MLB Showdown Obsession

 Panama Panama was a rather quick elimination in 2006 with three straight losses against some pretty heavy competition. They would open the 2009 tournament against one of those opponents when they would get shut down 7-0 against Puerto Rico. Quickly on their heels, they matched up in the losers bracket against a Dominican Republic squad that routed them 9-0. Panama didn't even score a single run in their brief attempt. Always be wary of a 0 control Starter that only goes 5 innings. Is it really worth potentially killing your bullpen? You may not think it a great idea to employ a Reliever what allows hits as early as 16 on his chart with control less than 5, even if he doesn't allow XBH...and you'd be justified in that thought. I wouldn't start Durango, and neither did San Diego, but he'd make an excellent option to pinch-hit with if you're willing to pay his price even as a reserve player. Lee brought a solid offensive chart in the later years of his career. A h...

 Politics can be as much of a team sport as what we see on the field. The lines between CNN and ESPN can get pretty blurred with the way some people argue and debate over things. Last year, I made a bunch of cards inspired by the people with presidential aspiration, and for this election season I've decided to create team sets for each of the major parties. Most of the players assembled are from (but not exclusively) presidents, and to make things challenging, the group must be able to field a real team with each position covered. We start with the older of the two major American parties, the blue team of Democrats. Grover Cleveland: We begin with the pitching staff, and with the easiest player to associate with a president. Who better to represent Grover Cleveland than by the man named Grover Cleveland Alexander? The kind of Hall of Fame ace to anchor any rotation. John F. Kennedy:  Backing up Cleveland in the rotation is another 20 game winner in Ian Kennedy. Blue team alrea...

 When the Dominican Republic steps onto a baseball field, they're considered heavy favorites against most opponents. In 2006 they claimed the top spot in their pools for both round 1 and 2, but suffered defeat in the semi-finals to Cuba. They arrived in 2009 ready to climb back to the final bracket and beyond, but were shocked by the Netherlands in a close 3-2 loss. In the losers bracket, they victimized poor Panama 9-0 to keep their run alive. The next game had them against the Netherlands again, this time with advancement or elimination on the line, but they were shocked again in a 2-1 defeat to put an all too early end to one of the WBC favorites. Jose had much better seasons ahead of him, but his current form here isn't too bad on it's own. Aybar might find some use no matter how he's utilized off the bench in the late innings, but you shouldn't be starting him. Cano can hurt you if he gets the advantage. Not great defense, but he wouldn't make a bad DH. Nel...