To say that the World Series makes collectors do crazy things, is an understatement. The same can be said about the Super Bowl and playoffs in both sports, as the national spotlight is white hot during those times. Bad performances can dump a person’s value and top tier performances can make a star out of someone. This time around, two people in Pablo Sandoval and Marco Scutaro are seeing a huge bump, while A-Rod has lost a significant amount of collectability as a failure for another post season on his resume.

Check out these prices for Sandoval and Scutaro:

2002 SP Prospects Marco Scutaro Auto RC

2002 SP Prospects Marco Scutaro Auto RC #2

2012 Topps Triple Threads Pablo Sandoval Auto Relic 1/1

2008 Elite Extra Edition Pablo Sandoval Auto 30/50

Then check out what has befallen Alex Rodriguez’s cards. For the first time in a long time, he is a middle of the road guy:

2002 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Alex Rodriguez Auto

2010 Bowman’s Best Alex Rodriguez Auto

I honestly support value bumps due to post season play, especially in championship situations. I dont think there are many more deserving opportunities that collectors should celebrate. However, as we have seen with some players, having a great year in the post season doesnt always make up for poor production in the regular season and career numbers.

Marco Scutaro and Pablo Sandoval are not household names by any means, and probably not even the best at their position in their division. Scutaro has been a platoon guy for most  of his career, and I dont see that changing any time soon. He is not a guy that usually brings about any discussion when his name comes up, and he hasnt had many cards outside of one or two. Sandoval has had a few, and is more of a higher tier player than Scutaro, but I doubt he is going to be on anyone’s short list for must collect guys. All of that being said, he definitely has a lot of reason to get SOME bump after his historic performance in game one.

On the flip side of all of this, Alex Rodriguez seems to play with a hole in his bat during October, save 2009’s post season. As a result of his steroid admission, plus the addition of his benching this year after an abysmal start, its obvious that A-Rod isnt the value workhorse he used to be. I remember back when I got back into collecting, he was one of the best autographs one could pull out of a pack. He was rivaling Albert Pujols in some situations, and this year did not do anything to help that challenge. Even his 1/1s from popular sets can sell for just over box price Regardless, he is still a hall of famer, and will go down as one of the best players of all time. I dont think he should be necessarily punished for this year’s horrid numbers, and subsequent benching, but I know the hobby is all about recent and not about the past.

Again, its all a matter of value, and there are a lot of Giants’ fans out there who want to commemorate the victory of their favorite team, with autographs of the contributing players. I dont fault them for that. Just be careful before blowing thousands just to make up the gap.