This morning, Matt Moore was a highly touted rookie gearing up to make an unorthodox postseason debut. Having a career total of just one major league start, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon surprisingly tapped Moore to lead the rotation in their series against the Texas Rangers. No matter how strong Moore was in the minors this year, it was a lot of pressure to put on a kid who started 2011 playing for a team called the Biscuits.
Tonight, Moore is a hero. Giving up just two hits in seven innings, Moore dominated a potent Rangers offense and helped lead the Rays to a 9-0 victory.
Moore's baseball cards have taken off. A week ago, his 2009 Bowman Chrome Prospects card was selling online for less than $3.00. Since the end of Game 1, they've tripled, at least for the time-being. Moore's 2009 Bowman Sterling baseball cards have also seen huge gains. Last week, they were selling on eBay for around $15. Now they're pushing $30 each. Yesterday, copies of his 2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition autograph (/819) could have been found for around $50. Right now, you're looking at $90-100 to get one. I wonder if those sellers that closed yesterday kicking themselves right now?
Interestingly, Moore doesn't have an official rookie card yet. Although his Bowman-brand cards from 2009 picture him in a Rays uniform, they're not fully licensed and are viewed by many as prospect cards.
No matter what happens to Moore and his team for the rest of the postseason, it's safe to assume that when 2012 Topps Series 1 and 2012 Topps Tribute hit early next year, many are going to be chasing after the pitcher's official rookie cards in a big way.
 |
$0.99
