1.13.2010

Big Trade

When it comes to trading, I like to trade type for type, such as an autograph for an autograph, relic for a relic, etc. On rare occasions, I will trade an auto or relic for a short printed card that I need for a set, such as those SP variations in the 2009 Topps base set.

Lately, I've been diving into the world of high-end sportscards. I've sold a few "hot" autographs of guys like Porcello and Hanson, and I've been buying packs of the mid- to upper-level products like SPx, Sweet Spot and even a Ballpark Collection, although the latter leaves me cold. I've pulled such hits as Markakis and McLouth autos, a Griffey American Heroes 1-of-1, and a Ryan Braun By the Letter autograph.

The Braun BTL is now the subject of a philosophical debate: Would you rather?

Would you rather have an on-card/on-material autograph of an up-and-coming superstar like Braun, or a glossy, inset auto card of a Hall of Famer?

Personally, I would rather have the HOFer, especially when that is a guy who doesn't normally sign everything in his path. That is why I traded the Braun BTL, numbered out of 10, for a Leaf Limited autograph, numbered out of 100, of Mike Schmidt. As an added bonus, in order to make the trade "even" according to book value, I received an Albert Pujols Fleer Platinum RC.



I think that, although the Braun is a VERY nice card, low numbered, and signed on material, if I can get a pseudo-rare autograph of a Hall of Famer and a rookie card of a no-question-about-it Hall of Famer, I'd do it again. And again. Do you agree?

6 comments:

the sewingmachineguy said...

Anytime you can unload one of those patch/auto's, it's a good thing. The auto's on those are un-readable. Good deal.

Carl Crawford Cards said...

Gotta say that's solid. Braun will be signing for YEARS to come. Once some of those HOFers start getting old, who knows? Nice trade.

Mark Aubrey said...

I'd take the HoFer any day of the week. Twice on Sunday.

night owl said...

Kick that present-day letter-patch thingy to the curb. Hall of Famers rule!

Unknown said...

I would definitely take the HOF Auto... Plus the Schmidt sig is one of the nicer one's IMO...

Anonymous said...

Gotta love those rare occasions when book value works in your favor, lol.