People forget -- Josh Hamilton was a power monster for the Rangers!
LINEUP: I love the Rangers collection of hitters, which is going to give them plenty of chances to utilize versatility during the season. As the default setting, I'm putting the fast and consistent Choo in the leadoff spot. Choo's third team (and second time leading off), I love that he's got a triple and multi-HR pop to go with that A speed and OB 10. Michael Young hitting second is a controversial "old school" choice, but when he's doubling at 15 and clearing the bases for the speedsters hitting 8-9-1 in this lineup, I like what he does for consistent average and setting the big boppers who're following up for RBIs. Third is their "do-everything" MVP 2010 Josh Hamilton. Yes, he's got less HR pop than the previously shown 2012 Hamilton, but with an extra OB, getting on at 3 vs 7, and having extra bases begin at 13 rather than 14, I'm taking 2010 Josh every time!! I think a lot of managers would hit him second and I won't dispute that move. At cleanup is arguably the best catcher in the All Decade group (fight him Mauer/Garver... oh wow, Twins are stacked)...... 2011 Mike Napoli?? HUH???? That's right Showdown fans, Mike Napoli put up an OB 10, HR at 17 season in 2011 and that gives this lineup DEPTH (and extra power). He's joined by fellow "40 HR power" Joey Gallo from this year, who despite injury (which knocked him from an OB 10 to 9), managed to put together a high OB with a high HR% for the first time in his career. A pair of stellar OB 9 hitters who aren't overly flashy but will be consistently deadly follow at 6-7. Nelson Cruz makes yet another appearance on an All Decade team, with the squad where it all started for him, while Adrian Beltre appears again... this time for the team he'll likely wear a hat for in the Hall of Fame! 2012 was his best year in Texas and I got this gorgeous card to go along with the awesome chart made by Colby. Hitting eighth is an Ian Kinsler card that I LOVE and have always had great success using. His speed and pop are amazing for a 2B and I reeeeeally want to bat him leadoff. We'll see if he can earn his way up in the lineup early in the season. Rounding it out is OB 7 Profair... I know it's always like "ew a 7," but when you're doubling at 10 with speed A to boot.... I think he's going to be more trouble than people realize!
ROTATION: This is going to shock some fans, but the Rangers are loaded! It all starts with this sensational Cole Hamels card, made by Matthew P in the 01 style. Honestly, the Rangers really benefitted using Phillies' aces as rentals! Of their three Tier 2 pitchers, two are also on the Phillies All Decade team (and more people remember their time in Philly). Hard to find any fault with Cole, and then CJ Wilson brings a super solid Control 5 card with plenty of K rate. Third is Cliff Lee, bringing yet another C3, 1-18 out with no doubles card to the All Decade set (his third team with this EXACT type of card, but who's counting?)!! Rounding out the rotation is a super pretty Yu Darvish card -- I love Matthew's rust red for the 13-14 set cards. Even though Yu is a Tier 3, he doesn't give up doubles and you know I'm a sucker for the Control 4, on at 17 starters. Overall, this rotation is never going to have Texas at a significant disadvantage.
BULLPEN: From a very strong rotation to.... oh wow, THREE Tier 1 bullpen arms!! Joe Nathan is gorgeously made and a total beast as a C5 Tier 1 with no doubles. He's backed up by the 2018 Set's Jose LeClerc, who famously started the season with a 0.00 ERA by All Star voting in Matt's league! Next up is the indomitable Tanner Scheppers, the card I think most of us would first use on their 5000 point teams (great value for a Tier 1, Control 6). As "garbage time" relievers, Texas has the luxury of two Tier 2 Control 5 guys in the back pocket. Honestly, this pitching unit in Texas is solid from top to bottom, giving great support to a fun and balanced lineup!
- Dodgers 8010 points
- Yankees 7920 points
- Red Sox 7770 points
- Nationals 7670 points
- Astros 7420 points
- Reds 7220 points
- Phillies 7200 points
- Blue Jays 7140 points
- Rockies 7090 points
- Rangers 7070 points
- Rays 7060 points
- Indians 6880 points
- (T12) Mariners 6880 points
- Orioles 6830 points
- Giants 6800 points
- Marlins 6750 points
- Tigers 6710 points
- (T17) Cardinals 6710 points
- Athletics 6670 points
- Royals 6570 points
- Padres 6510 points
Surprised to see Profar over Elvis.
ReplyDeleteI was too, but he only had OB 8 cards with absolutely no power or his 2017 card, which was my initial pick but.... it's sadly a slightly less explosive version of Profar's card (both OB 7, but Elvis doubles at 11 instead of 10, one triple instead of two, on at 4 instead of 3)
DeleteYeah I guess my thinking is at that point in the 9 hole is probably rather have something better than a SS at +0. Though that may not be as much of an issue when not using my molecules which uses defense differentlt.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point! Since there's no salary cap for my All Decade boys, I didn't both trying for the high defensive/speed punt for value at the end of lineups (although that'd be a super fun experiment)!
DeleteAnd I'm sure that'd make a big difference! As is, I just don't value the 1-2 double play chances a game that come up over having a guy with consistent big pop in his repertoire!