MLB 2013 Tournament Prizes #1 through #5

As I mentioned last week in the announcement for the 2013 MLB Tournament, there will be 30 prizes available, however, only the tournament winner will receive a prize.  The prizes consist of one card from my collection for each of the 30 teams.

In order to promote excitement and diversified selections, the “quality” of the prizes is on a sliding scale.  This scale is not based on the seeding, which is a reflection of the final 2012 regular season standings.  Instead, the prize scale is based upon Las Vegas’ odds for each MLB team to win the 2013 World Series.  

I decided this was the best approach because the seeds did not accurately reflect offseason trades, free agency, retirements, injuries, firings, etc.  Case in point, Toronto is a #10 seed based on last year’s record, yet, their offseason moves have catapulted the Blue Jays to the best odds for winning this year’s series.

This week I am revealing the prizes for the five teams with the best odds to win the Fall Classic.  These prizes will most likely not change, unless the bookmakers in Sin City drastically rework the odds.  Alright, enough typing, on to the prizes!

#1 - Odds 15/2 - AL Seed #10	1978 Topps Ernie Whitt RC
#2 - Odds 17/2 - AL Seed #6	1979 Topps Nolan Ryan
#3 - Odds 17/2 - NL Seed #6	1968 Topps Don Sutton
#4 - Odds 9/1 - NL Seed #1	2012 A&G Bryce Harper RC
#5 - Odds 10/1 - AL Seed #7	1973 Topps Al Kaline

Check back next week for the announcing of Prizes #6 through #10!

PS - Seeds are not open for request, and will not be opened until all 30 prizes have been announced.

PPS - Here is the bracket...

2013 MLB Tournament Prizes

For the 2013 MLB Tournament, there will be 30 prizes available, however, only the tournament winner will receive a prize.  I have personally selected one card from my collection (or soon to be in my collection) for each franchise.  

In previous incarnations of this tournament, bloggers have snatched up their favorite teams without a moment’s hesitation.  This resulted in some of the less popular or poorer performing franchises in never being selected.  Because of this, the “quality” or “value” of the 30 franchise cards will be on a sliding scale.  Those teams with a higher chance to win the tournament will have a lesser “valued” card, and those teams with a Cinderella’s chance of winning will have a much, much, much higher “valued” card.  I hope this tempting bait will make some of you have second thoughts about picking your favorite team in lieu of a sweet, sweet card. 

Confused?  Here is an example: If you select the highly favored Los Angeles Dodgers, then your winning prize would be a 1968 Don Sutton.  If you select a dark horse like the Chicago White Sox, then your prize would be a 1959 Luis Aparicio.  Get it?   

Here are the potential prizes ranked from best chance of winning to least.  Please note prizes are being announced in batches of five between now and when seeds will be available for selecting.