Panama
Panama was a rather quick elimination in 2006 with three straight losses against some pretty heavy competition. They would open the 2009 tournament against one of those opponents when they would get shut down 7-0 against Puerto Rico. Quickly on their heels, they matched up in the losers bracket against a Dominican Republic squad that routed them 9-0. Panama didn't even score a single run in their brief attempt.
Always be wary of a 0 control Starter that only goes 5 innings. Is it really worth potentially killing your bullpen?
You may not think it a great idea to employ a Reliever what allows hits as early as 16 on his chart with control less than 5, even if he doesn't allow XBH...and you'd be justified in that thought.
I wouldn't start Durango, and neither did San Diego, but he'd make an excellent option to pinch-hit with if you're willing to pay his price even as a reserve player.
Lee brought a solid offensive chart in the later years of his career. A higher on-base might get him more attention to start in your lineup.
Ruiz is coming off a World Series title in his young career. Not quite an on-base or chart that demands to be started, his defense would give you comfort to have on your bench though in case your starter isn't as defensively inclined.
Netherlands
The Kingdom of the Netherlands was an easy knockout in 2006, with their only victory coming against the 0-3 Panama squad. They were in the same pool as Panama when the double elimination play began in 2009, but instead they had the hard luck of drawing the Dominican Republic to start. They were expected to lose, but instead they put the baseball world on notice by winning 3-2. Then after dropping the next game 3-1 to mighty Puerto Rico, everyone expected the DR to get revenge in the losers bracket, but instead Netherlands proved it was no fluke by beating them a second time with a score of 2-1. They lost the pool play finale 5-0 against Puerto Rico, but they still earned advancement.
The competition heated up in round 2 where Netherlands dropped the opener 3-1 to Venezuela. Just like in round 1, they were matched up in an elimination bracket game with a dominating team reeling from a shocking loss, this time the United States. They couldn't flip the script a second time though, as the US would prevail in this fight 9-3, sending Netherlands home.
Van Den Hurk brings good control, but allowing homers on your own chart is always a concerning tradeoff.
Mexico
Mexico was a round 2 elimination in a crazy 2006 WBC and were looking to build off that momentum. They opened 2009 with an embarrassing 17-7 8 inning mercy rule loss to Australia. Determined not to go home so easily, Mexico went on a run after; blowing out South Africa 14-3 before they avenged themselves against Australia with a 16-1 mercy rule win in just 6 innings. They dropped the pool finale to Cuba with a 16-4 mercy rule loss in 7 innings, but Mexico was still safely moving on to round 2.
Mexico would run into South Korea in round 2 and drop the game 8-2. In the losers bracket, they'd run into Cuba again. While they did much better and avoided the mercy rule, they still fell 7-4 to the Cubans and were eliminated.
Very specific defensive utility for Amezaga. The defense is good, but you could probably find a utility bench option with a bit more variety.
Pretty average assortment for Ayala. Could use a bit more strikeouts to stand out from the ocean of 3 control options.
I know Barajas from the original Showdown '04 base set. Terrible chart and great defense there. Here his defense is still acceptable but his chart is more tempting despite his 6 on-base. As he was in '04, here he makes for an intriguing bench Catcher.
0 control with a chart like that? Pass the tequila if you're rolling him out of the bullpen.
Cantu is...ok overall. Doesn't really wow me with better corner infield options available, even on the bench.
I have a couple Dessens cards in the og Showdown sets, and he is clearly better suited for the bullpen.
Edgar Gonzalez brings a different defensive arrangement, and a decent chart with good triple potential. You'd be forgiven if you have him a long look before you move on to better options.
This was an all star and Gold Glove season for A-Gon and it shows. 10 on-base, nice pop and that +1 at 1B that always seems to make the difference on clutch double play rolls.
Scott Hairston had a similar type of chart in the official Showdown sets, but as a 2nd Baseman. Making him and outfielder kinda downgrades how that offense looks. To show my point, let's look at...
...the other Hairston brother. His chart is a step below his brother's showing, but since he's an infielder it looks more appealing, even with his 7 on-base. If you had to choose one, you should still choose Scott, but my point still stands.
Unlike his original Showdown cards and his previous WBC effort, Lopex brings higher control, but his chart is garbage.
Ojeda here is an example of if you have to include a utility infielder with a weak chart on your roster, the least they can do is have good defense everywhere they play.
If your pitcher has 1 control and allows any baserunners earlier than 19, I'm not interested.
I have a 2000 PR Reyes card that is just as stingy about allowing doubles, but here he brings a good 5 control at the expense of allowing more baserunners. But you should never dismiss a high control pitcher outright if he avoids any XBH.
Sandoval has nice defense at a couple infield positions, but with just a 5 on-base, he brings a very restrictive chart.
Soria as a Closer could use more control but his chart is fantastic.
