MLB Showdown Cards

2011 MLB Showdown Starters Under 200 Points

            Last time we talked about the players who were trying to fight for a bargain quality start. These guys are hoping for a absolute prayer of a quality start. You will not consistently get more the 5 innings out of these characters. If you run into one when you are playing them then you should swiftly kick their rear end till it is hunched up between their shoulder blades. If you do not then you missed a golden opportunity. However if you can weather the storm with one of these players then you can get some interesting players else where on your team. You also have the option of using a few of these guys and really trying to smack around some of the better pitchers in the league on offense.

            Big surprise with no 5s or 6s for under 200 points. I can not even imagine how awful they would be if they existed, 1-12 outs maybe? That is besides the point. There are two 4s who are cheap. Both 5 inning guys which is a theme at this range. Both these guys are 1-14 outs. Jason Marquis is 150 and gives up 2 BB, 2 1B and 2 2B. Jake Arrieta gives up a 20 HR, 19 2B. 15-18 BB. I like Arrietta better if you have to have one. He will strand more people with the huge walk and a 1-6 none advancing out instead of Marquis with a 1-5. I have the guts to live with 20s being homers against me. I will hit enough myself that I doubt 1 or 2 a game off my starter will kill me. Also if they do not roll a 20 then it is like it did not exist. It is weak logic I admit but it is a 130 point player, what do you want?

            Here are some gem players for my fellow cheapskates. The best player here is 170 point Brandon Morrow. 1-10 none advancing out, 1-15 out, 16-17 BB, 18-19 1B, 20 2B for 5 IP. The kid will strand people on third base. Trust me they will be there too, early and often but he can strand enough to win. James McDonald is an interesting pick at 180 point, 5 IP player with a 1-16 out. He has 2 2B on his chart. If you can trade the extra double for an out then do it. If you can not then don't. There are plenty of other options in the class at the points. The real treat may be John Lackey for players who want to go over spend on hitters. 30 point, 1-14 out for 5 IP. If you played with the old CC Sabathia in 01 then here is another chance. He will not go .500 without a lot of run support.

            The 2s are an interesting bunch. They get smacked around with only Nick Blackburn having a decent GB with a 7-12. He has uses but I would have a tough time taking him myself. The pick here for me may be the punt on Bronson Arroyo. If I miss out on Lackey then this may be a similar type of player in a similar role. He is a 1-16 out with a 20 HR and 19 2B. He is only 80 points. He will pitch poorly but cheaply.

            The bottom of the bottom of the barrel is the 1s and 0s. Matt Latos is a good pick if you want someone for some points. 170 points for a 1, 1-18 out who has a decent chart. He may be worth a look for a legit 4 starter for someone with guts. Brett Cecil and JA Happ are the 2 starters who will serve as relievers for real cheap players in leagues that allow starters to play as 1 IP relievers for their full price. Other then that I suggest going up higher in the charts and getting someone with some control this year.

            These are the worst of the lot. They are also the cheapest of the lot. That does not mean you can not get a player who helps. Find players who can do the best for the cheapest and still make good choices elsewhere in the draft. All these guys have one great quality about them. They are cheap.