The United States of America were the unfortunate victims of the tie breaker procedure in 2006, bowing out in the 2nd round. They were back to do better in 2009, but for the the first (and so far only) time, they'd have to play round 1 on the road. Usually, one of America's cities will play host for one of the four round 1 locations, but in 2009, Canada would play the host team for pool play while America would host the rest of the competition starting in round 2. The US would have no issues qualifying for round 2; first with a 6-5 win over host Canada (paying them back for a loss from 2006) then 15-6 over Venezuela. Venezuela got the last laugh when they won the losers bracket, then beat the US 5-3 in the round 1 finale to claim the winning seed going into round 2.
The setbacks continued in round 2 where Puerto Rico thumped the Americans 11-1 in 7 mercy rule shortened innings. With their backs against the wall, the US eliminated the Netherlands 9-3 before winning the rematch against Puerto Rico 6-5 to advance tot he final bracket. The round 2 finale didn't go their way as they fell yet again to Venezuela 10-6. As a result, they matched up against Japan in the semi-finals and fell 9-4 to the eventual champions.
That 7 on-base stinks, but Rollins brings the speed and good chart to stand out as the best Shortstop in the tournament to make the All WBC team.
Most leads you hand to Heath Bell will be very safe.
We weren't yet at the Ryan Braun steroid controversy in 2009 when this pretty good card was available. Good 9 on-base that does some real damage, one must question why Braun felt he needed an edge.
When a Closer is worth more than 300pt, you know he'd dominant. You want him striking everyone out when you pay thiat much for him.
As far as utility players you can call upon, Mark DeRosa was always a good one, and he only looks better for this run.
Adam Dunn brings no defense at all, but if you have a DH spot open, then he's your typical power hitter that will mostly walk, strike out and homer more than anything else.
I swear, Pirates Relievers are only allowed 3 control with almost identical charts. Not the worst fate though.
I'm amazed Curtis Granderson only has 1-3 Strikeouts, but he is young still.
Gunthrie has just 1 for control with a stingy chart, but it's still heartbreaking when my low control pitcher gets the advantage and can still give up doubles.
Hanrahan won't find many takers for her services with 3 control and a chart that even 5 control guys wouldn't look good with.
Hawkins would look pretty ok as a Reliever, but as a Closer you always have better choices than this.
Howell is a clear step up over the Closer above him, but he's overshadowed on team USA by more elite options.
Iannetta across the board is acceptable as a Catcher from his on-base to chart, but nothing makes him pop either.
Jeter is light on power, but this A speed 10 on-base kind of guy is exactly what you want at the top of your lineup, getting on base for the big guns to drive in.
Chipper holds down the hot corner well enough, but this chart is pretty tame considering what we're used to from this Hall of Famer.
Lilly has a chart that you usually get from a 2 or 3 control guy, but as a 4 control Starter, making him a low-key big time weapon in your rotation.
We shouldn't have led off with Bell and Broxton cards because Lindstrom just looks amateur by comparison.
A good chart with 9 on-base and better than perfect defense means Evan Longoria should be on your roster.
McCann is a great hitter, but I really want my Catchers to be able to hold down the fort when the other team wants to steal bases.
Roy Oswalt can do some damage on the mound...just not as your ace. He's the kind of guy that needs solid run support to succeed.
Peavy is in the same boat as Oswalt, with better strikeout ability and slightly better on the baserunners.
Pedroia holds down the fort at 2nd Base, so long as you don't mind lack of power...which you shouldn't for middle infielders.
Please refrain from any "he's a putz" jokes, but JJ otherwise doesn't stand out.
Roberts has a good chart and was always a speedy option at 2nd Base, I just wish the defense was better...also the white spot on the Orioles logo bothers me a lot.
I don't care that he has 5 control, I am wired to see Scot Shields as either a mediocre Starter or a multi-inning Reliever.
Thornton takes the average 3 control Reliever chart and turns those 17-18 walks into outs and strikes a bunch of guys out. I'd recommend him for your lefty specialist.
Wright's 2009 was hampered by a concussion injury, so it's safe to say this won't be the best representation of his ability.
That is far too few for the Greek God of Walks.
Ziegler might find himself on some rosters, if only because he avoids doubles on his own chart.
