I have had a lot of commentary lately on what kind of specialized content can drive a lower end product in any sport. We all are of the understanding that autograph and jersey content is a relative necessity to sell at the hobby and case breaker level, and has a relative impact in retail as well. These two things, in conjunction with the base set make up most of the content for the product. I have said that the best way to cheaply increase the value in a lower end product was to add sporadic higher end cards, and also a bunch of SSP cards that can bring content outside of the autograph checklist.

Topps Series 2 was released today to a lot of high expectations, mostly thanks to the likes of Bryce Harper and Yu Darvish, as well as some increased content from guys who have recently come on strong. Additionally, rare variations of many of the cards are getting some nice kickers on eBay already, especially the ridiculously rare Bryce Harper #661 card that was added late. Harper’s 661 card also has autographed versions, and its really too bad that they aren’t on card.

Check these out, the differences are pretty cool:

2012 Topps Series 2 Derek Jeter 3000th Hit Variation

2012 Topps Series 2 Matt Kemp Beast Mode Variation

2012 Topps Series 2 Yu Darvish Warm Up Variation

2012 Topps Series 2 Willie Mays HOF Variation

Although I get a very Panini Football feel from most of the insert sets in this product, with the design looking very parallel friendly, this set should sell well. I just wish that Topps had stuck to their guns and made every base insert a base insert, and not have to prime the design for parallels that also include jerseys and autograph stickers being added in. Additionally, like we normally see in Panini, the set titles are pretty lame, and the design is under developed. That I don’t like one single bit.

I really fail to see how its possible to have a product with such a drastic dual identity, with a well thought out and well photographed base set, and such awful looking inserts. Aside from the gold futures auto jerseys, I probably wouldn’t even look twice at buying any of them. The only ones I like are from previously released Topps sets, and that doesn’t really count.

Topps has done such great work with baseball this year, I was significantly disappointed with the way some of these turned out. I give them credit for thinking outside the box with cool cards like the golden coins and pins, and the variations, but outside of that, Im not as excited about this as I expected to be. Living up to expectations set recently can be tough.