Yesterday, the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft started with a few surprises that proved to be a curveball for the thousands of prospectors that live for the day where they can start planning out their targets over the next few Bowman products. In fact, there are a few changes overall, especially now that Topps has started putting USA autographs and cards in many of their products. So far its a venture that has led to some pretty significant value in the products that contain them, if not only evidenced by recent players.

It used to be that the Bowman Chrome cards and Chrome autographs were a player’s entry into the prospecting world. There were some other cards along the way, dont get me wrong, but they were few and far between. As an example, before Harper was picked number one, he had already had a ton of cards that had been released. He had USA cards, an Aflac Game Autos, and a slew of Upper Deck USA cards commemorating his time on the junior national team.

Here are some examples:

2010 Bowman Bryce Harper USA Red Refractor /5 BGS 9.5

2010 Bowman Bryce Harper Aflac Auto BGS 9.5

2009 Upper Deck USA Bryce Harper Inscription Auto

As a result, Chrome based cards have not only further solidified their place at the top of the collector list, but also complicated the definition of the card everyone wants. Harper’s BCP1 card still carries a lot of value, but his USA card from 2010 Bowman tends to take precedence due to SP rarity and a few other factors. I would much rather have his first team card from 2011 Bowman, but I see the attraction to the original.

Mark Appel was slated to be the first pick in the 2012 Amateur draft, and though he was passed on until number 8. Despite this fact, his USA auto from 2011 Topps Chrome has continued to be a VERY valuable card:

2011 Topps Chrome Mark Appel Gold Refractor Auto /50 BGS 9.5

2011 Topps Chrome Mark Appel Blue Refractor Auto

He isnt alone either, as other top draft picks have similar autographs in many of the recent products.

Do I think these USA autos are a good idea? Yes, they are valuable additions to a set without much cost to the product. Do I think they complicate expectations for casual collectors? No doubt, especially for the fans that just want an autograph or rookie card of their team’s new player. Is it worth the trouble? Unquestionably.

Topps has a stranglehold on everything rookie in baseball, even with other competitors in the mix. Panini may have bought the exclusive rights to the USA license now, but Chrome rookie cards are by far the most valuable in existence, even to the point of it spilling over into football. If Panini wants to be continually successful in a growing baseball market, they will need to find a way to chip into Chrome’s unbreakable bond with prospectors, or at least share the love. So far, I dont see that happening with Elite Extra and Contenders. Maybe the USA cards will take some of the sting out of things.