Nonsense Newsletter No. 122: The Central Division, Let's talk about the PC, Manager cards and much more!
In this week’s edition, John Dudley sets the sights on the central division on both leagues. I share some of the love for a new concept to me — a PC, and, of course, the Quick Hits section will leave you speechless, yet again! So, as springtime approaches, sit back and enjoy this week’s edition of the Nonsense Newsletter!
By John Dudley
Baseball season is almost here. It’s time to get a grip on the biggest hobby storylines in 2024. Last week, I looked at the West divisions. This week it is the Central divisions' turn. Importantly, the players highlighted here aren’t necessarily the biggest or best players on their teams. Rather, they are simply players that I am most interested in from a hobby standpoint.
AL Central
Chicago White Sox- The only White Sox fans I know are in a dark place and it’s not even Opening Day. Eloy Jimenez is looking good in Spring Training, but I think the ship has sailed for him in the hobby. Luis Robert is really the only White Sox player of note in the hobby. Robert has fallen mightily since his hobby heyday of 2020. I figured last season would have helped boost him in the hobby, but it frankly did not. Robert needs to either put up MVP-level numbers or get traded to get more hobby love. The good news is that both of those have a decent chance of happening.
Cleveland Guardians- Jose Ramirez is the best player the hobby completely ignores. He’s well on his way to the HOF and he’s within 1 point of Bryce Harper’s WAR. Harper is the same age and has actually played one more season than J.Ram. Ramirez could benefit from an MVP and might need that to avoid being on the Paul Goldschmidt path of being incessantly overlooked.
By John McTaggart
If you asked me, I would tell you that if I were a trading card I’d be considered vintage, and few would argue that point.
And I would also consider that a compliment.
There is something about the word vintage, right?
It evokes a certain feeling of elegance, of class, of refinement that few other terms can.
So, if I’m considered vintage — I am fine with that.
Having said all that, the vintage sports card market is something I have always been intrigued by, but never really delved into, despite that fact I’ve been in this game for almost four decades now.
It always seemed too complicated for me, honestly.
There was so much information that really needed to be mastered.
It’s a niche of the hobby that requires you to be thrilled by a PSA 3.
It demands an incredible eye for detail, and a feel of patience that is really quite astounding.
I have a friend, a gentleman who has been in the hobby for 50 years, who spends decades searching for a single card in just the right condition.
He builds sets, and collects individual players and the process is always in process.
Quick Hits
Hobby News- Hopefully, you all had a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day. The card world gets in the spirit every now and then. Topps gave us the extremely short-printed Luck of the Irish parallels in Opening Day a couple of years ago. All & Ginter Chrome featured a leprechaun in their nuclear Chase the Rainbow SPs. The prices on the Chase the Rainbow set are incredible and I’m almost a bit surprised that Topps went with Easter eggs over shamrocks for their Spring parallels.
Vintage- Let’s talk about managers, okay? Sure, they’re often overlooked in the hobby, that would be an understatement. No more, however, as Sports Collector’s Daily did a sweet job with the 1969 set, and how managers played a role in that offering. Click here for more.
Hobby News- The last week of the month brings the most budget-friendly set of the year (Big League) along with the first premium 2024 set (Tribute). I’ve been a bit surprised by the low prices for the 2024 rookies other than Elly and Dominguez. The lower prices don’t bode well for Tribute as even good rookie autos will struggle to fetch more than $50.
The Sports Card Nonsense newsletters reflect the opinions of only the authors and contributors. They are for informational purposes only and are not a recommendation for purchases or of an investment strategy or to buy or sell any assets.