Over the last few years, I have become more and more engrossed in the NFL with each passing year. However, I still love baseball, and I still pay pretty close attention to what happens each year. It helps that Topps Bunt is around as well, as my interest level has spiked since going full scale into the digital world of collecting. That being said, there are a few story lines to check out, and they have hobby implications along with them.

Watch List #1 – Rookie Crop Takes Center Stage

Whether its some of the new Cuban players to come over to the bigs, or some of the bigger prospects that are going to finally get their shot, the 2015 crop is strong. Rusney Castillo got a taste of the show last September for the Sox, and he projects to be one of the top guys this year for cards as well. Of course, there is also guys like Jorge Soler for the Cubs, and Joc Peterson for the Dodgers, who will all have to compete with young masher Kris Bryant – should he be called up. All of these guys have had cards for a few years, and they will be making MLB fun for all the prospectors out there.

2014 Bowman Chrome Kris Bryant Orange Refractor Auto

2012 Bowman Chrome Joc Pederson Blue Refractor Auto

2015 Topps Heritage Rusney Castillo Real One Auto

2012 Bowman Chrome Jorge Soler Orange Refractor Auto /25

Watch List #2 – Will Jose Abreu and Jacob deGrom Be Sophomore Sensations?

If you opened a box last year, it was likely you were looking for one of these two ROYs. They both had some great stats as they exploded onto the scene in 2014, and there will be many watchful eyes as they try to replicate success from last year. Abreu put up some gaudy numbers for a team with very few other bright spots, and now that they have added some FAs around him, maybe this year he can find his groove again. Interestingly, deGrom really didnt have much until later in the year, but then Topps got him into a few sets. This year, the Mets need a big year, and deGrom will have to be the man on the mound again.

2014 Bowman Chrome Jose Abreu Red Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

2014 Topps Chrome Jose Abreu Gold Refractor Auto

2014 National Treasures Jacob deGrom Rookie Auto Patch

2014 Topps Supreme Jacob deGrom Rookie Auto

Watch List #3 – How Will Madison Bumgarner Follow Up His World Series Domination?

There was no bigger performance of the year in 2014 than what he was able to do in the World Series. It might have been one of the best pitching performances of all time, and collectors really took notice of what he did. However, without more of a dominating stat line during the regular season to match his post season winning tendencies, he may not get the continued love from the hobby that he definitely deserves.

2008 Bowman Chrome Madison Bumgarner Auto RC Refractror

2014 Topps Tribute Madison Bumgarner Auto

Watch List #4 – How Will Yasiel Puig, Bryce Harper and Mike Trout perform?

In the grand scheme of things, Trout is a much bigger deal than Puig. In the hobby, Puig may have more to prove as well, especially when Topps flooded the market with his cards two years ago. So, with Trout now an exclusive for Topps and Puig entering another year, will both continue to perform on a level that makes them among the hobby elite? It would be easy to say that Trout should have no problem putting up another MVP caliber season, but there is no such thing as a sure thing. Puig, a midst questions of his maturity, will need to step up. As for Bryce Harper, he is the one of the three that I am just not sure about. The thing is, he is SO young, that his career hasnt even hit the beginning of his prime. Harper has had his moments, but never really filled the shoes that were put in front of him to this point.

2008 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Blue Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

2013 Topps Chrome Yasiel Puig Gold Refractor Auto

2011 Bowman Bryce Harper Auto RC PSA 10

Watch List #5 – What Will Life Be Like Without Derek Jeter?

I was never a Jeter fan. I hate the Yankees. I also respect a lot of what Jeter is all about. With the Yankees losing another huge piece of their dynasty team from the 1990s, will they find a way to be relevant in 2015? It is almost a bit unclear, because they have a number of question marks in their lineup and their pitching staff. Although Masahiro Tanaka looks to be back, his elbow issues last year should be a huge concern. Without someone stepping up to take the place of their departed legend, the Yankees are in rough waters ahead. Although Jeter hasnt had autographs in a product in years, his cards were still a big part of Topps’ plan last year. This year, someone else will need to take up the mantle.

2014 Topps Derek Jeter Framed RC BGS 9.5

Even though my favorite team is on pace for another massive losing season, I cant help but be excited for the new year of baseball. With Topps already knee deep in their product line for the year, we will finally have the opportunity to see how it plays out on the field.