MLB Showdown Cards

MLB Showdown 2011: Center Fielders 10-390 Points 

                The split level positions allow for some spotlight on players who normally would be glossed over. Ichiro made a surprise move away from Seattle where he was loved to New York where the Yankees are trying this new tactic of stock piling players it is difficult to hate. Curtis Granderson kept his power up shelling 43 homers. Bryce Harper had a great year for the playoff Nats. Shane Victorino had an off year and was shipped to the group of mercenaries that wear Dodgers uniforms. Michael Bourn had a small step back for the Braves despite stealing 42 bases and hitting 10 triples.

                Power for under 400 points is basically none existent. People will hit home runs but there are not any home run hitters at this position… except one. The highly flawed 290 point 6 Curtis Granderson. He has one of the great all time charts with a 14-20 HR, 13 3B, 11-12 2B. Oddly he is the only centerfielder with good power. I played with a 6, 16-20 HR, 240 point JJ Hardy last year which was difficult. He was a speed B and just did not account for a lot of offense (if this Granderson had a SS+5 I would be sold). At the end of the day find a leadoff hitter here.

                Pingers are normally very content in this range. Look for Jayson Werth to get a lot of love here as a 240 point, 9, speed A(19), 20 3B, 17-19 2B, 16 1B+, 1-2 out. He will lead off for someone in leagues Pingers will love him. Craig Gentry will be the next one to go at 270 points as a 9, speed A (20), 19-20 3B, 17-18 2B, 15-16 1B+. Both don’t have a homer so look for them to lead off. A lower in the order player may be David Dejesus as a 8, B(15), 20 HR, 18-19 3B, 15-17 2B, 1-2 out for 250 points. The Money Ballers have a fight here as the best player is Jon Jay at 370 points as a 10, speed A(19), 20 3B, 18-19 2B. Many people will fight for him as a leadoff hitter.

                Small Ballers always have options at this position. A great 2 hitter here is Norichika Aoki as a 330 point 9, speed A(22), 20 HR, 19 3B, 16-18 2B, 14-15 1B+ with a 10 or higher as a single. Michael Bourn may also be a cheap option as a 2 hitter here as an 8, 290 point, A(22), 20 HR, 17-19 3B, 15-16 2B, 13-14 1B+, 7 or higher single. I am not sure how much love Quinin Berry will have as a starter but a 7, A(23), 18-20 3B, 17 2B, 15-16 1B+ for 200 points is a nice 7 hitter to steal runs.

                The bench has a few useful guys here as always as pinch runners. Franlin Gutierez can field as +3/2 with speed A(18) and 20 HR as a 6 for 100 points. Lots of uses there. Jacoby Ellsbury for 6 points discounted gets you a 6, A(21), 18-20 2B. Small step down from last year but uses there. BJ Upton is an interested 24 point option as a 5, A(20), 16-20 HR, 15 3B, 11-14 2B, 10 1B+. Probably too expensive but he could be an intimidating pinch hitter who can also pinch run. Then there are a slew of sub 100 point speed A players. Have your pick of the litter.