Puerto Rico got off to a hot start in 2006, but the 2nd round proved to be too much for them. 2009 started off the same way as they jumped all over Panama 7-0 and then 3-1 over Netherlands to clinch a spot in the next round. The cherry on top was their 5-0 victory to run the table on their pool when Netherlands won the loser bracket.
As round 2 began, they matched up with the United States and shocked the Americans with an 11-1 mercy rule win in 7 innings. Next up was Venezuela with a spot in the finals bracket on the line, but they were stopped 2-0. They had one last chance to advance in the losers bracket with a rematch against the USA. This time the parent country of Puerto Rico claimed victory, with the US winning a 6-5 nail biter, sending Puerto Rico home.
Pudge's card looks a bit iffy, especially compared to his previous cards in his Hall of Fame career, he still dazzled enough to claim a spot on the All-WBC team.
Vazquez could anchor some pitching staffs with his solid chart. I'm not sure if it translates to a dice rolling game, but I still wouldn't trust his card in a high pressure playoff game...
I know Gio has a more valuable card than Ivan Rodriguez...but it's understandable if he took a back seat to a legend...just not on your team. He's the better offensive option.
Snell is a tough sell, as it is for any Pirates pitcher in the 2000s...
PR had someone special on their roster in 2009. Too bad the pitching rules for the competition restricts how long a pitcher can go because he went on to pitch a no-hitter that season for the Giants.
Vazquez is purely a bench option, and even then you need to open more cards to get better options.
Romero won't give up many hits on the mound, but that's way too many Walks for just a 3 control.
Saul Rivera needs better control with that weak chart.
Rios has a good chart, but makes you wish his on-base was at least a little bit better to really be useful.
Yadi has a good 9 on-base, but a weak chart...but let's be real, he's on your team for the defense. +8 is high for many, but for Molina it's average.
Javier Lopez. No. That chart is better suited for a hitter.
What even is that chart? What is this!?
Lopez makes for a solid option at 2nd Base. If you can find better, by all means start him, but if all you have to look at is Felipe, you won't be in serious trouble.
How good Figueroa is depends on how low in the rotation you slot him in at. The lower on the depth chart, the fewer headaches you'll give yourself.
Feliciano might find himself pitching for you in some high leverage late inning situations and you can escape unhurt...just don't make him a habit in those situations.
Delgado's name at this point is scarier than his bat, but that's still a potent bat in your lineup to send out there.
As you can see, Alex Cora the player needed to steal signals like Alex Cora the coach and manager did to find success.
If Cabrera had a control of 2 he could be seen as barely passable with that chart. With a 1 he is an easy ignore.
500 pt is a bit steep, but there's always a premium for high on-base guys you can stick in Centerfield with A speed and some pop in their bat.
If your chart has more than half the results as outs and your on-base is just 5 without perfect speed or defense, I reserve the right to laugh at you.
