Baseball IPO’s: Etopps 04/31/07

This week has a couple of goodies, Cy Young winner Johan Santana & Yankees prospect Phillip Hughes 

Johan Santana

PR: 899

Price: $7.00

Performance Bonus (1pt): 2.22

253 K

Right out of the gate, the performance bonus is insane. A 0.96 WHIP for a 1pt Performance bonus? Crazy, and most likely Santana isn’t going to be able to post this type of number. So that eliminates owning the card for the Reward Point. On the other hand, his other Etopps offering (2005) has remained around a steady $6 range, even with a PR of 2600. The thing is, a 2007 Etopps card, while having a low PR, is just too far away from Santana’s rookie season. With that said, I don’t think you’d lose any money on this card, but the capital would be better served with other offerings.

Reccomendation: Avoid

Phillip Hughes

PR: 1200

Price: $9.50

Performance Bonus (2pts): 3.20 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 44 K

A true rookie offering! Hughes will be hard pressed to match the low ERA & WHIP reward point outlines set by Etopps, so if you’re looking to accumulate easy reward points I’d look elsewhere. On the financial front, this card is very inviting. Firstly, it’s a real rookie of a top level prospect. Secondly, he plays in New York. As a collector, whether you love or hate the Yankees, I’m sure you realize that they = green. The PR is a little high, but not too high to scare myself away. All in all, this looks like a strong card to own for a quick flip or a long term hold.

Reccomendation: Purchase in large quantities.