Lizard's Rant

Guest post by Cardcollectingrambler from Break Open Another Box!

There are a few star pitchers this season who have performed well (evident by their low ERA’s), but due to their team situations (for the most part), their records are relatively disappointing. One of the most high-profile pitchers that is falling victim to this phenomena is Johan Santana, who is currently 8-7 with a 2.84 ERA. Yes, his K’s/9IP are lower than usual (8.10 in ‘08 vs 9.50 over the last 4-1/2 years) and he IS adjusting to a new team (he had been with the Twins since ‘00), but collectors had high hopes, which, in their eyes, are not being delivered by Santana. As a result, his key rookie values have been falling.

His 00 Bowman’s Best RC #’d 2999 dropped to a monthly average TAC of $51.47 in June, down from $71.24 in May, and his 00 Finest RC #’d 3000 was at $66.51, down from $73.66.

Two other pitchers that have been in similar situations recently are Jake Peavy & Dan Haren. Peavy, last season’s NL Cy Young winner, is 6-5 with a 2.67 ERA and is averaging 8.83 K’s/9IP. He had 6 starts (out of a total 14) in which he allowed 3 or fewer ER, but received either a loss or no decision. His 01 Bowman Chrome Ref RC was averaging $54.96 TAC in April, and then fell to $37.96 in May, and $33.54 in June.

Haren is 8-5 with a 2.83 ERA and is averaging just 1.53 BB/9IP. He had 7 starts (out of a total 18) in which he allowed 3 or fewer ER, but received either a loss or no decision. His 03 Bowman’s Best Auto RC was averaging around $30 TAC right before the season started, and has since crept down to it’s July average of $15.29 (one sold on 7/9 for $10.50!).

See a pattern here? They all have a sub-3.00 ERA combined with a so-so to not-so-good record. This combination, in my opinion, clearly points to a lack of run support. The result: a buyer’s market for these players’ cards.

Please check out my blog, Break Open Another Box!, for more of my ramblings!