2010 Bowman Platinum

Part of the fallout from only one major company producing licensed baseball cards in 2010 is perceived laziness. That notion is certainly on display in Bowman Platinum.

There really isn't a reason for this product. There are more autographs and collegiate cards, but other cards during 2010 have done both better. The base set is a sleek 100 cards and is almost an afterthought.

Topps seems more interested in giving Upper Deck a giant raspberry by creating a foil board base set, than at really creating an innovative or even a competent product here. This is an ugly child, whose parents seem to be SP and Finest. Nothing on the card suggests that it should be part of the historic Bowman line.

The only saving grace of the base set may be Manny Ramirez's first card in a White Sox uniform, which may also be his last. The White Sox have three cards in the 100 card set.

43 - Manny Ramirez
69 - Dayan Viciedo
81 - Gordon Beckham

There is no need for this set. I'm hoping that the plan for 2011 is better for Topps. Many collectors are already bored with much of the product that has come from Topps since the fall of Upper Deck's baseball card division. Topps may be in danger of putting those same bored collectors to sleep.