Canada has a bit of a rough existence in the WBC. Currently they've never escaped the first round, even some years having to requalify for the competition. It wasn't always so bleak. In 2006, Canada put up a good fight and almost made the 2nd round, but a bit of bad luck and tie-breakers left them out in the cold.
Things started out strong for Canada, with an 11-8 victory over South Africa, but allowing so many runs compared to how Mexico and America would beat SA would come back to hurt. Up next would be the high point of Canada in their entire WBC existence: a shocking 8-6 upset victory over the United States. All they had to do now was beat Mexico and they'd be able to punch their ticket to round 2...but Mexico thrashed them 9-1.
After the round 1 games, Canada, the United States and Mexico all were sporting a 2-1 record, but only 2 teams could advance. Enter: the controversial tie breaker system. Ranking of these three teams would be based on Runs Against per 9 Innings. Under that stipulation, it was a no contest, with Mexico winning with a 1.59 RA/9, USA finishing 2nd with 4.00 RA/9...and Canada eliminated with 7.50 RA/9.
Canada exited the 2006 WBC with a couple of unfortunate distinctions. First they were the only round 1 elimination with a winning record. Every other pool had the very simple standings of 3-0, 2-1, 1-2 and 0-3 teams, while pool C had the three North American teams beat each other up as well as poor South Africa. Also, as you can see with Canada getting their own solo post, they're the only round 1 elimination with a healthy supply of MLB talent as opposed to the other eliminated teams all fitting into the last update.
Jason Bay was one of those Pirates players with potential before moving to the AL and becoming obscure in history. Canada was able to utilize his good years still in the WBC.
Bedard brings the control needed in such a beast as the AL East was in the 2000s, but as many veteran Showdown players can verify, a control 5 pitchers with a chart like that can occasionally give up rallies, which is something that doomed Canada.
I always said if you're gonna give up baserunners for a quarter of you chart, the least you can do is have a control of 6 like Rheal here and get the advantage most of the time...
Crain brings a 6 control, and a slightly worse chart that Rheal above. If I'm gonna give up a roll of 17, I'd much rather it be a walk instead of a single that gives a runner on 2nd a chance to score.
Running out of things to say for these 5 control 16-20 baserunner chart pitchers. Canada had a bunch of them, which isn't surprising that they went 2-1....and isn't surprising that they gave up so many runs in their games.
Aaron Guiel brings in a solid chart, but meh 9 on-base and no speed.
Corey Koskie is a Showdown original and always had a place on my bench. By 2006 he brought a little pop and solid defense for the hot corner.
Oh look, another 5 control pitcher for Canada, but this one brings the unappealing 15-20 baserunners allowed. To his credit though, he was the winning pitcher in the shocking victory over the United States.
Scott Mathieson spent more time in the minors in 2006 than he did with the Phillies, and his 4 innings to pitch with 0 control aren't appealing for any usage on your team.
Not surprising that Morneau sports a solid card in the season he stole the MVP award from Jeter.
Pete Orr didn't exactly set the baseball world on fire after the WBC. Has alright defensive utilization off the bench but nothing worthwhile offensively.
Those who remember Reitsma from the official Showdown card run may remember poor control and a solid chart to make up for it...Well how about average control and a chart that allows homers? Yeah, me neither.
Matt Stairs had a tantalizing 2000 Showdown card with 16-20 homer power that rivaled the fabled steroids trio of Sosa, Bonds and McGwire. Without that power, his card looks a bit more blah.
Adam Stern actually started the regular season on the Red Sox roster....and once he satisfied the required length of time for Boston to avoid losing him in the Rule 5 draft, they shipped him right into the minors. His 4 on-base is a reason why...as is what has got to be the worst offensive chart I have ever seen.
Scott Thorman has a forgettable 6 on-base, but my goodness, it is worth the risk with a chart like that. Over half his rolls end in extra base hits with the 16-20 homer power.
