2017 World Baseball Classic [Part 7]
Finally we have the 2017 champions: The United States of America.
Pool play for America began with a nail biting 3-2 10 inning walk off against Colombia. They led early 5-0 against the Dominican Republic, but blew the lead and the game, falling 7-5. They closed out Pool C with an 8-0 rejection of Canada, heading off to round 2.
Round 2 began solid with a 4-2 win over Venezuela, before their own territory (Puerto Rico) beat them 6-5. Pool F play ended with an elimination game between USA and the Dominican Republic. This time, the DR took the early lead and it was America pulling off the comeback, winning 6-5.
Rare errors and miscues by Japan led to opportunities that America would not squander in the semi-finals, winning 2-1 and setting up another rematch for the US, this time against Puerto Rico. Ian Kinsler went deep early in the championship game and America never looked back as Marcus Stroman went 6+ no-hit innings and America claimed their first WBC title with an 8-0 winner.
Sure, he did have that amazing catch against the Dominican Republic, but his walk off against Colombia made for a much better card. You can do worse offensively than what Jones offers, but I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to start that 7 on-base and +1 only centerfield defense.
Archer can do some good with that 4 control and chart. Wouldn't use him as an ace though.
Yes, that is a better than perfect +4 defense for third base. Coupled with a solid chart and 8 on-base, you can confidently plug Arenado into your starting lineup.
Good looking chart until you realize its an illegal trash can cheater card.
Nice pop, stellar defense and a good price.
Above average in most respects. Duffy can hold his own in the back of a rotation.
For a closer with only 1 control, he sure is lacking in the strikeout department.
If you don't mind the price, Givens can prove to be an asset to the bullpen. No doubles for a 4 control is a godsend.
Here's a guy you can build a lineup with. +1 defense for first base, good pop and a nice 10 on-base. Start this man.
For a control of 2, I would hope he can keep the ball out of play for over half his chart.
Harrison makes for a fantastic bench option. Good defensive stats for 2 infield positions and a solid chart. You can confidently make adjustments in the middle of a game with Harrison up your sleeve.
Hosmer can hold his own with his 9 on-base. Not a lot of extra base hit on his chart but the dude can get on base and set the table.
As the championship game showed us, Kinsley has some power in him. 17-20 homer power is very welcome for a middle infielder. The 6 on-base isn't great, but that great chart and +4 defense more than make up for it.
No. Say what you will about his chart, but a +1 catchers arm means everyone will steal left and right on you.
A bit too far from his 2013 MVP season, McCutch is still a solid player with an 8 on-base and good looking chart. Wish he had ANY defense to him.
Lefty reliever with a 5 control. When I have a "lefty specialist" card on hand and my opponent brings out a left handed slugger, McGee is a solid option.
Here is an incredibly sexy and expensive card. A control of 5, 2-10 strikeouts and 1-18 outs. A must if you want to build the best possible bullpen.
Great offense that helps make up for poor defense. No strikeouts with an on-base of 9 is solid.
Cheaper than similar 5 control relievers. I wouldn't mind "settling" for this guy if my budget demands it.
When you absolutely can NOT allow a fly ball, Nate Jones is your man. Just the kind of pitcher you'd want if you didn't invest much in outfield defense.
The chart doesn't blow me away, but a catcher with a respectable arm, on base of 10 and first base eligibility in case you want to plug in a better arm late game but want that bat in the lineup still...Buster is a must on your team somewhere.
The US team was so good, that Roark is kinda "meh" but on other teams would be a clear ace. No doubles allowed is exactly what you want to see if the man has just a 2 control.
If Robertson is good enough to close for the Yankees and close out the Championship US team, then who are you to not have him in your bullpen? Control of 5, 1-17 outs and still no doubles allowed? Worth the price.
Stanton hit almost 60 homers in 2017. He brings the power, 9 on-base and still has time to be a perfect +2 corner outfielder. Middle of the order-build your team around this guy-type of card.
Future MVP right here. Good all around card. Doesn't look as good when you know just how good he would become in the future, but still a very solid player overall in 2017.
And we end this 7 part epic with the Classic MVP. It's hard to look bad when you start with a 5 control. Very ground ball oriented as well which looks good if you invested a lot in your infield defense. Stroman won't lead your rotation, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him on lots of winning teams.
