Card of the Week - 7/9/14

As we approach the All-Star break, there are a few players who were selected for the game who have made great strides since last year (or are in the middle of a fluke season).  The improvement (and decline, for that matter) from one year to the next can be pretty obvious when you compare MLB Showdown cards from season-to-season.  The infamous Scott Elarton decline from his 2000 to 2001 card is a great example.  One player who was selected to this year's All-Star team and is destined for a much better 2014 card than his 2013 card is...

...Devin Mesoraco.  His line last year (BA/OBP/SLG): .238/.287/.362.  So far this season: .316/.377/.631  Based on those numbers, he should be in line for an OB 9 or OB 10 card for next year's set.  Granted, his 2013 isn't the worst catcher card out there.  His chart is pretty nice and he has a decent arm.  But the low OB and low speed makes him a tough play in most starting lineups, making him a likely bench player for teams that choose to use him.

It is exciting up here in Minnesota with the All-Star game less than a week away.  I think it would be great to experience an All-Star game once in my lifetime.  Unfortunately, this won't be the year.  But I will be watching.  There is something exciting about the All-Star game.  Hater will hate, but I enjoy this break in the season to watch the best players play.