2009 World Baseball Classic - Dominican Republic
When the Dominican Republic steps onto a baseball field, they're considered heavy favorites against most opponents. In 2006 they claimed the top spot in their pools for both round 1 and 2, but suffered defeat in the semi-finals to Cuba. They arrived in 2009 ready to climb back to the final bracket and beyond, but were shocked by the Netherlands in a close 3-2 loss. In the losers bracket, they victimized poor Panama 9-0 to keep their run alive. The next game had them against the Netherlands again, this time with advancement or elimination on the line, but they were shocked again in a 2-1 defeat to put an all too early end to one of the WBC favorites.
Jose had much better seasons ahead of him, but his current form here isn't too bad on it's own.
Aybar might find some use no matter how he's utilized off the bench in the late innings, but you shouldn't be starting him.
Cano can hurt you if he gets the advantage. Not great defense, but he wouldn't make a bad DH.
Nelson Cruz has some serious pop that'll make you think twice about pitching a low control pitcher against him in the late innings.
Cueto is another guy on the verge of better seasons. Chart is solid, but I always hesitate at 0 or 1 control pitchers who allow doubles on their chart.
Guillen would have a hard time even finding a bench role. Paltry chart and no defense. You gotta stand out somehow as an outfielder.
Jiminez makes for a solid option. 7 innings for a decent chart and control. You may not think it much, but if he were only 6 innings or 3 control it was feel like a big downgrade.
Marmol makes for a high risk Closer. Sure, you'll get the advantage a lot with his 6 control, but 15-19 walks is A LOT not to mention he still gives up doubles.
Damaso Marte is the same risky endeavor as Marmol above, but much much worse. Instead of just walks, he gives up all sorts of problematic hits on his own chart including homers. A rare case of a 6 control pitcher you can safely ignore.
Here's a case of a guy of Hall of Fame quality that should have retired before embarrassing himself in one final attempt. This is one Martinez card you need to pretend doesn't exist.
I remember Olivo from the original Showdown years. His 2004 SD card had very solid defense and little offense to back it up. Here, Miguel swaps those around, giving you an option for all offense and poor defense.
Iffy DHs are the worst. You can't even justify them with potential defensive usage. There are better Ortiz options in previous seasons if you don't mind PED users on your team.
On one hand, no doubles...on the other hand, meh.
I feel his 10pt score is underselling Rafael Perez. Sure his chart is made for guys with much better control ratings, but as a lefty thrower he should get some more situational advantages....I'm just saying, he deserves to be 20pts.
Hanley Ramirez is a pretty good pickup for you at SS. Very nicely spaced chart with A speed, a 10 on-base and acceptable defense.
Jose Reyes had an elite card or two in the original Showdown run, and you'd be better served to stay in that era, because in 2009 he was a shell of that greatness.
These were the final years of Fernando Tatis (Sr) but his on-base and chart show he still had a bit of usage for someone who could find a place for him.
You won't regret skipping over Taveras when you assemble your roster. Maybe if you need a speedy guy who makes the most of that Single+ part of the chart...maybe.
Tejada is hard to justify. Very low defense with just an 8 on-base and a chart that isn't eye catching.
If only Viola didn't give up homers on his chart, he'd be a good lefty for your bullpen...
That double he allows looks bad on it's own, but Volquez only walks after that for baserunners, making it hard for the opponent to move runners around if his 3 control gets the advantage. Not the worst idea for the back of your rotation.
