Venezuela began the WBC with a tall order: facing off against the powerful Dominican Republic. After losing to them 11-5, they squared off against an Italy team that had just beaten up the Australians 10-0. They flipped the script for both teams and shut the Italians out 6-0. With advancement on the line, they dispatched Australia in a tight 2-0 win that allowed them to advance to round 2.
Round 2 began with an unpleasant match with Cuba that saw Venezuela fall 7-2. Elimination was looming as they matched up next against the undefeated Puerto Rico. Venezuela shocked the American territory by winning 6-0, setting up a 4 way tie in pool 2 with all four teams being 1-1. It was win or go home for both Venezuela and the Dominican Republic in their rematch. It was a closer battle this time, but the DR still prevailed 2-1, sending Venezuela home.
Johan Santana was still doing classic Johan Santana things in 2006. A great chart with lots of Strikeouts to pair with his blah 3 control.
Bobby Abreu usually is a solid 10 on-base presence in anyones lineup.
Alfonzo is a long way from his perfect +5 rating at 2nd Base, 9 on-base and solid chart. He didn't last long in 2006 with the Angels before going elsewhere.
Some of the Venezuelans didn't really offer much action shots for cards, and with that bad chart for a 3 control pitcher, you can understand why he didn't get lots of action.
Betancourt was one of those flash in the pan elite relief pitchers. He was coming off a steroid suspension here, so use this card with lots of skepticism.
Blanco is a Showdown original. Some things never change with his 7 on-base.
An offensive anchor at 3rd Base, Cabrera has a very reliable chart to at least come off your bench if not start with his 10 on-base.
Tough decision to make when weighing Carrara's 6 control vs his potential to allow homers on his own chart. Personally, I feel there are safer options.
The 4 control can be nice, but only 5 innings and allowing homers earns a hard no from me.
Before he made the most famous catch in his life, Chavez would represent Venezuela. Mets fans would argue he deserves better fielding ratings.
Zambrano's 4 control makes him stand out (especially since he doesn't allow homers on his chart) but I recall previous cards garnering fewer fly balls and more ground balls. Silly, complaint, I know.
Showdown fans will recall Escobar as a Reliever, and while his Starter card isn't horrible, we all recall him having a better card from the bullpen.
Garcia here was on his way to becoming the winningest Venezuelan in MLB history after his WBC stint was over.
Unfortunately, Guillen was in a bot of an off year before he'd regain all star form the next season. He still makes for a solid offensive card for 2006.
Hernandez had a bit of power and decent defensive ability, while his 8 on-base make him a pretty decent option at Catcher.
If you asked me to chow you an "average run of the mill" Reliever, Julio here would make a good candidate with his 3 control, 17-20 baserunners allowed and 100pts.
Why even bother being a Catcher? So we all agree that Victor is strictly a 1st Baseman, right?
Ordonez was in the height of his career at this stage. Just one year away from a batting title.
Tomas Perez continues his proud tradition from the OG Showdown cards of being a utility infield option with no offensive value.
I might be biased, but it's a bit jarring to see Juan Rivera with such a decent looking card.
As of this writing, K-Rod is still known as a *potential* Hall of Fame player. His card here is very Troy Percival-ish.
Scutrao offering a very...unique set of ratings for his defense.
Silva offering yet another risk/reward situation with the control of 6 allowing homers on their own chart. Somehow it's always a bit more annoying for a Starter since you're giving the opposition more chances to take you deep.
Team captain Omar Vizquel isn't exactly wowing many with his card. Pretty ok across the board, but there are usually better options around.
I remember Victor Zambrano as a holo card in the official Showdown cards, but his 3 control card always found ways to frustrate. If that was bad, how about a 4 inning Starter who surrenders homers on his own chart. Go back to the bullpen, Victor.
