Let’s continue the MLB Playoff budget-based fun. But first we’ll review some of the good and the bad from my Wildcard round calls.
The Good: Grisham, Tucker, and Swanson all get at least three more games in the national spotlight. I’m still in on these guys but we will cover that below.
The Still Good: Jose Ramirez stayed red hot, hitting .429BA with 3 doubles and 4 RBIs. Keeping his name in the MVP hunt and his value trending up. Sad to see Jose coming off our list as the Indians fail to advance.
Cavin Biggio was the big letdown. Hitting .125BA with 6Ks he was ice cold. He is still young, so as his value holds, so should you. I’m looking for him take off in a normal 2021 season.
I’m adding couple honorable mentions that didn’t make the Wildcard list due in no fault of their own. Late call ups Dylan Carlson of the Cardinals and fan favorite Jake Cronenworth of the Padres. If only they had flagship rookie cards to go with their 1st Bowman on the rise.
With that being said let’s dig though our piles of 1st Bowman and flagship rookies to add two more names that fit our mold of overlooked or undervalued players on teams making a playoff splash.
Well Trent came out a little too aggressive in the Wildcard Round, piling up 5 Ks. He did manage to walk 4 times but we all know, to move the card scales were looking for the power he flashed in the regular season. He’ll get another chance to tip the scales as the Padres moved on. Trent’s value still has room to grow. I’m targeting his Topps Flagship PSA 10 at $50 due to this 1st Bowman Refractor PSA 10 sitting at $150.
We didn’t hear any trashcans the Wildcard round and with A’s Mike Fires in the opposite dugout we shouldn’t in the Divisional round either. Tucker kept on trucking hitting 5th in the lineup posting a solid .357BA. His two hits with runners in scoring position show the playoff lights aren’t too bright. I didn’t think the Astor’s had a run in them but getting past the Twins in round 1 and facing the A’s in round 2, they could surprise us. I still think Tucker is bringing great value with his Topps Flagship RC PSA 10 and 1st Bowman PSA 10s $50 range. I wouldn’t snooze on his 2019 Topps Chrome Rookie in the $30s or his 2015 Bowman Draft Paper in the $20s.
Dansby didn’t exactly keep his hot streak alive in the Wildcard Round going 1 for 9 and 5 Ks. Let’s see if he can get back on track, in the Divisional round against the Marlins pitching staff that posted a 4.86 team ERA in 2020. His value still sits in the budget buy zone with his Topps Flagship RC at $20-30 range and his 1st Bowman at around $40. I’m not looking to sell quite yet but Swanson will have to get back to his hot hitting ways for him to stay in my portfolio.
Did Torres slow roll us or is he just the next Yankee to love the bright lights of the playoffs? While he most likely isn’t in your dusty rookie plie, his lack luster 2020 regular season might have caused you to slightly overlook him. This wild and crazy season had a lot of the big boys off their games and Torres was not immune to that, hitting for a .243BA with only 3HRs and 16RBI. Now I’ll give you that, all the Yankee bats seemed to hit in the Wildcard round. But Torres crushed to the tune of a .714BA going 5 of 7 with 3 runs, 1HR, 3 RBI. He also sprinkled in 3 walks. Looking back at GT’s card values late in the 2019 season, I’m getting that déjà vu feeling. His Flagship RC PSA 10 has room to grow and is not completely out of the budget minded collect reach at about $70. His Topps Chrome Rookie PSA 10 is a highly attractive option if you’re on a budget.
He’s back baby! While injury caused a low spot in his career, 2020 has been kind to this 26-year-old. Seager went on a tear collecting 65 hits in 52 games played with 12 doubles, 15HRs, 41 RBI. Locked in the 2 hole of a great Dodgers lineup we should hear his name called a lot in the Division Round. Make no mistake that’s not where they plan to stop, but the upstart Padres might push this series to 5. That’s fine with me. It’s just that many more games for him to remind everyone just where his value should be. Seager’s 2016 Topps Flagship RC PSA 10 is not out of the question in the high $50s. While his 2010 1st Bowman is defiantly obtainable in the low $40s.
San Diego Padres
Atlanta Braves
New York Yankees
Los Angeles Dodgers
Great stuff Bullitt!