The national convention is underway in Baltimore and the giveaway cards are starting to hit eBay. I think there are a good combination of cool cards and some really odd ones, and now that we have thousands of collectors collecting on their wrapper redemptions, I suspect an influx of cards to start showing up soon.

Here are some of my favorites so far:

2012 National Convention Andrew Luck Gridiron Kings Insert

2012 National Convention Robert Griffin III Topps Gypsy Queen Giveaway Card

2012 National Convention Anthony Davis Rookie Court Kings Insert

2012 National Convention Bryce Harper Exclusive Gypsy Queen Giveaway Card

2012 National Convention Babe Ruth Minor League Heritage VIP Card

My favorite individual cards so far are the Gypsy Queen Minis for the 2012 NFL rookies, as cards like this are rarely produced in cross sport items. I can only think of one other situation where a baseball product was transferred in small scale to a football product, and I am a huge enough fan of the GQ design that I will be all over these cards.

The Panini base cards out of the wrapper redemption packs are also not bad, as they usually are pretty simple and nice looking. Panini’s big draw is the addition of the hits and autographs that were driving people to their line all weekend long when I went last year. We are getting report that there are some surprises mixed in among the normal base cards, other than the hits, including my prediction from a few months ago.

When we learned that the highly publicized Manning Broncos and Tebow Jets cards were not being included in Prestige packs, I immediately guessed that the National Convention would be the place they show up. Initial auctions and reports were confirming this prediction, and now Panini has also confirmed it on their facebook page. I really think this is a pretty disappointing scenario, considering how many people were excited about the new digs for two of the most popular players in the league. I hope there are other opportunities for these cards to be distributed.

There are also base cards in the set of both players:

2012 National Convention Peyton Manning Promo Base Card

My favorite news of the day so far was that Panini was offering wrapper redemption packs through their site, as well as a coveted Rated Rookie T-shirt for all orders over 60 bucks. Because Elite was readily available to purchase, I had to throw my hat in the ring. Cant wait to get the shirt, which I will wear like a 1987 Donruss boss.

More info as it comes up, Im sure there will be a ton of it tomorrow.