MLB Showdown Cards

Time Machine Catchers

Jason Kendall (00): No disrespect to anyone who caught during the 2000/2001 showdown cards era but there were only 2 catchers. Known for 2 different things. Jason Kendall was neither of these players. The guy could play. In 1999 Kendall had a jaw dropping 22 stolen bases in 280 AB's. That is a lot by any position but for a catcher that is obscene. He would finish his career with more then a 2:1 ratio stolen bases to home runs (189:75). A great young player when the Pirates had a lot of great young players. They never could really come at the right time to amount to a formidable team record wise. Kendal is a 10 Speed A, 20 HR, 18-19 2B, 16-17 single+. His 9 arm is fantastic when the top speed is only 20. At 460 points he just is not worth being on most teams. If you want to steal all the way through the line up however there are few options but Kendall.

Mike Piazza (00): One of the great late round draft picks in MLB baseball history, Mike Piazza could flat out swing the stick. A durable catcher who would hit more home runs then any catcher was a legit tough guy and offered something for the ladies to look. He was amazingly popular, especially while with the Mets. He would be criticised for his poor defense. Which I feel is an over generalisation. Piazza was a above average defensive catcher with a below average arm. He more then made up for it with his bat. He would hit 40 home runs in 1999 while batting over .300. You can fit the list of catchers who have done that on a post it note. He would be a 410 point 8, speed B (generously), +4 arm (maybe equally as generous). The money maker though is his 16-20 hr, 14-15 2B and 7 or higher single. He could hit the ball for the price and filled the catcher position. Take the steals or use strategy cards to help him. The guy is runs waiting to happen. Maybe only out hit by...

Mike Piazza (01): Piazza would have almost an identical year to the year before. Clubbing 38 homers in a couple less at bats then the year before. This year he would go to the World Series to face cross town rival Yankees. It was a great “Subway Series”. Piazza as you would expect was right in the middle of everything. Being hit right in the NY of his batting helmet earlier in the year by Yankees ace and grade A dirt bag Roger Clemens. As the baseball gods would have it Piazza hit a broken bat grounder in game 2 of the World Series. Clemens fielded the broken bat and threw it in the direction of Mike Piazza. I do not think Clemens was trying to hit Piazza. I also do not think if he wanted to he would miss as bad as he did. Piazza would win in the court of public opinion but not the World Series. He did get a 450 point 9, 17-20 homer, speed B, +3 arm card out of the deal though. One of the better power options at catcher in showdown history. Piazza's only peer as far as greatness was concerned was …

Ivan Rodriguez (00): The lack of arm strength complaint against Piazza was never made about Pudge. He made a name throwing people out from his knees as a kid in Texas. He would hit 35 home runs and steal 25 bases in 1999 making him one of the most complete players in baseball. The only thing he could not do was walk with 32 in 579 at bats. He has some of the all time great showdown cards to his name. He has productive cards up till 2011. In 2000 he had his first. An 8 for 450 point, rare speed A, +11 arm with 17-20 homer, 15-16 2B, 13-14 single+, 5 or higher single who could not walk. Great card that could do a lot of things for you and stop a lot of things for them. Also maybe only out done by...

Ivan Rodriguez (01): The all star catcher in showdown. The best catching card ever made, including the 09 11 on base Mauer. For 530 points Ivan Rodriguez was a 9, +9 arm, speed B, 17-20 HR, 16 3B, 13-15 3B, 12 single+, 6-11 single. Also could not homer. This guy could bat anywhere for anybody. He can stop the running game. Almost makes me rethink my catching strategy. He did club 27 homers in 363 at bats while hitting .347. One of the all time greats. Let the debates begin with Bench and Fisk. Just make sure you don't forget the kid from Texas throwing people out from his knees.