Fast Five: Topps Project 2020 Part II players I'd want to see

This one is a quick idea for a new department here on The Buzz ... Fast Five -- a quick list under a simple topic that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection. It's a basic list of five items that could be fun for a starting collector or a new way to add to a stash that might already seemingly include everything when it comes to cardboard. For some of you, it's probably common sense. For others of you out there, it's something to think about.

This time? Five players (and cards) I'd want to see in the next rendition of Topps Project 2020. (Would it be Project 2021?)

BAT DOWN, HANDS DOWN
Ronald Acuña Jr.'s bat-down SP variation in 2018 Topps Series 2 is perhaps the most-iconic of all of the Rookie Cards in basic Topps sets in recent years, and I think it would be a no-brainer as a card to bat lead-off on a second project like Topps Project 2020 -- an effort where artists re-create memorable cards from the past for 20 players. The list is one that skews old -- just five players are from 1990 and beyond and only two who debuted in the 2000s -- while the top sellers (so far) have skewed young and that makes me wonder what/who might be popular the next time around. They have to do this again, right? (For the purposes of this list, I'm ignoring the realities of licensing -- some players are potentially not available to Topps or licensing could impose other limitations. (That's what I don't know.) What I do know is a collection of 20 takes on this Acuña would probably get me every time as it's such a good starting point.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

THE VINTAGE CHALLENGE
Roger Maris' Rookie Card is problematic with the whole Chief Wahoo debate -- and logos have been altered for recent reprints -- but the previous single-season home run leader has a pair of other cards that are memorable and pricey. My pick is 1961 Topps, though it being a tighter portrait might make for some challenges artistically ... but I bet they could make it better. (His 1962 card also would be an option in my mind but I like this one better ... but I own both.)

--

HOW DID HE NOT MAKE THE CUT?
Project 2020 includes just one of the three big rookies from 1983 Topps -- all Hall of Famers -- and Wade Boggs didn't make the cut along with Ryne Sandberg. (I swore "Ryno" was in until I re-checked.) We get Tony Gwynn this time and I'd think that Sandberg would get the call with Boggs, too. This card's awkward but clean pose is one that I think could lead to some interesting looks on new cards.

--

CAN SOMEBODY DRAW HIM A CHEST PROTECTOR ALREADY?
Mike Piazza's 1992 Bowman Rookie Card is an enigma to me -- how did that in-gear photo happen without a chest protector? It's amused/bugged me for years and it's one of those cards that might lend itself to some fun and different looks, too. Mariano Rivera got the 1992 nod this time around so maybe that's why this Hall of Famer got skipped? (He's not my favorite but he should come to mind among younger players in the Hall.)

--

WIDE OPEN SPACES ... 
Greg Maddux's 1987 Topps Traded Rookie Card isn't the most-memorable card out there nor is it with the team that most people commonly associate him with, but the loose photo here is one where I think there could be some artistic liberties for those who doodle or add to styles. It also seems like one where a dramatic zoom of said image or something like it could be good, too. (I almost went with 1988 Topps Tom Glavine here ... but it's a mugshot and Maris had the challenge angle covered.)

--

BAD-BOY BONUS PICK ... 
Brainstorming newer players with the thought of slightly irreverent approaches of art vs. traditional cards in mind, Jose Canseco and his 1986 Topps Traded card hit me. I'd argue that his 1987 Topps card might be more memorable to many, but this one is better -- and it's one of those simple wide-open poses that lends itself to plenty of potential things if you ask me. We got Mark McGwire and his 1987 card in this round ... the Bash Brothers need to be completed.

--

What would you want to see in a future Fast Five? Let Buzz know on Twitter or email.

--

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com