Fishing for Bargains? Land a Trout.

Each year, about this time, I like to sit down and think, for just a second or two, that I’m a smart guy when it comes to this hobby.

I pour over some stats, look at some of the moves within the MLB, and try to come up with a list of veteran players I really think can make some strides both statistically and in the hobby, and reignite their hobby.

This year, there’s one player in particular that caught my eye, and that player, to me anyhow, is clear — it’s Mike Trout.

Trout is a no-doubt first-ballot Hall of Fame player, and among the best of his generation, and yes he’s stuck with the Angels, which isn’t helping his hobby, and yes he can’t seem to stay healthy.

Still, his market is slumping right now, and it’s hard to believe Trout, at 33-years old, is washed up. I’m betting there are still a couple more years in those bones to perform at a level that makes him such a unique and rare talent.

And don’t get hung up on rookie cards either.

Sure, now is not a bad time to pick up that 2011 Topps Update in a PSA 10 for less that $750, or that Bowman Chrome Draft from the same year for around $400, but there are so many amazing inserts, autos and numbered parallels of Trout that there’s plenty of value in those as well.

Whether you search for the top Trout of the bunch, or random inserts, there is very likely a good deal to be had out there.

Here’s a quick rundown of a few other veteran guys that are worthy of consideration.

— Fernando Tatis

— Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

— Julio Rodriguez