Apr 8 2008 4:02PM

Topps today announced the player redeemable for the 2008 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Card Redemption # 1 is . . . Johnny Cueto, pitcher, Cincinnati Reds.

Cueto, who rose to the Reds' rotation from Single-A in less than a year, was dominant in his first start against Arizona. He retired 21 of the 22 batters he faced over seven innings, striking out 10 in a 3-2 Reds win.

The comparisons he's earning to Pedro Martinez should generate immediate buzz around this single.

Throughout the 2008 Major League Baseball season, Topps will announce the subjects for the 10-card Rookie Redemption set. Each Master Box of Topps Finest includes one Rookie Redemption. The cards will be printed and shipped to collectors after 8/30/08.

Topps officials today confirmed that the player redeemable for the 2008 Topps Finest baseball Rookie Card Redemption #2 is Jay Bruce, the top outfield prospect for the Cincinnati Reds. While Bruce was expected to be among the 10 players featured in the series, Topps still managed to drop a bombshell: Bruce's card will be autographed!

Throughout the 2008 Major League Baseball season, Topps will announce the subjects for the 10-card Rookie Redemption set. Each Master Box of Topps Finest includes one Rookie Redemption. The cards will be printed and shipped to collectors after 8/30/08.

Stay tuned for the identity of Rookie Redemption #3