This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five players who interest me on draft night

WHERE WILL AARON RODGERS GO?
The No. 1 pick in the draft sounds like it's a no-surprises no-brainer this year ... Trevor Lawrence at No. 1 ... but what about the rest? The experts and amateur analysts say it's a good crop of QBs (I'm just a collector) and it seems that collecting/flipping/whatever you want to call it for football cards right is pretty much all about QBs, QBs, QBs and maybe an RB or WR or two. The Aaron Rodgers stories that are coming out literally right now make it seem like the biggest trade returns for the future Hall of Famer would be before the draft ... but will that affect QBs? I dunno ... but it could. So, is Rodgers one of my five players here? Not really -- he's established and expensive -- the question is who's the next Green Bay Packers QB. If it's Jordan Love, OK ... there's potential with his cards that's there now that wasn't perhaps a few hours ago. But ... what if the Packers get a QB in return? There might be less interest or need for Jordan cards than a few hours ago. And a trade of a guy like this could basically flip over the table for a lot of teams draft-wise if they are in there early and needing an arm ... you might even have a Jeopardy! joke in there somewhere.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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Fast Five is a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five strategies to still collect if you can't find brand-new boxes ...

FIND A NEW NICHE ...
No, I'm not starting a collection of Crazy Hot Dog Vendor "Rookie Cards" or a stash of (fake) ostrich cameos on baseball cards, but I wanted to lead things off here with something odd and attention-grabbing to make a point. You don't have to only collect the latest shiny new release like everybody else wants to -- especially if you can't (or in my case won't) camp out a few hours waiting for the retail aisle to "open" for your chance at the limit-two lottery. There are a ton of ways to collect out there that you can pull off on the cheaper side of things that aren't ripping boxes to see what you find. They can keep your collecting juices flowing between big-box breaks of the shiny new stuff if and when they happen. It may be a common-sense tip, but finding a niche within a wild world of big-priced possibilities can keep things sane for you in a crazy market. A new niche can obviously still be something simpler from inside those shiny new packs that others are taking the chance at ripping, too. Odd cards can carry more value than you might think ... like this Glenn Hubbard.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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Fast Five is a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five MLB rookies I'd be watching this year ... at least based on the results so far.

RED ALERT
Jonathan India -- 3B, Cincinnati Reds (click here for autographed cards on eBay)
This one is about the numbers for me -- 10-for-21 (.476) with a double, triple and 10 RBI in his first six games of his big-league career. He's a known commodity for prospectors since he was the fifth-overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and was a top-100 prospect at times since. However, in two MiLB seasons he hit just .254 with 17 homers and 67 RBI in 165 games (154 Ks) so there might not have been as much attention heading into this debut. He did hit .313 with three homers and seven RBI in 22 games this spring. Because he's been a high-profile player, he's already got a ton of cards -- more than 800 -- and nearly half of those are certified autos. His earliest ink is in 2014 Leaf Perfect Game releases and then his first MLB autos are in 2018 Bowman Draft. He's got ink from Panini America, too, in prospect releases and I'd be looking for bargain-priced ink here vs. the slabbed stuff with big prices attached. The 2014 autos are also somewhat appealing being so much earlier than the rest. Him having volume should give you more choices and more chances to find bargains compared to other guys on this list -- guys with scorching starts but fewer cards.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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Fast Five is a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five autographs I'd be chasing right now ...

LEGENDARY INK
Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- click here to see his autos on eBay
This NBA legend is on my daily saved eBay search because, well, I've taken too long to find one of his autos and they have really, really taken off. Why I hadn't landed one yet is because I'm just too picky -- I want an on-card auto with a clean sig and a relatively good photo for the former Lakers and Bucks star who has six championship rings, 19 All-Star nods, six MVP awards and still ranks first in career scoring, third in blocks and fourth in rebounds despite having retired more than 30 years ago. (What makes his 38,387 points even more remarkable? Zero three-pointers for his career.) He also was part of the legendary UCLA program with John Wooden -- he won NCAA titles all three years he was eligible and the Bruins lost just two games in his three seasons as a player -- and he is seemingly always a wise voice on social issues today (and that's not a new development). Another plus. His autographs have really taken off in price in recent years when I could have found a quality one for around just $100 not that long ago. He's been a steady lower-volume signer for years with more than 1,200 different options out there for fans ... and there are many apparently seeking them out. He can be found in many NBA releases in recent years with his highest volume of autos in high-end brands like Flawless, National Treasures and Eminence.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five collecting goals Buzz has for 2021.

MODERATION & DIVERSIFICATION
Placing limits on how many boxes I buy of any given brand ... and dabbling more broadly
Sure, this is two things in one ... but they are related in my case. This year presented a lot of challenges for many of us trying to find new boxes if working on a budget or if out in the retail wild. Why? Ultimately, it's all supply and demand -- there are more collectors coming back to cards and others coming from other flipper realms to clear shelves, stockpile and cash in. It's all good ... but I know I can't buy everything and compete with those guys who want it all no matter what. Everybody has their place in the big picture no matter what or how/why they collect, though, and, for me, instead of doing as many Buzz Breaks as I could for what brands I could get my hands on (Hello, Mosaic NBA, Prizm draft and Chronicles draft football, Chronicles NBA ... and a lot of WWE) I have some other goals on this front for 2021. I may try and break more different types of boxes (if I like them) and perhaps put a cap on how many I rip ... three of any brand's particular format may be my limit. At least that's my goal at first ... we'll see how it holds up depending on availability and what I like. I've found that some releases haven't aged well for my tastes after ripping tons this year and I've also opted to just pony up a little more than I might for particular single cards this year, too. This idea all hinges on what's available, but if the release schedules ever get back to their normally-a-little-crazy regular routines, there should be plenty to choose from. (Should. But this will take patience ... the 2021 release calendar for January and February still has plenty of 2020 on it.)

Keep reading for four more things making up the list this time.

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Fast Five is a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? NFL rookies who should be on your radar -- and are in 2020 boxes here.

THE NEW MAHOMES?
Justin Herbert -- QB, San Diego Chargers
OK, that label might be a bit much ... or it might not be. A look at the stat sheet for this season shows the rookie from Oregon behind only Mahomes for passing yards (and it's by a pretty distant amount) but Herbert's season is one that is about to be record-setting. In last night's game, he tied the rookie TD passing record with his 27th and games to go. (The record is only two years old, though, belonging to Baker Mayfield so consider his cardboard's journey the last couple years.) For the year, he's completed 353 of 531 passes for 3,781 yards and has 10 interceptions. He's also got four rushing TDs ... one coming in OT last night. Mahomes only played one game as a rookie but threw 50 TDs in his first season as a starter. Buying Herbert now might be buying them at a high point but it wouldn't hurt to stockpile cheap ones or PSA/BGS 9s in slabs and hold for the time being.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five upcoming products on Buzz's mind right now.

ONE OF THE GO-TO RELEASES ...
Dropping March 3: 2021 Topps Heritage baseball cards
While standard Topps is the flagship release for pretty much all of collecting, for the last 21 years this one has been a highlight and a staple for many who enjoy things oldschool but with the chases of today and plenty of nods to the days that were so much different than they are now. I've said it before, but the 1970s perhaps won't be as fun for some Heritage fans -- I'm speaking for myself here but others may agree -- but the 1972 Topps set is one that has some weirdness that works. (And it's better than most of what might follow it for Heritage.) This set is one that gets a ride this year ... so here's hoping that beget all that and more. The Relics look like they could be interesting this year but that's just one thing to look for. Now is the time to be watching the boxes and get those pre-orders in, too, as peoples' attention might be on other sports or flagship that arrives before this one. (Hit that link for closer look and to find an ordering link, of course.)

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? MLB postseason players to watch on cardboard

Shane Bieber -- SP, Cleveland Indians
This year's most-dominating pitcher took home the Triple Crown when the season ended and he's got tonight's must-win game against the Yankees and their top arm, Gerrit Cole. Bieber's got just three Rookie Cards and that makes for some added volatility -- 2018 Topps Update and Topps Chrome Update and then Panini Spectra, which was found in boxes of 2018 Panini Chronicles. Those are also sets loaded with other hobby-favorite rookies -- so they are in demand and not cheap. His first autographed cards also arrived that year in Bowman Chrome, while his first prospect cards dropped in 2017 ... but without ink so there's not anything earlier to truly trump the 2018 stuff. His basic cardboard is pretty cheap big-picture, but his rarities and early autos are not -- and tonight's the night that is a key to them all. If they lose, the hype goes elsewhere. If they win and make a run? Watch out ... "Not Justin" will just get hotter.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five reasons a sports card can be appealing ... beyond just value.

A STRONG PHOTO
We all know a lot of cards from any sports (or non-sports) set from the past that has a photo that's just so clean or different that it stands out from the rest of the pack every time we see it. It doesn't have to be a star, it doesn't have to be a bum ... it's just memorable. Sometimes cards like these can actually command more value than others around it (probably moreso in the years before hits and inserts) but that added appeal can't hurt. The card you see here? It's a simple portrait -- literally nothing but the image -- no design here -- and that's why I chose it. It shows the power of letting the photo have its moment. I own hundreds of Derek Jeter cards that I don't really want or need but the strong photo here makes me want and need it. It's rarer (/100) and from the 2019 Topps Transcendent VIP Party set, but this one would be a card I'd chase if it were from Opening Day. It's all about the photo.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five MLB rookies worth watching on cardboard

KYLE LEWIS -- OF, Seattle Mariners
If you look at the rookie leaders so far this year, it's this guy who's leading the way with 11 hits in six games two homers and five RBIs. He's also got 10 strikeouts -- a little scary there -- but he's still hitting .458. He's pushing 1,000 different baseball cards with more than 300 of those being certified autos starting with 2016 Bowman Draft. Some good news? About half of his autos are in 2020 releases so he's a big reason to rip into what was you do find and you'd be surprised how much some of his Rookie Card parallels -- no ink -- have been going for.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five cool cards simply because of their classic photos.

ALL THAT CASH THERE
The Card: Babe Ruth 2020 Topps Series 2 #562 SSP variation
Why does this Fast Five topic pop into my head on a slow Tuesday afternoon? Well, the record-setting Anthony Fauci Topps Now card over the weekend had one element of the things that can add to demand and value of a card -- a unique photo. (Fauci's card is perhaps more the moment than the actual photo frame, but here we go.) This Ruth card is one of many photo variants in basic Topps sets in recent years -- that's where you can find a lot of cool and unique images -- but this card is a fascinating one. Why? Think about all of the cash paid for all those signed baseballs today ... it should be a reminder that The Sultan of Swat's auto isn't necessarily rare -- there's just immense demand.
Check out MLB boxes here

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Brands that always get my collecting attention ... with a touch of collect 'em where they ain't.

TOPPS HERITAGE MLB/MiLB (AND OTHER SPORTS, TOO)
See all boxes in stock right here
This brand has been a go-to for me since its MLB arrival back in 2001 with today's players on a new take of 1952 Topps. Since then, we've marched through the 1950s, 1960s and are into the admittedly lacking early 1970s now, but there have been twists since those early years that still make this one a go-to, though I don't see myself buying this one anywhere near as heavily in the next few years compared to the last 10 generally speaking. (I'll probably pick off more key singles -- just don't dig a lot of the 1970s designs.) In earlier years, MLB legends' autographs were a big draw in the brand but in more recent years the solo-rookie action variations and their autographed cards have become very big deals financially. (And at the same time the older big-name autos also have appreciated heavily in a lot of instances. They are safe long-term holds, too, in my mind.) One more thing to take notice of here? The years of boxed high-number sets that include ink and the MiLB releases that have to have some of the lowest print runs of all baseball releases out there in the last decade. Go look up Mookie Betts' high-number, auto and MiLB cards from Heritage as just one example. Mike Trout's 2012 Heritage is another example and there's cash sometimes waiting to be found with all of those tough variations from the past.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five perhaps overlooked things baseball card collectors should consider.

USA BASEBALL
Nearly every year, nearly every draft pick already has appeared on a baseball card thanks to the USA Baseball deal with Panini today and a few other companies in the past. If you want an autograph, memorabilia card or just basic baseball card (or two, or three) for this year's No. 1 draft pick, Spencer Torkelson, all you have to do is rip into some USA Baseball packs. He's already got almost 200 different card appearances there -- nearly half of those autographs -- thanks to these releases and other prospect All-Star showcase products. The same can be said for a lot of notables from the last decade-plus and they won't cost you nearly as much as popular-brand MLB prospect debut cards or MLB Rookie Cards. Isn't the big appeal of first prospect cards or Rookie Cards their being early? USA Baseball can trump them all with players in their teen years having cards years before college or pro stardom. Torkelson, for example, has had cards since 2016 and had his first USA stuff in 2018 (Elite Extra Editon). He can be found in the last two Stars & Stripes releases, too. These cards are also easy enough to find to rip in bulk and stockpile/slab.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five players to stockpile right now.

LEGENDARY LULL? MAYBE FOR SOME STUFF ...
Once Tom Brady's new-team cardboard arrives there will be some heat there but for long-term stockpiling, I'd be looking at other things for this Hall of Fame lock and all-time great. His Rookie Cards from 2000 boxes are stupid expensive so stockpiling those ain't easy even if you have a Centurion black card -- there's just not an infinite amount to be found. But there are other types of cards that you should be able to find far cheaper and can sit on for the future. Don't think there's heat here on non-rookie, non-auto stuff? Click here. I'm not even recommending loading up there. Brady game-used jersey cards might be first on my list -- none of his gamers will be cheap to find at this point for card companies -- though they aren't super-cheap either. (I perhaps own one pulled long ago.) But you should also consider standard flagship types of cards and parallels -- basic Topps, Score, Playoff, Panini staples -- with an eye on grading. Prices on basic Brady cardboard out there is often far cheaper than, say, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr. or Kobe Bryant with plenty of options. And he's a lock as being his sport's all-time best -- and keep in mind that some Patriots stuff might have lulls with the move to Tampa Bay ... perhaps moreso if the season is delayed or shortened.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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Fast Five is a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five areas of collecting perhaps overlooked by many.

VINTAGE-ERA PLAYER GAME-USED MEMORABILIA CARDS
With some card companies moving toward player-worn memorabilia cards for living legends along with the prospects a little more than in the past, I think game-used memorabilia cards of Hall of Famers and other notables from vintage years (for this argument I'd go pre-1990s players, but even moreso 1970s and before) seem like a safer buy with finds for all budget types. Some brands -- National Treasures, Prime Cuts, Classics, Museum Collection, Flawless and Immaculate Collection for example -- seem to ride older players' presences a little harder than others and you can find some gems. NT baseball for Hall of Famers, for example, is a prime spot for solid cards with bats a little easier than jerseys. For cheaper finds of players with fewer cards and still some nice possibilities, I'd suggest looking in this same realm at NFL and NBA sets ... some of those players simply may not have cards made in the future as the game-used items just aren't easy finds compared to baseball. (A glance at major auction house catalogs show that, too -- it can be nearly all MLB with other sports a seeming afterthought ... and that's where card companies often do their shopping.) Skepticism about origins of swatches have softened markets at times, but you'd be surprised what you can find out there under $100 ... heck even under $50 if shipping with a focus. Who should you pick up? Pick up who you like or who seems to be a good buy.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's perhaps something to ponder.

This time? Five boxes in the big sale that I'm considering digging into right now.

RETRO-STYLED HIGH-END MLB
Buzz doesn't really rip a lot of high-end boxes -- I go for the safety of volume value since I'm generally not a re-seller at all -- but this one in the big sale (the only box of my picks over $60 on this list) is one that has a combo that you don't see a boatload of these days ... a retro aesthetic with high-end potential. Boxes of 2019 Topps Brooklyn Collection MLB include seven cards -- two autographs, two parallels and three base cards -- all on thick stock with styles from the past but never used. All five of the parallel sets are /75 or less with just 50 cards in the base set (simple enough to chase via singles). The auto list is 79 with four parallels per card with names that include Hall of Famers and past/present stars. It's a mix that includes Derek Jeter, Hank Aaron, Ichiro Suzuki, Bryce Harper, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Sandy Koufax, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and many more. Only two autos per box might make landing these notables tougher ... but they are in there.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Five things I'll be exploring in 2020 Score NFL.

ALTERNATE TEAMS
The Cards: Jalen Hurts in Alabama colors
This year's version of Score includes some players who played for more than one notable team in their college careers and that's something that you don't see all that often for college cardboard -- typically it's tied to their final team. No. 1 pick Joe Burrow can be found on both Ohio State and LSU cardboard, while No. 53 pick Jalen Hurts can be found with both Alabama and Oklahoma cards. These all have ink and parallels making the chase of something a little easier than some single-card SP variation but also more challenging if you want to do a comprehensive player rainbow. This one will be something I look for in my collecting experience with this new NFL release, which is out now for hobby boxes and should be arriving out at retail everywhere else any time now. (Hit that link up top for hobby boxes, which include a boatload of everything.)

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Some collector-minded picks from 2020 Bowman.

A PERFECT CARD
Bo Bichette -- 2020 Bowman base set No. 52
For years as part of the current Topps run (1989 to today), Bowman was dubbed "The Home of The Rookie Card." That may be a tad overshadowed by the prospect sets these days and in this one  -- especially since the Rookie Card logo change in 2006 -- but this card is a perfect one and he's a key rookie in this year's crop. Forget all those new hot prospects (we'll get to them), but my first hunt here would be a bulk lot of this card as they could be overlooked compared to others but with a good collector upside and potential if in high-grade slabs. (Especially once the bulk-rippers are done and boxes dry up some.) Aesthetically, this could end up being one of his best RCs of the year.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Five modern tobacco-inspired brands that always catch my attention. Why go here? Because we're getting a new take on Topps 206 (at right) coming from Topps later this week.

THE MAINSTAY FOR ME ...
Topps' Allen & Ginter baseball card set has been a go-to for me in various forms since its first set in 2006 with that debut carefully following the design of the 1887 Allen & Ginter World's Champions multi-sport set that included baseball players alongside other athletes on cards inserted into cigarette packs. (If you don't know, that's basically the origin of trading cards ... something printed on cardboard used to help stiffen cigarette packs -- i.e. tobacco cards.) Ginter includes one mini card in the same size as the originals -- 1 7/16 by 2 5/8 inches -- and also has framed autos and Relics that are those size, too. Those things have stayed the same as modern takes on a retro design of that feel have been the evolutionary feature since. Do you recognize the 2006 card up top? You might not as it was a mini promo card found inside a promo Rip Card sent to dealers to show one of the interesting features of the brand.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Young MLB stars I'd be eyeing on cardboard right now (some obvious choices).

THE NEXT BIG THING ...
New York Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez makes his MLB cardboard debut in 2020 Bowman 1st Edition which will be followed up by the standard 2020 Bowman release soon. The 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic is getting a boatload of attention here -- and the prices on his base cards in this debut release are nutty (for a base card) but justified (given the type of release), so I present a strategy. If you're going to chase him, get one of his parallels instead -- preferably a numbered version. Yes, it will cost you more but it might be a safer long-term hold since they will be rarer than the standard card. If he delivers big, it won't matter -- all will be in demand -- but the numbered stuff will be safer either way. Also a thought? If you can't go there on this one, consider he's got stuff in 2019 Panini Prizm Draft Picks and 2019 Elite Extra Edition -- including autographs -- as well as 2019 Leaf Metal Draft.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Five boxes Buzz would be ripping right now ... for a few reasons.

IT'S DELIVERED FOR ME ...
2020 Topps Heritage hobby box
This year's MLB season may not be here yet -- just like a lot of its cardboard -- but this brand without a premium price tag has delivered well for me a couple times. If you're a fan of throwback styles and traditional stuff, you should know this already -- Heritage is a must-do -- but if you're more of a newer collector this is a brand that has been going for 20 years and been popular. You don't land ink every time but when you do it can impress with some big potential. The quirks and variations here also add to the potential.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Five players (and cards) I'd want to see in the next rendition of Topps Project 2020. (Would it be Project 2021?)

BAT DOWN, HANDS DOWN
Ronald Acuña Jr.'s bat-down SP variation in 2018 Topps Series 2 is perhaps the most-iconic of all of the Rookie Cards in basic Topps sets in recent years, and I think it would be a no-brainer as a card to bat lead-off on a second project like Topps Project 2020 -- an effort where artists re-create memorable cards from the past for 20 players. The list is one that skews old -- just five players are from 1990 and beyond and only two who debuted in the 2000s -- while the top sellers (so far) have skewed young and that makes me wonder what/who might be popular the next time around. They have to do this again, right? (For the purposes of this list, I'm ignoring the realities of licensing -- some players are potentially not available to Topps or licensing could impose other limitations. (That's what I don't know.) What I do know is a collection of 20 takes on this Acuña would probably get me every time as it's such a good starting point.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

Continue reading →

This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? First-rounders I'd be watching on cardboard ...

THE SURPRISE?
Jordan Love, QB, Packers
Remember last year when the Giants picked Daniel Jones sixth overall in the draft out of Duke and plenty of people had plenty to say about it? Remember how Jones played last year? Those things may not really apply here, but beyond the obvious big names I think the Packers' trade up to get this Utah State QB might have stole the show chatter-wise and that should translate into attention for his football cards. The obstacle that is future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers might scare some people off of his cards, but we may have a while before game action determines anything this year.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

Continue reading →

This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Five things I might be looking for right now ...

DRAFT-DAY DRAMA PICK-UPS
Here's a spoiler for tonight's NFL Draft ... no matter where Tua Tagovailoa lands -- good or bad, high pick or low pick -- I'm going to be buying something on the affordable side. Why? I don't have an NFL team and I'm not sure I really want one -- my fantasy team is fine for that -- and my seasonal collecting football habit will be satisfied by stuff like what's found in 2020 Panini Prizm Draft Picks where he's on the box yet I'm 0-for-the-year finding him in any form. I don't really have any needs for the guys not in the uniforms that match his in this release, but tonight we'll find out where all of those other guys go and their new fans will start chasing what options they have for cardboard right now. It could be warmer than usual considering that there will inevitably be delays the rest of the year in some form or fashion ...whether it's just the cardboard in the short-term or the play, which is a possibility, getting pushed later into the fall. I have my team and my players I'll be looking for -- and it's a good-looking year for football cards across the board no matter where guys end up.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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Fast Five is new department here on The Buzz -- a quick list under a single topic. Five items that could have a common tie, fit a theme, be fun for a starting collector, or be a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Five brands from the past that I'd bring back now.

SAME APPROACH, NEW FORMAT
The Brand: Panini Americana non-sports cards
There might be some groans out there -- perhaps even from Dallas -- with my having this one leading off here. Why? These kinds of releases are a lot of work to create -- there's no union deal to help line up rights for those to appear in the set and help facilitate who might appear and sign autographs. It's been five years since the last Americana non-sports release and that was one that has really dried up now wax-wise. It's a brand that, with a format tweak, I could perhaps see do better now than back then. That last release was a traditional box format with a ton of packs, a few hits at a price that I'd argue was too high for what those non-hit packs delivered. (And, at times, even beyond some of the hits, too.) But the formula of celeb autos and mem cards is one that still works. What would I change? I'd avoid a drab design -- there's a reason I show a Blue foilboard parallel here and not one of the gray base cards -- and I'd put a hit in every pack in a smaller box ... something closer to Prestige NFL or Elite Extra Edition baseball in recent years or in Americana's earlier years. Or, perhaps a brand like this might even take a hits-only approach? Either way, there are a ton of big names who have had cards in the various editions of this line that arrived way back in 2007. To me, it's time for more.

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