design, and as mentioned above, think its whole-heartly a better approach than using stickers. I will definitely bust a few boxes as I do every year, and remain hopeful that this is potentially the only Topps football product that might be able to survive Panini’s sad acquisition of the NFLPA exclusive.

And so begins the last year that I will likely be fully invested in football cards. Thanks Panini and your shitty products. Cant wait for 2016.

Yesterday, we got the big news that two of the biggest prospects in baseball would be called up to join an already star studded crop for 2015. Byron Buxton of the Twins and Francisco Lindor of the Indians are set to join Kris Bryant, Joey Gallo and company in the bigs, making their MLB debut. Considering that guys like Carlos Correa, Addison Russell and a few others are already up with the clubs, this could end up being one of the best rookie classes in MLB history.

Here is what Buxton and Lindor are going for these days:

2013 Bowman Chrome Byron Buxton Blue Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

2014 National Treasures Byron Buxton Silhouette Auto Twins Logo 1/25

2014 Bowman Platinum Byron Buxton Dirty Jumbo Patch Auto Red /25

2011 Bowman Chrome Francisco Lindor Red Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

2011 Bowman Sterling Francisco Lindor Gold Refractor Auto RC

We have already seen the impact that rookies have had so far this year, with Bryant starting to pile on the home runs and RBIs just like he was projected to do. Collectors have been clamoring to get some of his cards squared away in their collections as a result. Others like Carlos Correa (drafted in the same year as Buxton) just got the call, and have already been doing very well. Buxton is rated as Baseball’s number 2 prospect, and many believe he could be a mainstay for the surprise Twins in their outfield for years. That would mean great things for his cards.

Buxton has been a GREAT signer for Topps over the years, as his cards have been readily available across all brands. Leaf and Panini have also had a big opportunity with him, as his autographs are well documented in the recent releases there as well. The question with prospects like we are seeing this year is whether or not they can live up to the hype. The rule of thumb is always to buy low and sell high, but doing so right around call up can be a very risky proposition.

Development is always a big part of success within the game, as it can take a few years for anyone to get to their true potential. Bryant may have been able to get going right out of the gates, but there are arguments to be made that this start might mean little in the grand scheme. Of course, that hasnt stopped everyone and their mothers from chasing down his autographs, as the rarer ones have sold for thousands more than even proven all stars and MVPs.

It used to be that everyone was trying to find the next Albert Pujols. A guy who rocketed out of the blocks, and has already won multiple MVPs, World Titles, and hit his 500th home run last year. His cards were the hottest thing in baseball for years. Since moving to the Angels a few years ago, things have cooled off. Now, its trying to find the next Mike Trout, as his potential ceiling seems to be even higher than Pujols, as long as he can continue playing at the way he is right now. Trout is the face of Baseball cards right now, with his autographs being more valuable than just about anyone. Both Pujols and Trout came about in a way very differently than Buxton, Bryce Harper or even Bryant, as both were lower picks in the first round instead of the top or second pick.

In all reality, this isnt the way to go about playing the prospecting game, as Pujols and Trout are generational in their talents. To pick that one guy out of THOUSANDS is like winning the lottery, and like the lottery, shouldnt be counted on. Baseball cards just arent investment worthy any more, and havent been for the last few decades. Cards should be used as the hobby and for fun, even though there are still people who can make money prospecting. The amount of work that goes into that kind of existence is ridiculous, and many people arent willing to put in that time. Most collectors dont understand how hard it is Prospect with the best, as they just think they can buy according to the hype and walk away winners. Doesnt work like that, except in very rare cases.

Taking all of that into consideration, ill still be watching intently as Buxton makes his debut, and will be among the people who will love it when he hopefully plays well. One can dream.

Every so often, a football card set comes along and just makes my jaw drop. We have become accustomed to products that are just plays on the same theme, over and over again, and one can easily get into a funk. I think that has happened a lot over the last few years, but after seeing the preview for Topps Diamond, I needed to re-evaluate what I look for in a product. It looks THAT good. More importantly, it PISSES me off that we will likely only get one year of the product.

High end football has had its tests as of late thanks to Flawless’ precedent of on card autographs in the beginning of the year:

2014 Flawless Tom Brady Logo Patch Auto

2014 Flawless Emmitt Smith Dual Jumbo Patch Auto BGS 9.5

2014 Flawless Peyton Manning Jumbo Patch Auto

However, I still think Five Star was much more dynamic looking last year:

2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady Auto SP

2014 Topps Five Star Russell Wilson Silver Signature Auto

2014 Topps Five Star Odell Beckham Silver Signature Auto

From what I understand, these cards will be the first in football to have a flat stock mixed with refractor technology similar to Topps Tribute in baseball. It will function very similarly to what we have seen in many other circumstances, but more Chrome is always better. Black background with metallic pens have been a staple for Topps over the last few years, and a lot of the cards have turned out to be some of the best looking they produce. Others have been dropped down a peg due to pen issues.

If Diamond can deliver in the way they are previewing here, with on card autographs through the whole product, and some ridiculously cool technology in play, this could be a winner and then some. Those diamond die-cuts are something else, especially when presented this way. Yet, with Panini taking over the NFLPA exclusive next year, this might be one of Topps’ last hurrahs as a licensed company. From the way it looks, they are going out as king of the gridiron.

I just hope that the year that has passed since Panini announced the exclusive is an indicator that all is not what it seems with their exclusive, and that the NFL may not want to follow suit. It would be quite the awesome situation if Topps could get back on the horse, and split the difference with Panini. Competition always fuels the best fires, and sets like this need a place in the hobby. Of course, Im just reading too far into this, but speculation is always fun.

Collectors freaking love jumbo patch autos, and I love good looking cards. This is a match made in heaven, as the on card autos and enormous patch cards are going to drive some SERIOUS value if the rookie class plays out the way some think it will. Each box is guaranteeing a RPA, plus two other autos, which only makes me that much more interested to see the checklist.

Even if the rookies dont pan out, I am going to have to pick out some boxes of this stuff just to experience what looks like the best I have seen from Topps since Five Star was first announced.