2006 World Baseball Classic - Puerto Rico

 This may be a tired point, but Puerto Rico technically isn't a country. They're a territory of the United States that we just kinda let do their own thing and pretend to be their own country. As unstoppable as a combined forces team would be, PR are a formidable force all on their own. The pool C host proved this by sweeping by the competition in round 1; 2-1 over Panama, 8-3 over Netherlands, and a 7 inning mercy rule 12-2 win over Cuba.

The winning streak continued in round 2 with a 7-1 victory over the Dominican Republic. The good times came to a screeching halt when they were next stunned in a 6-0 defeat against Venezuela. In a must-win final game of round 2, Puerto Rico got eliminated, falling 4-3 in a revenge victory for Cuba.

The Mets team and farm system feature a large selection of Puerto Rican talent, so get ready for a lot of one team. Beltran was entering his sophomore year in Queens and his card shows just how in his prime he still was.

Cabrera is almost tolerable, except for that unsightly homer he allows on his chart.

Calero features very meh control with a good chart that makes it a solid tradeoff.

Alex Cintron should not be starting, but his speed and versatility make for some bench consideration.

The jury is out on if Cora was trying to find sneaky ways to cheat and help his team win like he'd later do as an Astros coach and Red Sox manager. His offense sure isn't gonna help anyone but the opposition win.

I've had some very...average Jose Cruz Jr cards in my time...this would be another one.

Carlos Delgado had some pretty solid cards in the Showdown years. With the Mets, he wasn't exactly slowing down...expect his speed, which was always slow.

Another generic shot, pairing well with an almost generic Reliever chart and control.

Depending on which Valentin card you got in the Showdown years, his position utility would change with it. Here, we have a unique 2B/Corner Outfield combo with respectable defense for both.

Good old Ricky Ledee, good for low on-base but some pop on his chart.

Javy Lopez had some good years with the Braves. By his Orioles years his usefulness was less so.

I have a 2001 Matos card with perfect outfield defense and the same on-base as here. This card can go deep at the expense of his defense. Not a tradeoff I would make, personally.

Molina had future WBC games to catch in. Here is a somewhat limited +9 for his defense. Fantastic for most, an off year for Yadi.

If Perez is your best option at 1st Base, at least take solace that he can hit the occasional homer, even if you with his on-base was just a little better.

Joel Pineiro had low key one of the best cards ever in the 2002 TD set, where you'd need a 20 just to walk off his chart. Here, he still has the 3 control with 6 IP, but the chart is a far cry from his dominant card of the past.

Alex Rios has just an 8 for on-base, but his chart, speed and defense could all justify a place on your team.

Pudge is well beyond his elite years, but still brings a decent card for your Catcher needs.

Romero may bring that 5 control out of your bullpen, but I'm always wary of any pitcher who gives up either baserunners at 15 or doubles at anything before 20...and here we have a guy who does both those red flags.

Javier Valentin brings the always interesting decision of: Is a Catcher with a mediocre arm worth the extra homer potential?

Javy Vazquez has the 5 control that should make him an ace option, but that chart just screams that he'll give up some regrettable rolls at the worst time.

At this point in his career, Bernie Williams was stepping aside in the Bronx for the newly acquired Damon, and his defense reflects that. He still shows some potential for big hits if you can insert him as your DH.