One of the favorites going into the competition, the Dominican Republic took no prisoners as they rocked Venezuela 11-5, then shut down Italy 8-3. They faced Australia on the final day with advancement already assured. The Australians gave them trouble, but the DR prevailed 6-4 and swept the pool 3-0.
In round 2 they ran into Puerto Rico, who checked them 7-1. After that humbling loss, they turned around and beat Cuba 7-3 to set up an elimination game between them and a revenge seeking Venezuela. Unlike the round 1 battle, this one was a nail biter, but the Dominican Republic prevailed 2-1 to win pool 2 and advance to the finals bracket.
Instead of swapping opponents for the semi-finals, the 2006 WBC had the winners of pools 1 and 2 face the runner-up of the same pool in the elimination semi-finals. So thus, pool 2 winner Dominican Republic faced off against the team they beat to win the pool in Cuba, as opposed to pool 1 runner-up Japan. After 6 innings, the Dominican Republic led 1-0, but Cuba put up 3 in the top of the 7th and held that lead to upset the DR and go to the finals. Perhaps the opponent didn't matter because Japan also won.
Rodney wasn't quite ready to close in 2006, but his 6 control showed signs of his 9th inning future.
Moises Alou might not have the on-base you're used to from the Showdown days, but the power is still there.
Miguel Batista always seemed like he was juuuust short of being a good option for your rotation, and his 2006 variant is no exception.
I remember a Belliard Showdown card with elite on-base and thinking how the heck he pulled that off. Sorry if an 8 seems more accurate.
All WBC 3rd Baseman Adrian Beltre might have a questionable 7 on-base, but that chart and better-than-perfect defense don't hide the future Hall of Fame ability.
Brito was quite an elusive man to find a picture for, so I'm proud of even this low quality picture. His chart shows why he wasn't very notable.
Cabrera has a nice 5 for control but 15+ baserunners on his chart might make you think of lower control options before you give this guy the green light.
Big sexy might have the double cringe of homers allowed and 15+ baserunners on his chart, but c'mon, you need Big Sexy representing the DR.
Juan Encarnacion was always a low on-base guy with some power, so if he wasn't on your radar in the Showdown years, then it won't change now.
Pedro Feliz in the 2002 Showdown set had +0 at 3rd base, so where did this better-than-perfect +4 come from?
Liriano has the kind of chart you usually find on a 1 or 0 control pitcher, so seeing it on a 3 control card is a fantastic option in your rotation.
A 6 control pitcher out of the bullpen is nice, but you can likely find better than a guy who allows runners at 15+.
Wily Mo Pena has some pop...but so average otherwise, you can do better.
Steroids card. Not for playing use. Also, 1st Base? We all know better. That's a DH.
Ronny Paulino may not have a useful chart, but you have a guy like him on your team for that nice +9 behind the plate.
In 2006, Odalis Perez would irritate Dodger ownership into getting traded, and his 1 control might have been part of the reason.
If Polanco is gonna bring a 7 on-base and an incredibly weak chart, the least you can do is go back to his multi-position days like in his official Showdown cards.
Albert Pujols won 3 MVPs in his career, but 2006 wasn't one of them. His card sure looks like an MVP year to me though. Prime Pujols belongs on your team.
Jose Reyes always brought fantastic charts, and his speed and defense should help you overlook his meh 8 on-base.
Pretty forgettable pitcher here. Yo need a bit more control if you're only gonna offer 5IP.
Duaner Sanchez has a chart that is only acceptable for a 6 control pitcher. Only allowing 14-15 flyballs is a huge plus, too.
Soriano brings great power, perfect defense and speed, which counters the 8 on-base that should put him on many rosters.
I remember a Jorge Sosa card from the 2004 Showdown set that was lousy with 17+ baserunners and just 1 for control. Somehow his 4 control version here is worse.
15+ baserunners with just 1-3 keeping the ball out of play? Pass.
Tavera may offer perfect outfield coverage and A speed, but the chart is lacking and the on-base is low.
I remember during the Showdown years that Tejada switched from SS to 3B, and seeing him back at SS here I can understand why he switched.
A Closer who allows 15+ baserunners, even with a 6 control, is a recipe for heart problems in the 9th inning.
