MLB Showdown Obsession

 There are certain players that simply define the era that they play in. It helps that they're elite talents, but it's also their character that sets them apart. And when their time in the game comes to a close baseball feels a little empty without them. You can spend all day coming up with names, but few can compare to the grace and class of Lou Gehrig. Year in and year out the Iron Horse was a source of leadership and production as the Yankees usually rolled into World Series play. But something was different in 1939. During the championship run of 1938 , Gehrig noticed something was off during the season, but despite feeling tired, he maintained his production unhindered. That wasn't the case during spring training in '39 as everyone noticed that each facet of his game had taken a sharp drop-off. Despite his dismal spring, it wasn't like the Yankees were gonna sit their captain when the season began, and Lou took his spot at 1st Base when the regular season got r...

 The HoF Veterans Committee rotation has now circled back to the Contemporary Era, with many names on this years ballot similar to what was on the 2023 variation. This year will bring a new wrinkle to the voting rules. There are 16 people on the voting committee, and if you do not get at least five votes, then you will not be on the next ballot. If that were true for the 2023 vote, then Bonds and Clemens would not have been allowed on this years ballot. As it stands, failing to hit the 5 vote minimum does not prevent you from ever again appearing on a C.E. ballot, just the very next one. Multiple instances of failure, however, will mean you're gone forever. Only time will tell how this format will fare.

 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...