Pitching Match-Up: Dustin McGowan vs Edwin Jackson

On 9/7, two young guns matched up for a strike-out fest. Dustin McGowan & Edwin Jackson combined for 18 K's in 13-2/3 IP (11.85 K's/9IP). The 25-year-old McGowan emerged victorious, allowing just 2 runs off of 4 hits, with 1 BB & 12 K's in 8 IP. Jackson allowed 7 earned in 5-2/3 IP (with 6 K's), including a 3-run homer to the Blue Jays' veteran catcher Gregg Zaun.

McGowan has been having an up-and-down year, and his 03 Bowman's Best Auto RC has reflected it. It averaged $33 TAC in June, then fell to around $13 in July, then back up to $19 in August. Month-to-date, it's averaging around $13, with it's last sale at $9.75. One of his 03 Bowman's Best Red Auto's, which are limited to 25, sold last week for $207.50 TAC.

Jackson, on the other hand, had a horrible first few months of the season (2-11, 6.56 ERA through July), and was finally getting it together in August (2-1, 2.45 ERA for the month). Unfortunately, September has been looking pretty bleak; he's 0-2 in his first 2 starts, with a 13.00 ERA. I still think that he has potential, and his rookie cards are worth investing in. I like his 03 Donruss Elite EE TOTC Auto #'d 100. There are very few of his key rookies listed on auction, so people are probably holding on to them until he has a break out season, and his values start to rise.

Both pitchers are fairly young, have potential to be stars, and their rookie cards are very affordable. Sounds like the makings of a good investment to me.