The Hottest Name in Baseball is Max Scherzer
April 29, 2008

And while the industry flocks to produce his rookie cards, as always, Donruss was a step ahead of the competition.

The flame-throwing Arizona Diamondbacks rookie pitcher was included in the blockbuster release - Donruss Extra Edition Elite. Some 500 autographed Scherzer rookie cards were included in the program including signed Missouri collegiate patches.

The 11th overall pick of the 2006 Major League draft, Scherzer blazed through the minor leagues with ease. At Triple-A Tucson this season, the right-hander posted a microscopic 1.17 ERA over four starts. Even more impressive, he had struck out 38 while walking just four in 23 innings.

Scherzer's fastball has been clocked at 98 miles per hour and scouts have been drooling of his rapid development following a stellar career at Mizzou. Arizona plans on working Scherzer out of the bullpen at first - much like the Yankees with Joba Chamberlain - but he could crack the starting rotation later this season, possible even as soon as June.

"I really can have any mentality," Scherzer told the Arizona Republic. "For me, it's a quick change. It doesn't take a lot for me to go back and forth. If my ticket is in the bullpen, then I can do that."

It appears just a matter of time before Scherzer ranks among the National League's elite pitchers and Rookie of the Year seems more than plausible.

And for those looking to acquire the most-sought signature on the market, it's Donruss Extra Edition Elite.

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