This post season has been a lot of fun, which includes quite a few surprises from teams that you never knew could perform the way they did. The playoffs always have a big effect on card values, so its only fitting that we discuss a few of the winners and losers.

Lorenzo Cain – WINNER

There might not be a team that has had a better post season than the Royals have so far. Maybe ever. Coming in as a Wild Card team, they have done nothing but win and win some more. Lorenzo Cain was recently named ALCS MVP and that has a big impact on the few cards he has available. The guy played like a maniac, and deserves all the credit he gets. One of those guys like David Freese and Allen Craig that goes from the common box to the big time overnight.

2011 Topps Lorenzo Cain 60th Anniversary Auto

2006 Bowman Lorenzo Cain RC Orange Refractor /25

2008 Elite Extra Edition Lorenzo Cain Auto Status /5

Clayton Kershaw – LOSER

Hard to apply this tag to Kershaw, because he is a clear cut leader for MVP in the National League after a historic season. However, his record in the playoffs this year curtailed a lot of the hobby success he was enjoying, as collectors never like to see someone bottom out after playing so well.

2006 Bowman Chrome Clayton Kershaw Blue Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

2008 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Clayton Kershaw Jumbo Relic Auto

2014 Museum Collection Clayton Kershaw Framed Auto

Madison Bumgarner – WINNER

After a nice season with the Giants, Mad Bum is well on his way to a potential World Series berth. If they can finish off the Cardinals and have a nice performance in the Series, the big bump he has gotten could go further.

2008 Bowman Chrome Madison Bumgarner Auto Xfractor RC

2013 Topps Madison Bumgarner World Series Auto Relic

Mike Trout – PUSH

I cant say Trout has lost value in the Hobby after losing to the Royals, but he definitely didnt gain any more momentum after an MVP caliber season this year. He remains the face of the hobby, and after an exclusive deal signed with Topps today, will be the face for a long time.

2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Auto BGS 9.5

2014 Immaculate Mike Trout Auto Relic

Mike Moustakas – WINNER

I could really write about the entire Royals team as a winner, but Moose was relatively considered to be a bust after being drafted high with a lot of hype behind him. His stats have been average, but he turned it on late in the season and hit some big bombs in the playoffs to elevate his status.

2008 Bowman Chrome Mike Moustakas Auto RC

2013 Topps Tribute Mike Moustakas Auto

Yasiel Puig – LOSER

There was no hotter player in baseball last year, and though he had a nice season in LA after a rough start, he was benched in the playoffs. His immaturity is well documented, and it might start to seep into his hobby potential if the confidence in his skills continues to falter.

2013 Bowman Chrome Yasiel Puig Auto RC

2013 Bowman Inception Yasiel Puig Orange Auto /50

I am ready for the World Series to start, and I cannot wait to see how it works out. Even though I am oddly shocked by the Royals making it as far as they have, I kind of want them to win despite their presence in the AL central against my Twins. Its just too good a story.