Topps unveils rookie auto plans for Bauer, Middlebrooks

By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor

Trevor Bauer fans only have to wait until Thursday for the former UCLA star to officially become a rookie.

They’ll have to wait a bit longer for his first Rookie Cards and RC autographs.

Topps announced on Wednesday that the Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher will make his RC debut in Topps Finest, which arrives on Aug. 8, as part of an update on a few newcomers who will be appearing on cards soon.

Here’s the breakdown:

— Bauer autographs also will be found in Topps Chrome, Triple Threads, Bowman Chrome, Topps Updates, Five Star and Bowman Sterling. (Need a Bauer checklist or OPG? Click here.)

— Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks is the third 2012 Bowman Lucky Redemption.  Collectors who have that card will receive the one seen above. He also will be found in Finest, Bowman Chrome, Topps Updates, Five Star and Bowman Sterling. (Need a Middlebrooks checklist or OPG? Click here.)

— Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, a rookie last year, made his Chicago debut last night and can be found in Tier One (out now) as well as Triple Threads, Topps Updates and Five Star. (Need a Rizzo checklist or OPG? Click here.)

Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Baseball magazine. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an email to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.