As I continue the trek through the 2017 WBC participants (who played in the MLB that year and were able to generate a card) we move on to another country with enough players to hold their own solo update. Venezuela. Socialism may have ruined their country, but damn, they can still produce some talent.
Venezuela began their 2017 journey against Puerto Rico where they got destroyed 11-0. The pain only stopped because of the mercy rule. They rebounded with an 11-10 10 inning triumph against Italy. They had a chance to advance the easy way against Mexico, but they fell 11-9, causing a 3-way tie for the 2nd spot in their pool. A controversial tie-breaking ousted Mexico and had a face off against Italy for the right to advance to round 2. They beat the Italians again 4-3 and moved on.
Round 2 put Venezuela in the most unfair pool possible. They had to run the gauntlet of the 3-0 Puerto Ricans, defending champion Dominican Republic, and the future champion United States. They got swept out with a 4-24 combined score from all three games.
Cabrera is a good 5 years removed from his triple crown season, and his stats may have been hurt from his WBC injury. Decent pop, but low on base and not a whole lot of doubles makes him someone you can pass on.
Not the most glamourous shot of Altuve, but the guy is a cheater, so I don't care. This card should be illegal because it's based on his trashcan season. Card should be for collection purposes only. Not game legal.
High price for a reliever, but his control and no doubles chart makes it a worthy consideration.
Below average control but almost half his rolls can keep the ball out of play. Not a fan of hits starting at 18 though.
IF you don't mind that potential roll of 20 hurting you, his high control and strikeout potential make for an agreeable compromise.
The only reason I'd have a guy with a 16+ baserunner chart is if he's rocking a control of at least 5. Don't have too many on staff though.
Low on-base, but that 16+ homer potential makes it survivable. Getting on with a roll as low as 4 is a big plus.
I've said it before and it bears repeating: if your middle infielder has a low on-base, he better darn well have good defense. +1 for a SS isn't gonna cut it.
Pretty average across the board. Not a great option, but better than a lot of choices. Average speed, on-base, power and defense. Bit too many strikeouts though...
A good relief option to start an inning. Can't go wrong with an average chart and a control of 4.
King Felix, this is not. There would be way better years to call upon for a proper Hernandez card. Using this Venezuela card is strictly for respect. Seriously, if I blocked the name and face, you'd never look at that chart and think Felix Hernandez.
Like the extra base potential. Hate the contact. And a B speed is kinda slow for a centerfielder.
As far a utility bench guys go, Perez is alright. No walks here, 4+ is all hits. Reminds me of a piece of advice that Reggie Jackson gave a Yankee backup catcher (I think it was Tim Flaherty) "Kid, just swing up there. No one is gonna pitch around the backup so you'll get your pitch."
Again, B speed on a centerfielder is kinda slow, so you'll want either perfect (+3) defense, lots of extra base potential, or a better on-base.
Like King Felix, this is a good player well passed his prime. Low on-base for someone who can't play the field better bring a better chart to the party to crack your lineup.
13+ homer power means nothing if you never get the advantage with an on-base of 5.
Control of 5? Nice.
Walks at 15 and hits at 16+? Ugh. Pass!
Perez brings that niiiiice 16+ homer power and adds a 14-15 double. On-base of 7 means he won't get that many opportunities to utilize that chart, but you'd be rewarded if you stashed him on your bench for the right low control pitcher.
Multi-inning reliever with a decent control and a better than most chart? 1-11 ball won't be in play and no doubles? You don't have to do much to convince me to add him to my 'pen.
No strikeouts, 5+ hits, 16-19 doubles and a solid +2 for defense are all nice. Slow C speed and low 6 on-base keeps him off most rosters. 30pt price however makes him a solid steal if you can find a good fit for him.
Man, Venezuela has a sexy lineup...10 years ago. Makes sense how they got by in the 1st round only to get stomped in round 2. K-Rod here is a prime example of great player well beyond his prime in 2017.
Control is bad, but no control is worth that chart anyway.
That 10pt price makes Rondon a good choice if you want a control option in your bullpen, but don't have a lot of payroll to spare.
Solarte makes for a good utility bench option. Speed and defense could both step up a little, but the chart is respectable for a middle infielder, especially the homer power, but I wouldn't blame you for looking elsewhere.
