ESPN All-Decade Team

Espn published an article picking their all decade team for the 2010s, while also picking an all decade team for every decade from 1900!!. Well as usual we like to discuss which team is better so lets see how they stack up in showdown form. Sadly no I didn't make the guys from the early parts of the century but we can look at the most recent ones for fun. We had the 2010's, 2000's and 1990's all with cards for each player, so those teams will be featured in this post. Do you think you can beat any of these teams with your drafted 5000 team? even just once?

Merry Christmas Stocking Stuffer

Merry Christmas everyone, and to continue with my holiday tradition, I have a stocking dump of cards for ya. I have a lot of cards saved on my computer from making randomly, and figured they aren't doing any good there and they need to be shared for all to enjoy in some showdown battles.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Colorado Rockies

Hello all yes I'm still making cards. Just been super busy these days. But besides doing some of the stats for the 2019 set I was able to find time to make one of my favorite teams, The Colorado Rockies. They definitely had a disappointing 2019 after a nice 2018 season. High hopes were let down by sub optimal pitching especially losing Ottavino. The 2019 Rockies finished a poor 71-91 and 4th place in their division. They did have a few steller performers and you will see them below. Lets just right into those batters (where all the talent lies).

All Time Expos

All Time Expos (New Cards!)


Today's team is the Montreal Expos, who are no longer a team. I debated combining the Expos and Nationals,  but I felt that there were just too many good cards that I wanted to showcase here. To bolster the team a bit I decided to include David's "What If" Expos . The Expos were created in 1969 and failed to post a winning season in their first ten years. They only managed to make the playoffs in the strike shortened 1981 season when they won the NL East, however they were in a prime position to be a competitive club when the 1994 strike crippled their chances, and their existence as an organization. In 2002 the MLB purchased the club and in 2005 they moved them to Washington DC to create the Nationals.

ALL DECADE BREWERS

My favorite team, the much maligned and quite possibly cursed Brewers. Yes, they play in an extremely difficult division and yes, we're the smallest market in the Majors.... but this past decade has arguably been the Brewers' best decade of baseball EVER! We're led by the LEGEND Christian Yelich and made the playoffs back-to-back for the first time in my life. What I'm saying is.... even though they didn't win a pennant IRL, you can't count us out of the All Decade Showdown league!

My all-time favorite cut out that I've done, for one of my all-time favorite players, MVP Yelich!!!

However, 2019 Yelich surpassed the MVP and took his spot on the All Decade team!

ALL DECADE ANGELS

The franchise with Mike Trout.... has had a disappointing turn in the last decade after dominating the AL West through most of the 2000s. However, as far as the all-decade team goes, the early part of the decade's strong starting pitching is going to keep this team hanging around!! With 2019 Trout leading the way, arguably the best player we've made from the decade, they've got a shot at a Wild Card berth! 

He just missed the All Decade Cut, but I love this 2008 Mark Teixeira card... 

if ever I do an all 00s league, the Angels are going to be a top contender

ALL DECADE DBACKS

Arizona had a rocky decade, but made the playoffs a few times! The 2011 NLDS that they barely lost to Milwaukee was particularly memorable. Sadly, they had to deal away Pauly G and Grienke, but both guys are back this year, teaming with near-MVP Justin Upton, a healthy AJ Pollack, and a fantastic 2019 Marte to create a real contender for the playoffs in the All decade league!

Goldy is arguably the best player in franchise history... and he was remarkably productive all decade!

ALL DECADE WHITE SOX

Chicago is one of a handful of teams that failed to make the playoffs during the 2010s. Accordingly, they have one of the bleaker All Decade squads. However, as they play in the extremely mediocre AL Central, there's some hope for the Southsiders!

Disappointing to think what they'd look like in 2020 with this guy leading the rotation!

ALL DECADE PIRATES

Pittsburgh essentially had a three year run amidst another disappointing decade... but at least the 20 year playoff drought was snapped! Unfortunately, the Pirates were 1-2 in Wild Card games and lost the 2013 NLDS. I just.... don't have much to say about Pittsburgh. I'm hoping their fans will enjoy this squad as much as I enjoy their distinctive yellow cards!

I think Pittsburgh would rather have the two guys on the Rays' all-decade squad now, 

but trading for Archer made Pittsburgh pretty exciting for a couple weeks in 2018! 

ALL DECADE METS

New York's "other team" went to more World Series this decade than the Bronx Bombers in the 2010s and had a plethora of young arms that had them posed for so many more pennants. However, baseball is a sport, especially with today's influx of talented youth, that is so hard to win big over the long haul and injuries (plus a tough division) hamstrung the Mets' chances. BUT in the All Decade league, the Mets are going to be LOADED with fantastic starting pitching (perhaps the best rotation in the league) and a high OB lineup with speed at nearly every spot. For that reason alone, the Mets are going to contend in the NL East and, possibly, for so much more!

Really a shame that injuries robbed us all of seeing this fantastic, do-everything 3B 

play much in the later portion of the decade!

ALL DECADE TWINS

Ah my beloved Twins!! Yes, the Brewers are my top team, and I realize that technically the Brewers-Twins rivalry was (kind of?) fierce/important back in the day.... but I only remember the Brewers as an NL team, so the Twins have always been my AL squad. Thanks to the 2019 season, they're going to have an All Decade team capable of competing in the AL Central (they'd be in GREAT shape for a 00s Decade season). Get ready for a team FULL of power, albeit with a watered down rotation, and one that'll be super interesting in its quest to outscore teams. Enjoy!

A couple of my all-time favorite Twins players who just missed the cut!

ALL DECADE BRAVES

The Braves were indisputably the NL's "Team of the 90s" and their NL East dominance carried through the better part of the 00s too. However, they weren't quite the dominate force in the past decades, although they finished with a new NL East title streak.

Acuna's rookie year was something special... but his Super Sophomore season made the All Decade squad!

ALL DECADE CUBS

2016 featured arguably the greatest World Series in history, as the Cubs broke their curse and finally won another World Series. They're coming in hot, as one of the 12 teams thus far to reach the 7000 point barrier. They've got explosive power and speed at the plate, a dynamic rotation led by a Cy Young winning Jake Arrieta (tier 1, control 6, no doubles) and a stellar bullpen thanks to Aroldis. Definitely going to contend for the NL Central crown despite their complete ineptitude as a team for the first half of the decade! In fact, only two of their players hail from 2009 through 2014!! So enjoy this Cubs team, and fly the W flag after you play with them!

Even if he gets traded, this wonderful man will always be a Cubs legend

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Baltimore Orioles

Well everyone I did it!! 22 teams, and sadly this is the last one, so much for saving the best for last because I am struggling to find something to say about the Baltimore Orioles. Most things that come to mind I feel like I have already said about the other bottom half of the league. A few good pieces and then a nice pile of trash. Going 54-108 they finished last in the AL East, and after parting ways with Jonathan Villar this off season, will things get any better for the poor fans in Baltimore.

Last Orioles card for Villar as he is headed on his way to the Marlins for 2020

All Time Indians

All Time Indians (New Cards!)


Today's team is the Cleveland Indians. With many of the contributors to this site being Indians fans, there is considerably more cards to chose from than any other team. Sadly to say, none of these fans have seen an Indians championship team, as the only two came in 1920 and 1948. However, with 6 AL Pennants, 11 Divisional Championships and a Wild Card berth, there has been plenty of October baseball since the teams inception in 1900. They also set the record for longest win streak in the AL with 22 games in 2017.

 Logo Circa 1915- I'm sensing a pattern here

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals were a bottom of the barrel team in 2019, finishing 4th in the AL Central with a record of 59-103 and third worst in the American League total. The showdown gods were not very kind to them and it shows in the cards representing the team this season. The top 3 or 4 players are use able, and many draft able pieces to help fit under a salary cap. Sadly I do not believe we will be seeing and first or second round picks used on the guys available from this team. 

His high home run rate puts Jorge on the Bomb Squad

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Pittsburgh Pirates

If you followed @Bobbumbarger on twitter this season any time you saw a tweet go out saying " STUD ALERT" you knew Josh Bell had done something special. A stud he is, and was this season being a great player for this Pirates franchise. The Pirates finished last in the NL Central this season with a 69-93 record. Like many of the weak teams in the showdown set, the offense is good enough to get them some runs, but the pitching on this team is going to continually hurt them over and over. Even worse news for the Pirates pitching staff, is their best reliever probably won't be on the team again and their bullpen is not very strong without him.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers finished 78-84 in 2019 third in the AL West and this team reflects a middle of the pack team. They have some players that will make a huge difference in the lineup. Rangers probably could have been better had Joey Gallo played the full season. This team will certainly have plenty drafted from it as they can be explosive at the top of the order. The pitching is what hurts this team, especially once you get past the top two starters. Pitching is a struggle for this team, and the great batters that they have will need to score a lot of runs to keep this team competitive.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins were a rough team in 2018 and nothing changed in 2019. They finished with the third worst record overall in the entire MLB with a record of 57-105. This team doesn't have any star power or even top 5 round talent in a deep draft. The players on this team are back end of the lineup or rotation quality players. It will be interesting to see if this team can ever turn it around and not trade away the players that can develop to become stars.

I am loving these 01 style cards, if the Marlins ever get good they will look sharp with all the neon colors and the black mixing.

All Time White Sox

All Time White Sox

This article was ready to go before I heard about the MASSIVE 90s drop, so I wanted to wait before putting it out. Once I finish the different teams I'll be going back and releasing an article discussing the new players on each team, since there will definitely be a bit of turnover. Due to the amount of new cards and adding 2019 statistics there actually is a noticeable affect on expected runs-seeing mid range guys move down and the outliers moving less.


Today's team is the Chicago White Sox, one of the original AL charter teams, were established in 1901. Their early history was marred by the famous Black Sox Scandal of 1919, despite winning the World Series in 1906 and 1917. They won again in 2005, and have 6 AL Pennants, 3 Central titles, 2 West titles and no wild card berths. They've had a few players enshrined in Cooperstown, however one of the best players in franchise history is excluded in Shoeless Joe Jackson. Maybe those who are lucky enough to go watch them play the Yankees in Iowa this summer will get a glimpse of him coming out of the cornfield!

Original White Sox Logo 1901-1902 (Cubs!?)

MLB SHOWDOWN SET 2019 -- New York Yankees

Start the Star Wars Darth Vader theme, they are finally here, the 2019 New York Yankees. As a baseball fan from afar, what I knew about the Yankees was they had a great bullpen and they hits BOMBS. Other than that and being a great team in the AL East I couldn't tell you as much as our guest writer and New York Yankees fan, you all know him from my league as the owner of Acuna Matata and from twitter as @Gitrekt, so I will turn it over to him for his Yankees analysis.

" The Yankees had an excellent year winning 103 games and making it to the ALCS before falling to those dirty cheats, the Houston Astros. Although it is probably seen as a great season by maybe every other MLB team, the expectations for the Yankees every year is win a World Series or bust. After failing to win this year they are now in a transition year where they are saying bye to a great leader and Yankee CC Sabathia after he decided to retire at the end of the season. Brett Gardner might be gone too and it doesn't look like they will bring back Sir DD. With big free agents available we will see if the Yankees turn to their old ways and do some big fish shopping this off season.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Seattle Mariners

A very tough 2019 season for the Seattle Mariners but worse for the fans. If you follow me on twitter you see tons of interaction during the season watching games and highlights. Early on in the season a few Seattle followers and I were interacting a lot as they were playing great baseball and winnings games. They started the season off at a hot 13-2 and the Seattle faithful were buzzing. Sadly after that they went 55-92 finishing last in the AL West with a record of 68-94. A few fun times for the team as Ichiro got to play in Japan to start the season before retiring, and King Felix hanging it up at the end of the regular season. Aside from those highlights I personally don't know of any others from the season, and by the looks of this team, sadly there weren't many in showdown form either.

Lets start this off on a good note, and look at Bobs beautiful 1996 Edgar Matinez

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds, my in state rival, yet I find myself usually rooting for them other than the battle of OHIO. The Reds placed 4th in the NL Central with a record of 75-87, but what we did see this year is a glimpse of hope for the next few years of cards that we may be seeing from some bright young players, as well as Eugenio Suarez continuing to mash and blossom into a dominant hitter. This team if developed how they look could bring a new homer run hitting sensation in Aquino, and a new dynamic center fielder in Nick Senzel every year with high speed and great fielding to go along with whatever stats he puts up. This Reds team is like every other team that didn't make the playoffs, there are pieces to pick from in a redraft situation, you just don't want to have the whole team on your side, unless theres a fight. (and really this is the highlight of the reds season for me anyways)

The 100 Greatest Everyday Players of the 1990s

Hey Everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving, While we all have plenty to be thankful for, health, family and friends, I figured I would show my appreciation to all of you from the blog and the great people I have met though this wonderful game and blog site. Peter has been rolling out his All Decade teams of the last decade and it got me thinking about (of course) what the 1990s Cleveland Indians all decade team would look like due to the late 90s success they had. Many discussions with Peter later we stumbled upon an article from bleacher report ranking the top 100 everyday players of the 1990s. Now this seemed like a fun and daunting task to take on, I embraced it and went all in. I put every player into my spreadsheet and got to work, Now before I get into the cards, I would like to discuss my process that I was using to determine which season to use per player. 

My Process:
Listing each player was the easy part, I opened a second tab and had Peters chart calculations open as well and a third tab with fangraphs of each years top 300 batters on base rankings. I went through each individual players pages looking at which year was the best season that they had. For many, the process stopped there and I would take that seasons statistics and generate the players card. If that particular season had been made by all the talented people we have or if it was the 1999 season, which the 2000 set was based upon, I would pick a different season that they had success in, while a few that season was so good I had to just remake it for a higher quality card. If your favorite season of a player didn't make it in, I apologize but man these cards are going to be fun to add in to some showdown slug fests.

My plan in this article is if we made a different version of a player that made the list from the 90s, I am going to try to include that card as well so this is going to be a loaded post with tons of cards for you to print out and add to your collections. It is also funny to look at some of my original cards and how terrible the cutouts were, and to look back at Peters original posts with his initial style of card before Bob blessed us all with the original showdown templates.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Chicago Cubs

With 33% of the poll the Chicago Cubs are todays team to be released. The Cubs were an above average team with a 84-78 record and I feel like they will play that way in a full league. Much like the Red Sox and Indians they have the talent to hang around but I don't think the pieces will all fit to take down the power houses that we have seen from this set, and haven't seen yet. Looking towards a draft, I can see most of this teams starting lineup being rostered and playing prominent roles on a Showdown Cup Championship team.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Cleveland Indians

Are you surprised that with me doing the team write ups that it took me this long to get the Cleveland Indians posted?? I been enjoying doing the polls and was excited to see that they won today so I can enlighten you all with my Cleveland Indians viewing experiences this past season. The Indians just missed out on a wild card spot this year going 93-69 an impressive record for a team to not make the playoffs so this team will be very competitive to play against some of the better 2019 teams, but the lack of high OB players shows why they are just on the outside looking in. Various injuries hurt the team this year as well, the well documented Carlos Carrasco's battle with leukemia kept him from getting a card this season, as well as Corey Kluber missing most of the season takes away two of the teams top pitching options. A nice stock of young arms helped carry the team into a playoff chase. Offensively Francisco Lindor missed about the first month of the season, and Jose Ramirez missed almost the last month before his triumphant return towards the last week of the season.  All of these injuries made if difficult for them to stay in the division race.

Could this be the last  Francisco Lindor Indians Card we get? This is also my current phone background

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Toronto Blue Jays

Today's winner is the 2019 Toronto Blue Jays, and another team thats future releases will probably be 100x more fun to play with as the second generation trio continues to grow. The team struggled in the stacked AL East and finished with a 67-95 record and most of the blame would be on the pitching staff that you will see this team present. Trading Marcus Strowman doesn't help any in the way this rotation looks as well. Hopefully they develop the rotation and bullpen to go along with the young offensive studs that they are building around.

(Since Biggio and Bichette made the all decade team, I went with Vladdy)

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Philadelphia Phillies

Much like the San Diego Padres the Phillies spent a lot of money leading into the 2019 season, snagging Bryce Harper in free gency, also adding Andrew McCutchen and JT Realmuto. The signs pointed to this being a fun team with a weak pitching staff as the point of weakness. They finished with an even 81-81 record showing to the difficult division that they played in and how injuries really hurt the Phillies chances of making a run towards the wild card or division crown.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres spent the money this past off season to land Manny Machado for 300 million dollars. He didn't return that value as expected this season but some young guys that they have paired with him can make for a fun run in the future. The 2019 Padres finished last in their division with a 70-92 record and this team is pretty rough. They tied the Indians in my twitter poll for which team to release today, and figured you guys could wait on some Indians content. Pay attention to my twitter page @mlbshowdowncup for more polls as I want to do a vote each day for who gets released next of the teams that I created. I had high hopes for the Padres this season but the Tatis injury hurts, and another season of developing the young talent leaves me hopeful for what we may see in 2020.

(Bring on the UPS Drivers)

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Chicago White Sox

The White Sox made some news today in the signing of catcher Yasmani Grandal to the biggest contract in club history 4 years 73 million dollars. Things seem to be turning around for the White Sox as some hot young players like Eloy Jimenez and Yoan Moncada paired with Tim Anderson and Jose Abreu veteran leadership seem to have the team heading in the right direction towards 2020. 2019 wasn't as kind as they missed out on Bryce Harper and Manny Machado and finished with a 72-89 record finishing third in the AL Central. Plenty of draft able players on this team and some utility players that can fill the extra roster spaces when tight on points.

In case you forgot where this picture came from

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Boston Red Sox

The defending World Series Champions took a big step back this season compared to the dominant team they put out in 2018. That side they put some first round draft pick talent out as well to be corner stones of a drafting league. Finishing with an 84-78 record they finished third in the AL East, the first time they didn't win the division since 2015.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Arizona Diamondbacks

The first non playoff team released is in my opinion the most visually pleasing team of the set, the color scheme of the card, coupled with the color scheme of their jerseys just make these cards look amazing. Arizona was one of my favorite teams to watch this year because I love Ketel Marte and his card this year doesn't disappoint in any facet of the game. The Diamondbacks made two drastic changes this season, trading Paul Goldschmidt in the off season and then moving Zach Grienke before the deadline leaves this team just short of what could be playoff hopes in a league, but will be fun to use anyways with some great hitting players and some decent pitching. The wrapped up 2019 with a 85-77 record good for second in the NL West and 4 games out of the last wild card position.

All Time Royals

All Time Royals



The next team up is the Kansas City Royals, who much like the Tigers, are in a period of rebuilding- although they have had success more recently. Founded in 1969 as an expansion team they have won the World Series in 1980 and in 2015, while losing in 1985 and 2014. They also have 6 AL West titles, one Central title and a wild card berth.

Royals Logo 1969-1978

All Time Tigers

All Time Tigers


This week we start with the AL Central, and leading them off is the Detroit Tigers. They are one of the AL's original eight charter franchises from back in 1894, and the only "western" team still in their original city. They've won four World Series titles, 11 AL Pennants, 7 division titles and 1 wild card appearance. At the moment the Tigers are in Major rebuild mode, but over the years they've had some stellar players, and this team largely represents their early 2010s dominance.

Tigers Logo 1901-1902

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Milwaukee Brewers

Thanks for letting me take over the summary on this one, Matt! I'm taking a break from All Decade cards to discuss my favorite team.... the Milwaukee Brewers!

The Template is responsible for producing a better version of Christian Yelich than the original calcs, so there's that positive!

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Tampa Bay Rays

Today brings the Tampa Bay Rays, the team I was pulling for in the playoffs to somehow magically win the American League. A record of 96-66 getting the second wild card spot, eliminating the Athletics in the wild card game, and taking the Astros to a game 5 in the ALDS. The showdown version of this team looks like it would be tons of fun to manage and strategize with as it isn't your typical team.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics were an AL Wild Card team this season losing to the Rays in the wild card game. This team came from the tough AL West and finished with a 97-65 record falling just short of being another 100 win team. A strong September record of 18-8 helped them clinch that #1 wild card position.

ALL DECADE RANGERS

The squad that typically wins my "best of" Showdown leagues, the Texas Rangers. Seriously, I've done two such leagues (one 24 games, the other 36 games)  and the Rangers were the AL #1 seed and eventual World Series champ both times... mainly because the first featured 00-05 cards (crazy favored offense, no surprise) and the second featured original set plus Colby 11-13 cards (i.e. Rangers prime seasons). So now, the Rangers won't have the benefit of Alex Rodriguez 01 pennant run at SS (2x MVP of "best of" leagues), 00 Rafael Palmerio, 01 or 00 Pudge, 00 Juan Gonzalez... or John Wetteland and Jeff Zimmerman adding depth to the bullpen.... BUT they're still absolutely loaded. They're stacked in all three phases and, until they get knocked out, are my favorite to win it all in the Clemson-train of thought so many people have in college football. And like Clemson, it's hard to doubt them beyond thinking other superpowers may have just enough juice to stop the magic.

People forget -- Josh Hamilton was a power monster for the Rangers!

All Time Cubs

All Time Cubs




The final team in the NL Central is the Chicago Cubs, who were a founding member of the NL in 1876 as the White Stockings, before becoming the Cubs in 1903. The Cubs have appeared in 11 World Series, however are most famously known for their 108 year drought between their wins in 1908 and 2016. Their only other win was in 1907, being the first team to appear in three straight fall classics and the first to win two in a row. They have 17 NL Pennants to their name, although every one of them except 2016 came before 1945. In their long and storied existence there have been a large numbers of Hall of Famers, some of which you will see here. This team is a very solid team, although after seeing the other members in their division, they're going to have to fight their way out.

Original Cubs Logo from 1903-1905

All Time Cardinals

All Time Cardinals



Today's team is the Cardinals, and just as always, they come in and grasp the Brewers dominance right out of their hands. In 1881 the Brown Stockings barnstorming club was purchased and renamed the St. Louis Browns. They would join the National League in 1892, and in 1900 took their current name of the Cardinals. They invented farm systems, and have a long list of accomplishments over the years including 11 World Series Titles, 19 NL pennants, 11 Central division titles, 4 AA Pennants, 3 East Division titles and 3 wild card berths. There's a long list of players who have made it to Cooperstown from playing with the Cardinals, and you will see quite a few in here.

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Minnesota Twins

The 2019 Minnesota Twins won the Central Division going 101-61 this season. In a season known for the long ball, this squad was all about bombs, and set a new Major League record with 307 home runs this season. The also set the record for the best record ever to get the third seed in the playoffs, showing how strong the top of the American League was this past season. Sadly for these Twins the season ended after a 3 game sweep by the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs.

If you want to play Nelson Cruz in the outfield instead of the DH role it will cost your defense 2 points, but better than -5

MLB Showdown 2019 Set Release Podcast

It's that time of the year again. When you get to listen to our annoying voices talking about a card game. This year we have more people to stick in your ear. We started off this years podcast with some of the main discussion points. We breakdown the new design and the new calculations. We talk about the pros and the cons. We breakdown some of the teams that have been released thus far. We also talk random baseball stuff. Listen in and let us know your thoughts. More podcasts to come.

All Time Brewers

All Time Brewers



The Milwaukee Brewers, originally the Seattle Pilots of the AL, were founded in 1969 and relocated a year later to Milwaukee and adopted their current name during the move. They jumped over the NL in '98 and are the only team to play in four divisions. They have made the playoffs five times and their only World Series appearance came back in 1982, losing to the Cardinals in seven games. The only two Brewers in the Hall of Fame in Brewers uniforms are Robin Yount and Paul Molitor, who make an appearance here.

The original Pilots and Brewers logos

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET -- Atlanta Braves

The 2019 Atlanta Braves were one of my favorite teams to watch this season. As an Indians fan I get to see Francisco Lindor enjoy himself 162 games a year, and watching the Braves and the youthful Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies having fun while playing is a great time. Add in one of my favorite players in Josh Donaldson, and as you will see below, have some fun in the dug outs with the help of an umbrella. The Braves won 97 games this year finishing with a 97-65 record to win the very tough NL East for the second straight season. Sadly on October 9th, they became the first team in MLB playoff history to allow 10 runs in the first inning of a playoff game. So here we go with the 2019 Atlanta Braves.

The cut out y'all didn't know you wanted in some alt calcs!

ALL DECADE CARDINALS

My least favorite team in baseball, I begrudgingly have to admit the Cardinals have been the class of the NL Central for the vast majority of my lifetime. This decade, they started off on fire with a 2011 World Series title and forcing me to watch them in the playoffs for the five years that I spent in Columbia, Missouri, surrounded by Cardinals' fans. I think this team is built to continue to frustrate me (and my beloved Brewers) in the All Decade league!

Shout out to Harrison, my least favorite Cardinal in large part because he's below average with a bat and YET my friends kept yelling "HYDRATE WITH BADERADEEEEE" every (rare) time he got a hit last summer

ALL DECADE ATHLETICS

The A's and their moneyball ways had an up-and-down decade mostly filled with success! Five playoff berths, but their best team somehow only won 88 games in 2014 and they unfortunately were behind the Astros after winning 97 games the past two seasons. However, they're going to have a chance to win the division in the All Decade league thanks to depth at pitching!

KRUSH sadly didn't make the All Decade team due to fan vote, but I love his power!

ALL DECADE PHILLIES

Coming into the 2010s, the Phillies were absolutely rolling off of back-to-back Pennant triumphs. They kept it going -- NLCS in 2010, well over 100 wins in 2011. Then came some droughts, but Philly still has some amazing talent from those early teams to put together an awesome squad. Hard to believe it, but we're now 18/30 teams through the All Decade squads... and we're seeing another title contender here!

The Hall of Famer is an absolute beast.... and this 2010 stud wasn't even his best card!

ALL DECADE PADRES

The 2020s look like they'll be a lot brighter for San Diego's sole professional sports team. Especially with the recent reveal of the awesome brown uniforms the Padres are about to rock! Unfortunately, the 2010s were not an especially kind decade to San Diego's baseball club. Zero playoff berths and only one winning season (90 wins in 2010) made for a bleak decade, but there's some life to be found on this squad (mainly Rookie stud Fernando Tatis Jr). If half the young arms in their system develop and they sign Cole or Strasburg this offseason, watch the Padres 2020 All Decade team look a lot more like the Astros than this mediocre assemblage!

Let's all hope Tatis reaches this peak potential card soon! After his rookie year, it seems VERY possible!

MLB SHOWDOWN 2019 SET --St. Louis Cardinals

The unlikeliest of the playoff teams to make it to the NLCS if I had to rank the 5 teams that made the playoffs. The NL Central Champions went 91-71, and eliminated the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the playoffs. This unique team doesn't have the offensive fire power in terms of high on base that we've seen from the teams released already, but one  9 on base and six 8 on bases give them a deep hitting line up. The only foil of the team comes from the starting rotation and second half beast Jack Flaherty. This team can definitely compete but do the lack the fire power to beat the top teams?