During the release of 2010 Bowman, there was no hotter commodity in the hobby than Stephen Strasburg. Topps was so confident in his eventual value for anyone opening baseball packs that year, that they put his content in just about every product they could. After a blazing hot start, it looked like they had made the right choice. Then, after a debilitating injury sucked his 2010 and 2011 season down the drain, it became more questionable of a decision.

Now, since the start of the 2012 season, Strasburg looks to be back on the top of the mountain where he was before the injury. The likely contender to start the All Star game next week, collectors have gotten back on board with his cards. All those people that took the chance to get them while they were as cheap as they were, are raking it in right now, as it is obvious that Washington’s ace is back.

These asking prices are oddly reminiscent, am I right?

2010 Topps Chrome Stephen Strasburg Auto Superfractor 1/1

2010 Bowman BCP1 Stephen Strasburg Red Refractor 5/5

2010 Bowman BP1 Stephen Strasburg Red Parallel 1/1

I still fail to see the allure of buying in at this level again, even more so than it was back in 2010. Pitchers have a shelf life unlike any other position these days, and with one arm injury already under his belt, it becomes even more of a risk. I completely understand, however, why Topps made the original decision to use and abuse Strasburg’s presence during the course of 2010. On the other hand, with other pitchers far ahead of him in accomplishments and far less likely to flame out, it makes no sense that they are worth so much less.

Even if Stras goes on to win Cy Young after Cy Young, there are already pitchers out there who have the same amount of cards and already have the hardware. This includes a couple of rings, in some cases too. Although I believe Strasburg has the potential to be a great pitcher, its a long shot that he ends up being another Roy Halladay or someone similar. Tim Lincecum is currently my measuring stick, as his ring and 2 Cy Youngs should be enough to make him the most valuable pitcher with a rookie card in a Bowman Chrome set. He isnt right now because of a down year, which makes me weirdly intrigued as to why body of work is not more of a factor.

Being that its the fourth of July and Strasburg plays for the Nationals, its only perfect that he be the focus of this post. The question eventually becomes, though, can he continue to be as dominant as he is right now. Collectors are banking on yes, but I am not so sure.