Rafael Devers’ hot late start means long wait for 2018 Rookie Cards — but he’s got plenty to chase now

You’ll have to wait until 2018 for his official Rookie Cards, but, don’t worry, he’s got plenty you can collect for now.

His name is Rafael Devers and he’s also got six home runs in his first 62 at-bats for the Boston Red Sox and, most importantly, three of those have come in his last two games against the New York Yankees.

The 20-year-old third baseman is hitting .339 with 12 RBI, 11 runs and a stolen base in his first 16 games — and he’s got to be among the league leaders in pre-RC cardboard, too.

Ian Happ’s big arrival for Cubs might be calm before storm on cards

The newest big-name Chicago Cubs prospect arrived on Saturday and made his presence felt immediately in his first game with a two-run homer.

So far, Ian Happ is hitting .429 in his first two games, further helping bolster a mostly home-grown lineup that is watched closely by collectors.

Happ is not a surprise for prospectors as the defending World Series champs took him with the ninth pick in the 2015 MLB Draft out of the University of Cincinnati– and he’s been watched on cardboard ever since — but sales of his cards, at least so far, are showing some room for growth.

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (March 29)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Nothing but breaks in today’s edition.

Board Buzz: Must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Feb. 25)

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What’s Buzzing Today: Showing off comic art, big Plates & Patches pulls, other breaks and waiting for 2017 Topps Heritage.

First Buzz: 2016 Bowman’s Best baseball cards

What: 2016 Bowman’s Best baseball cards
Arrives: Dec. 21
Box basics: Four autographs per box (eight boxes per case)

What’s buzz-worthy: Bowman’s Best is back once again with a mini-box format that delivers two autographs in six packs with this year’s top veterans, rookies, prospects and draft picks potentially found inside.

See a gallery and more … below.

Tim Duncan retires after 19 legendary seasons with Spurs — and with very little signed cardboard

One of the NBA’s most-successful big men and under-rated talents has retired.

A member of the San Antonio Spurs for 19 seasons, Tim Duncan was a five-time NBA champ, a two-time league MVP, a three-time Finals MVP, a 15-time All-Star and his next stop will undoubtedly be the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

He averaged 19 points, 10.8 rebounds and three assists a game for his career and retires as the Spurs’ career leader in games, minutes, field goals, rebounds, blocks, points and plenty more. He’s also a guy who’s not signed autographs much at all in recent years as he’s turned down impressive amounts per sig from card companies.

Card Gallery: 2015 Bowman’s Best baseball cards

Bowman’s Best officially returns tomorrow for the first time in eight years and it’s going to pack two autographs into each mini box, four per master, when collectors tear in.

First introduced in 1994, Bowman’s Best ran for more than a decade before a year off and a return in 2007. It’s been sidelined ever since. This time around, the brand replaces Bowman Sterling and offers a selection of young stars that have captivated collectors already this past season or so along with a crop of new draft picks as well. Nearly all autographs are signed on-card for this release.

The Bowman Critic examines the 2015 Bowman’s Best checklist

The Bowman Critic is one who spends countless hours examining checklists and box scores to see who should be emerging on collectors’ want lists soon. After the checklist for 2015 Bowman’s Best checklist arrived — click here to view it — there’s even more to say.

Keep reading for The Bowman Critic’s pros and cons about this release, which is set to arrive on Dec. 23.