MLB Showdown Cards

MLB Showdown 2012: Thirdbase

                History was made at this position. Miguel Cabrera became the first person to win the Triple Crown primarily playing third base. His .330 BA, 44 HR and 139 RBI will be etched in baseball lore forever. This is no small feat which we should all appreciate and if nothing else this feat should mean Cabrera makes the Hall of Fame if he retires tomorrow. The single season award obviously goes to Cabrera. The life time achievement award goes to Chipper Jones. Chipper put together a classy season where he struggled through injuries but was productive when playing. I can’t imagine too many people think about baseball as much as Chipper does, I feel so sorry for his wife this next season if he doesn’t find a hobby. Chase Headley a Showdown favorite added Power to his resume with 25 homers this year. Kevin Youkilis, the “greek god of walks” lost his OBP stroke for the year.

                In the third base market there is one great power hitter in Cabrera (10) and then it drops to average with Headley (10), Beltre (9), Longoria (9). Cabrera is a special card at 620 points for a 10, speed C (11), +2 fielding, 17-20 HR, 14-16 2B (never before has there been a 10 with 4 homers and 3 doubles). His 8-13 single makes him desirable by everyone. No matter how you slice it he is going to be the best hitter in the league and should be off the board very early. He is going to out club every third basemen by a long shot. The next step down does off more well-rounded players. Headley at 460 points for a 10 speed B(16), +2 fielding, 19-20 HR, 17-18 2B is just a solid player. Not really a power hitter but he fits in line-ups. He may be too many points for power hitters to waste. Beltre looks like the best option after Cabrera for 400 points as a 9, speed  B(15), 18-20 HR, 15-17 2B. His 8-14 1B will make him competitive with small ballers as well.

                Money Ballers have a great player here in Chipper Jones. For 320 points to get a 10, C (11), +1 fielding, 20 HR, 18-19 2B, 1-2 out player Money Ballers are thrilled. This is a great distinction player between Pingers and Money Ballers. Pingers won’t like to go much above 250 points for someone with 1 homer. Money Ballers are much more about the deal. Pingers will actually favor Aramis Ramirez here for 260 points, 9 on-base,  speed C (11), +3 fielding, 19-20 HR, 18 3B, 14-17 2B. It is a nuance of a difference but knowing your opponent will help you understand who he may pick and where.

                Small Ballers have their options here too. David Wright is just too many points at 450 to be useful with a 10, speed A(20), +2 fielding, 20 HR, 17-19 2B, 16 1B+, 12-15 1B is just too high to be an RBI guy. He has to bat third and he will walk behind the steals. Beltre looks great batting 4 for some teams. Kevin Frandsen for 150 points as an 8 is an interesting cheap option. He has an 8 or higher for a single which could be cheap RBI’s late in the order.

                There are a few decent players for the bench here. Collaspo as a 7 for 20 points with the discount. He has a 20 homer, speed B and switch hitter. Rolen for 14 points as a 6 with +3 fielding is a nice up-grade as a pinch hitter. The 5s are far too expensive to be helpful.