From Topps standpoint, they SHOULDNT have a Stras auto in BC

[Jaypers]

he can be a prospect auto in 09 BDP and a RC auto in 10 BC

Just wondering...... what makes you say this? Are you assuming he'll be on the team in 10? Because I don't think signing a MLB deal makes him anymore eligible. Porcello had a MLB deal, as well as Jacob Turner this year.

I'm not trying to bust you or anything, I'm just wondering.

They didn't pay him as much as they did for him to languish in the minors for long. He'll be in DC next year at some point.

 

[nborton]

he can be a prospect auto in 09 BDP and a RC auto in 10 BC

Just wondering...... what makes you say this? Are you assuming he'll be on the team in 10? Because I don't think signing a MLB deal makes him anymore eligible. Porcello had a MLB deal, as well as Jacob Turner this year.

I'm not trying to bust you or anything, I'm just wondering.

They didn't pay him as much as they did for him to languish in the minors for long. He'll be in DC next year at some point.

Yeah, that was how I was taking it. I was holding out some hope that maybe there was a wrinkle in things that would allow for a Turner RC too. :lol:

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

I don't agree with this equation...

Scarcity + hype = demand

And Razor is the perfect example of this. Why does this equation not work? Brand is not included.

We've seen what exclusives can do without any sort of brand history/recognition...and that is very little. Sure, there was initial interest, only to drop exponentially. We also have no idea of the specifics of the contract that Topps has signed with MLBP and the MLBPA and after last year, it may include a sort of "anti-exclusive" clause. We have no idea.

So let's jump to 2010 and assume that Strasburg has signed an exclusive autograph agreement with Upper Deck. Upper Deck releases a San Diego State Strasburg card with an autograph, and Topps/Bowman releases a Strasburg card in full Nationals gear...the autograph add value to one, and the uniform adds value to another.

Keep in mind, no one can create an exclusive image rights agreement with Strasburg as his image rights fall into larger licensing agreements.

Now, in regards to the comment, "If you pulled a high-end parallel of a top guy, wouldn't it cheapen the moment if you discovered he had about 20 more in other products?" I don't know, let's look at 2001 products and Albert Pujols rookies. If I pulled a "lesser" Pujols parallel I'd still be stoked and it would still be a great box. Sure, it wouldn't be the Bowman Chrome Autograph...but it would be a great card.

These draft products with (or without) Strasburg will set the table for 2010 products that will include Harper, and I have to think the MLBP and Topps specifically discussed both of these players.

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Regardless, it's strange that those that seem to want more competition in products (IE: Upper Deck and Topps) also appear to want exclusive contracts. To me that sounds contradictory.

 

[Jaypers]

I don't agree with this equation...

Scarcity + hype = demand

And Razor is the perfect example of this. Why does this equation not work? Brand is not included.

We've seen what exclusives can do without any sort of brand history/recognition...and that is very little. Sure, there was initial interest, only to drop exponentially. We also have no idea of the specifics of the contract that Topps has signed with MLBP and the MLBPA and after last year, it may include a sort of "anti-exclusive" clause. We have no idea.

I still maintain we've yet to see a TRUE exclusive put to the test, such as Aaron Crow, Yonder Alonso, etc. Meaning, those with absolutely NO previous cards produced who have yet to get called up.

My equation does not factor in brand for that very reason.

So let's jump to 2010 and assume that Strasburg has signed an exclusive autograph agreement with Upper Deck. Upper Deck releases a San Diego State Strasburg card with an autograph, and Topps/Bowman releases a Strasburg card in full Nationals gear...the autograph add value to one, and the uniform adds value to another.

Keep in mind, no one can create an exclusive image rights agreement with Strasburg as his image rights fall into larger licensing agreements.

Which is unfortunate, IMO.

Now, in regards to the comment, "If you pulled a high-end parallel of a top guy, wouldn't it cheapen the moment if you discovered he had about 20 more in other products?" I don't know, let's look at 2001 products and Albert Pujols rookies. If I pulled a "lesser" Pujols parallel I'd still be stoked and it would still be a great box. Sure, it wouldn't be the Bowman Chrome Autograph...but it would be a great card.

It would still be cheapER than it would had he been included in only one product.

These draft products with (or without) Strasburg will set the table for 2010 products that will include Harper, and I have to think the MLBP and Topps specifically discussed both of these players.

---

Regardless, it's strange that those that seem to want more competition in products (IE: Upper Deck and Topps) also appear to want exclusive contracts. To me that sounds contradictory.

Not at all. I'd like to see UD/Topps/Razor each grab up their own set of exclusives and play a good old fashioned game of "Can you top this".

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

JP...so I guess you are stating that any sort of "exclusive" agreement with a guy like Strasburg or Harper wouldn't be valid in this dicussion because each already have other cards and autographs produced right?

So if neither of these two players would be truly "exclusive" how about Topps trying to get an autograph of Strasburg in 2009 Bowman Draft or 2010 Bowman Chrome and then Upper Deck can release a Strasburg autograph in their 2010 College Legends of Baseball set...or whatever they plan on doing baseball wise. Talk about a "can you top this?" scenario...each company with the same player...that's competition.

 

[Jaypers]

JP...so I guess you are stating that any sort of "exclusive" agreement with a guy like Strasburg or Harper wouldn't be valid in this dicussion because each already have other cards and autographs produced right?

So if neither of these two players would be truly "exclusive" how about Topps trying to get an autograph of Strasburg in 2009 Bowman Draft or 2010 Bowman Chrome and then Upper Deck can release a Strasburg autograph in their 2010 College Legends of Baseball set...or whatever they plan on doing baseball wise. Talk about a "can you top this?" scenario...each company with the same player...that's competition.

No. My equation doesn't include Harper and Strasburg. However, the sheer amount of hype both of these players have had and will continue to have will more than compensate for their (present) lack of exclusivity. Plus, if Strasburg does eventually become exclusive to UD, his USA/Sweet Spot/Ultimates will likely not take nearly as big of a plunge in value if he had a Bowman Chrome card out there as well.