Advice on Modern Rookie Cards 2000-2019

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

For Topps, does base include the Update/Traded set ? That discussion has popped up in threads on set runs

The Cardinals gave up Jerry Ruess to get Scipio. It might have worked out well for the Cards but for Johnny Bench

I was using base to differentiate from all the parallels and variations, not from a set completion pov.

[ALR-bishop]

My Q was really to Ryan's post. Since 1994 I am just a base collector myself, but for Topps I include any Traded/ Update set. There are a few years when there was no Traded/Update sets. Based on prior threads many set collectors would not include such sets as base, but rather a new separate set. Like the definition of a variation there is no single right answer I guess.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

My Q was really to Ryan's post. Since 1994 I am just a base collector myself, but for Topps I include any Traded/ Update set. There are a few years when there was no Traded/Update sets. Based on prior threads many set collectors would not include such sets as base, but rather a new separate set. Like the definition of a variation there is no single right answer I guess.

Since the Update sets may contain rookies not found in the regular set I would think you have to have them.

[todeen]

I would say that you need to be cautious of price reduction if you are looking for investment purposes. I can remember Pujols and Ichiro rookies fetching outrageous prices. Then, when they got older and slowed down their production, their rookie card prices fell as well. Both are sure bet hall of famers. If I was trying to catch up my rookie card stash (I don't collect rookie cards), I would start in 2000 and work to present....rather than starting present and working backwards. I think you will find your retirement income will carry you farther.

As for the RC logo versus "Prospect Cards," I can remember when that change occurred. I believe it was MLB instituted to help rein in the card industry and the crazy variations and sets that were being created. People wanted a clarification of what was and what wasn't a RC, and this was the simplest way to make that designation. Joey Votto case in point.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Look at the countless varieties of Acuna rookies and tell me MLB did a good job of controlling this lol. Type 2018 Acuna into the PSA Pop Report baseball card search and it comes up with .... wait for it.... 914 results LOL.

[Steve D]

I also collect some of the current rookies, and try to focus on Topps Chrome.

If there is no Topps Chrome RC for a particular player, I'll go with the regular Topps.

From what I've seen, I believe Topps keeps the variations in Chrome to a minimum; i.e., for Kris Bryant in 2015, they issued pose variations of his card, but with the Chrome, there was only one pose.

I do though, stay away from the other Topps issues like Heritage.

It can be tough though, to keep it to Topps. With Jose Altuve for instance, I really don't like his 2011 Topps Update card...It just looks strange to me with the headless teammate hugging him; so I went with the 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft card.

Steve

[maniac_73]

I remember why I don't collect much modern now, my head is spinning lol! Also not one for manufactured scarcity but everyone likes what they like.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Steve D

I also collect some of the current rookies, and try to focus on Topps Chrome.

If there is no Topps Chrome RC for a particular player, I'll go with the regular Topps.

From what I've seen, I believe Topps keeps the variations in Chrome to a minimum; i.e., for Kris Bryant in 2015, they issued pose variations of his card, but with the Chrome, there was only one pose.

I do though, stay away from the other Topps issues like Heritage.

It can be tough though, to keep it to Topps. With Jose Altuve for instance, I really don't like his 2011 Topps Update card...It just looks strange to me with the headless teammate hugging him; so I went with the 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft card.

Steve

The Topps Update Altuve may be the worst rookie card ever produced. Which is unfortunate because even in the scarcer varieties (Cognac and Diamond) it's pretty affordable.