MLB Showdown 2005 Mini Set Part 2: Foils

Now that Part 1 is out of the way its time to indulge in the Superstars of the 2005 season. These guys all put together some good seasons to be determined the foils of the set. These cards are the cornerstones to your team, that you will build around to make that championship push, and all 43 of these guy would make a great impact on your team that is for sure.

The Foils: Now instead of just dumping them all on your like all the foils, I am going to dive into their 2005 seasons, and give my opinions on the card and charts.

Vladimir Guerrero: What can't you say about prime Vlad Guerrero, he was a master at the plate and could hit anything, while in 2020 we are hoping to see his son do the things he used to do, in 2005 Vlad was coming of winning AL MVP in 2004 and finished 3rd in 2005 in MVP voting. On top of that he was an All-Star and a AL Silver Slugger. An impressive .317 Average coupled with his 20 doubles and 32 home runs, Vlad gives pitchers nightmares and in this card is become clear as to why. 

My Take: I am a huge Vlad fan so it isn't hard for me to picture finding a spot for Vlad on my team. While no single+ or triples he is still a deadly hitter with decent speed. You get some defense out of him as well. I like him as a number 2 or 3 hitter in my lineup.

Francisco Rodriguez: K-Rod is coming out of the bullpen in the season that he burst onto the scene. In 2004 he was just a regular reliever appearing in 69 games, but in 2005 he became the closer and led the American League in Saves with 45 of them in this Tier 2 Closer card. He struck out tons of batters this season with a 12.2 K/9 rate.

 My Take: A top notch closer to end out the bullpen, while his 4 control leaves some room to blow some saves, most of the time he should be able to close the game out. While there are some more expensive closers out there to get, if you are tight on points, I would try to find a way to fit him into the bullpen.

Troy Glaus: Troy Glaus made the move to Arizona for one season in 2005, Blasting 37 home runs, and drawing tons of walks, which is what got his on base so high. Defensively he struggled, but his bat is why you put him into your lineups.

 My Take: While I like that chart, I don't think this is the card I would be choosing to be my third basemen. The defense isn't the reason why, although it doesn't help either. I personally would be using my high points on a player that is going to effect the team in multiple places, not just with his home run power.

Andruw Jones: The reason I wanted to make the 2005 season, and he doesn't disappoint at all. Finishing second in NL MVP voting, Jones was also an All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner. As you can tell he rated really high in center field defense that season, while also belting a career high 52 Home runs and driving in 128 RBIs.

 My Take: Put him on my team immediately. He is perfect in a league scenario with his stellar defense, and then his 50 home run power gives him an all around advantage. The downside is the 8 ob but to me it is worth it to not have to worry about your outfield defense and can pencil him in to the 3 or 4th spot in the lineup.

John Smoltz: After 3 straight seasons of being the Braves closer, Smoltz moved back into the rotation and turned out the typical Tier 3 Starters card. He won 14 games in 33 starts to go with his 3.06 ERA and an all-star appearance.

My Take: Smoltz is the 2005 set's Greg Maddux, the back end Ace of a rotation that will give you some good games to set your team up for victory, and will also have some games where the runners will keep rolling 16 and up. I don't think you can go wrong with him, but is he truly and ACE?

Brian Roberts: This card will be a fan favorite, Speed, high on base and stellar defense. An all-star and top player he hit 45 doubles, 7 Triples and 18 home runs while stealing 27 bases.

 My Take: This card will have tons of people clamoring for it in a draft. I wouldn't be taking him in a top 3 rounds but he is a great player to have on your team batting first or second. His chart does it all and any time he gets his chart that dice roll would be tons of fun.

David Ortiz: The mid 2000s, what a time for Big Papi, peak of his career and in 2005 he led the majors in Runs batted in, while mashing 40 doubles ,and 47 home runs in the middle o the dangerous Red Sox lineup. He also finished second in the AL MVP race,

My Take: If you want that middle of the order DH you won't find any better than big papi, you know what he is getting you, power and hitting. If you need to have high speeds this guy isn't for you, but for me, I will place a couple speed As in front of him, and watch him drive them in all season long.

Manny Ramirez: Right in the middle of that same lineup is this guy, Man-Ram who hit 45 home runs of his own in 2005, giving him and papi a grand total of 92 homers between the two of them. An all star, silver slugger, and finished 4th in the AL MVP race, Manny truly was one of the greatest hitters from 1998-2008.

My Take: The defense really doesn't worry me for what you get from Manny. Ideally he will be your DH but Boston sure had no issues with him out in the field because of all the offense he provided. In a perfect draft you snag him and Andrew Jones, giving you two great hitters and makes your outfield a combined 3 between the two of them.

Derrek Lee: Derrek Lee was an absolute beast in 2005, somehow finishing 3rd in the NL in MVP Voting, he hit 50 doubles and 46 homeruns, while also stealing 15 bases. While doing it on that side of the ball as an all star and silver slugger, he also won the Gold Glove at first base in 2005. But before everyone gets mad at me for making him a +0 while winning the gold glove, he finished 12th out of the 15  qualified first basemen defensively, so he was basically middle of the pack in defensive rating when you include more first basemen that didn't qualify.

My Take: I love this card, he can lead your team, and is flexible enough to bat anywhere in the lineup, just enough speed plus the single plus to hit lead off, ideally he is hitting second or third though to be driving in runners that get on base for him. A great double range from his 50 doubles on the season and that wonderful 17+ homerun.

Carlos Zambrano: If John Smoltz is Greg Maddux, this is David Cone of this set, and has a blue background. In 2005 Zambrano went 14-6 in 33 starts with a 3.26 ERA , and pitched a career high 223.1 innings that season.

My Take: A good starter, but not the dominant starters that we will see from this set. He is also a good second option to have to really beef up a rotation.

Paul Konerko: 2005 All Star and sixth place finalist in the AL MVP award voting, but also World Series Champion, Paul Konerko brings a fun chart for his huge home run range. Followed up an impressive  season of  22 doubles and 41 home runs with 24 doubles and 40 home runs in the 2005 season.

My Take: There is so much depth at first base in this set, Konerko can't be overlooked, and while his OB isn't the 10 or 11 the power he brings mixed with his low out total, makes him a draft candidate and I personally don't think you can go wrong with having him in the lineup as your clean up hitter.

Cliff Politte: Tier 1 reliever from the World Champions was a total stud coming out of the pen for the White Sox. He pitched 67.1 innings with a 2.00 ERA and a .936 WHIP in what was his definite best season as a Major League player.

My Take: Every bullpen needs that set up man, and this guy is the ultimate set up man. A loaded White Sox rotation followed by him spells disaster for any team trying to make a comeback.

Adam Dunn: A solid card from a pretty good hitter, who in 2005 had 35 doubles and 40 home runs. Impressively also struck out (an undetermined amount of) times, which sounds like a lot but is sandwiched in between 195 in 2004, and 194 in 206. Dunn also finished 26th in the NL MVP voting.

My Take: A fun card to have in the middle of an order, he might be a little too pricey for me with that huge walk number. The best part about this card, like all the other reds, is that I totally dig this black color card for them. 

Ken Griffey Jr: Not putting up the insane numbers that he was in Seattle, but Griffey was still a good player in 2005 for the reds. Finishing 24th in NL MVP voting, he had 30 doubles and 35 home runs. He also had his best batting average season since 1997 MVP season. 

My Take: I am always willing to have Griffey on my team, unfortunately it isn't this one that I would want. A slow center fielder that isn't the gold glove player that we are used to. His double and home run range makes him valuable if placed with the right players around him in your batting order. The card and chart is good, just leaves you expecting more when you hear the name Ken Griffey Jr.

Travis Hafner: Pronk was born in 2005 coming of his breakout year in 2004. He finished 5th in AL MVP voting, and as the DH for the tribe he also hit 42 doubles and mashed 33 home runs that season. A pivotal part of any Indians lineup for the next three years Travis Hafner provides a great DH when you must fill that position with a DH.

My Take: Don't tempt me with a good Indian amiright!!! As a DH Hafner fits the role perfectly. He gets on at a good rate and can punish pitchers. Just behind David Ortiz in the DH rankings he can provide most of the same things. Speed will scare some but like I have said before, put all those speed A players in front of him and watch them score from the part project part donkey.

Kevin Millwood: If 1999 Kevin Millwood was his best season, this 2005 version is his second best. he went 9-11 for the Tribe but that is deceiving as he led the AL in ERA with a 2.86 (2.68 in 1999) and had a 1.219 WHIP also his second best to the 1999 season. He finished 6th in the AL Cy Young award voting. Almost every other season for Millwood was a 4.00 ERA or higher minus one season in the 3 range, so when he has a season like this it must be rewarded.

My Take: This card is basically his 2000 showdown card with one less IP. I wouldn't choose him as my ace but could pencil him in the second spot if i was devoting a big part of my salary to my starting rotation.

Todd Helton: Todd Helton is right up there with Manny Ramirez as one of the best all around hitters of this time period. He led the Majors in 2005 in On-Base percentage and was a doubles machine with 45. More impressive is his doubles total from 1999 to 2007, going 39, 59, 54 , 39, 49, 49, 45, 40, and 42. Some how he didn't finish anywhere in the MVP leader votes.

My Take: Like I said earlier the first basemen in this season are tremendous. For 500 points you can have a 11 OB, but with that 11 OB is a big walk and single range. He can get the job done as an all around hitter, but doesn't provide enough pop for my liking when spending that many points.

Morgan Ensberg: The Curious case of 2005 Morgan Ensberg, he was an absolute monster eclipsing over 30 doubles and over 30 home runs for the only time in his career. Also driving in 101 runs that season, and never getting above 66 any other time in his career. He finished 4th in NL MVP voting while being an All-Star and a Silver Slugger.

My Take: A total stud a third base, he brings his fantastic offense to the lineup, and can back it up with a solid +3 at third base. An all around player for only time in his career. I could see myself penciling this guy in to a team as I build an offense, but he also can make up for lack of defense in the short stop or second base ranges.

Roger Clemens: The Rocket won his 7th and final Cy Young the year prior, and had better numbers in virtually every category in 2005, except wins. He also finished with a better ERA and WHIP than the two pitchers who finished ahead of him in the NL Cy Young voting. A Tier 1 beast of a starter will give hitters fits and his under 5% doubles rate gets him to have no doubles on his chart.

My Take: You need an ACE? Look no further as without a doubt the best starter in the set is here. He is also the highest point priced player to grace the set. This guy does it all, and will easily go more than the 6 innings that his chart allows.

Andy Pettitte: Why did he wait til after he left New York to have his best ERA and WHIP season? Going 17-5 over 33 starts, in 2005 Pettitte dominated with a 2.39 ERA and a 1.030 WHIP, finishing 5th in the Cy Young voting. The Astros had 3 starters finish in the top 5, Clemens third, Oswalt 4th and Pettitte 5th.

My Take: Another ACE level starter that is going to keep the opposition on its toes when facing off for you. No walks is hard to get around but the out through 17 tier 2 starter is a very valuable ace to have, and if you want to break the bank, make him your second starter to really have a pitching edge.

Carlos Delgado: In his only season in Florida, Carlos Delgado added to the depth of the first base position. Hitting 41 doubles and 33 home runs, Delgado was a force at the dish finishing 6th in NL MVP voting. Defensively he was a liability but his offense outweighs the defensive issues that he brings.

My Take: It would be incredibly hard for Delgado to top his 2001 Showdown card, a season in which he hit 57 doubles and 41 homers. This card is really good though, and a nice in between of the lower level top first basemen and the super expensive ones that this set produced.

Miguel Cabrera: Miggy's third year in the big leagues and he finished 5th in the NL MVP voting as he started to become the dominant player that he know was coming. 43 doubles and 33 homers and 116 RBI in what was his 2nd season in a row of 100+RBI, part of an 11 year streak that he had. An all-star and silver slugger was just the beginning of the accolades this youngster was about to receive.

My Take: Another solid hitting player in this collection, most of the top hitters in 2005 tend to not have the speed to go along with it. For the points I love the value that you get out of this guy and he can be deadly in the lineup for your team.

Dontrelle Wills: One of the cards you saw an early preview of in Michaels All Time Marlins team, Willis was exceptional in 2005, finishing 2nd in Cy Young voting, winning 22 games in a tremendous Tier 2 starter season. He Also led the league in complete games with 7, and shutouts with 5.

My Take: You can't go wrong with Tier 2 starters and this one is a beast of a starter. Dontrelle has the nice 17 outs with his 4 control and I believe will give him many good outings for your team or the Marlins.

AJ Burnett: A rare foil card here, as he brings a 6 control with only 14 outs, but no doubles on the chart. His double range was so low in 2005 he had to be given no doubles.

My Take: While many are scared of the 14 outs, just as many love their starters to allow no doubles, I think that would make this card very interesting for a draft to see where he falls into place.

Derrick Turnbow: A stellar 2005 season from Turnbow where he saved 39 games with a 1.084 WHIP and a 1.74 ERA. Somehow he was an All star in 2006 but not 2005.

My Take: A really good closer to turn to with the game on the line. He has a good K ranges as well as ground balls so late in games he can strand runners and turn two.

Johan Santata: One of the cards that we have all been waiting for, especially Rekt as he said this is who he was looking forward to seeing. You can't go wrong with Johan and his 6 control and 7IP makes him very tough to chase out of a game. In 2005 he was sandwiched between his two Cy Young awards, placing third in this season, but also led the AL in strikeouts, whip and K/9.

My Take: If you enjoy the Gerrit Cole of this past season, Santana will do the same for you. The reason his whip is so good is because he doesn't allow walks, while that is great in everyday baseball it can become a burden in the showdown game. Some new house rules might be able to fix that problem though.

Joe Nathan: 2005 was a great year for Joe Nathan with 43 saves in his tier 2 card. a .971 WHIP made him impossible to get runners on the move with, making him an All Star in 2005.

My Take: Tier 2 and above closers are always important to me. This one brings a huge K range along with a high control. No pop ups on the chart which is unique and to me Nathan does everything that you would want out of your closers.

David Wright: This was Wrights first full season in the big leagues, and he made the most of the opportunity hitting 42 Doubles to go along with 27 home runs. This particular season was the first of 4 straight 40 double seasons with three of those four having 42.

My Take: A stud bat to have in the lineup that can produce in almost every statistical category. If you're worried about defense this may not be the guy for you as he provides 0 at third base.

Pedro Martinez: Not even finishing on the Cy Young ballot Pedro went 15-8 for the Mets earning his Tier 2 card. He had a 2.82 ERA and a NL leading .949 WHIP, does anyone else see a problem with him not being on the Cy Young Ballot??

My Take: Can you ever really go wrong with Pedro on your team? I don't believe so and while this card is a tier lower than the 2000 and 2001 cards that we love, this version will be very successful as well.

Jason Giambi: An odd season for Jason Giambi as he led the AL in On base percentage thanks to his 108 walks, he didn't produce a ton at the plate other than his 32 Home runs. 14 Doubles isn't enough to get any on his chart for an 11 on base player.

My Take: I personally wouldn't have this card on my roster with the lack of extra bases, but for those that want a cheap 11 on base i see the intrigue. Him and Helton both had very meh 11 OB cards in this set.

Alex Rodriguez: The 2005 AL MVP Winner Alex Rodriguez just never stops producing amazing cards.  The third player worth 610 points and he really does it all. Played in all 162 games, leading the AL with 124 runs scored and 48 home runs was also an all star and silver slugger. With this impressive card along with every other A-Rod card he truly is one of the greats we have seen. His 2007 season was even better than this as well.

My Take: If I was in a draft and it was my turn to pick, I am going to have a lot of trouble finding another batter that I would rather have than A-Rod. A fun chart with only two outs makes him so devastating to the opposing team.

Mariano Rivera: Enter Sandman playing can only mean one thing. Rivera finished 2nd in AL Cy Young voting with a super dominant season with 43 saves . a 1.38 ERA and a .868 WHIP. This season was so similar to his 2000 card I had to replicate it as much as I could while making the hart.

My Take: Might be the best closer in the set depending on how you feel about a 4 control vs a 6. With the game on the line he is who I would want to bring in. Other than his first season 1995, 2007 is the only other season where he isn't a tier 1 pitcher, what amazing career he had in pinstripes.

Huston Street:   2005 AL Rookie of the Year Huston Street was very impressive in a Tier 1 rookie campaign. A 1.72 ERA and a 1.009 WHIP gathered him some MVP votes as well in an very impressive start to his career.

My Take: Personally I would take Rivera over Street because in a closing situation I like less outs same Tier. Street is a stud especially in this badass uniform he is wearing, I just don't want to be in a 1 run save situation with 4 chances to get on base off his chart.

Justin Duchscherer: Don't ask me to pronounce this last name because I have no shot, much like how when facing the Athletics bullpen in 2005 you had no shot. Their second foil bullpen arm who had a career year all star season with a 1.004 WHIP.

My Take: I like this card a lot, two walks makes you need a 19 to get runners advancing more than 1 base off of his chart, and a nice sized ground ball ranges to go with a top tier K range. He feels like a great choice when building a bullpen, and slides into that set up man role nicely.

Chase Utley: Maybe it is just me but I feel like Chase Utley is severely under appreciated for what he did in his career, especially from 2005-2009. In 05 he finished with 39 doubles, 6 triples and 28 homers, while killing it on the defensive side of the ball as well making him an absolute beast in this set.

My Take: Could be a first round draft pick, knowing you get the speed A, full defense second basemen, who alos does everything on his chart except strike out. I don't see any flaws in this card, and I could see him being a top talent taken in a draft, especially with a salary cap league.

Billy Wagner: Everyone remembers his Iconic 2000 card, and in the 2005 season the numbers were very similar, sadly for Billy I stick to my ratings scale, and hes stuck as a tier 1 closer who will still slam the door on anyone. He was an All-Star with a 1.51 ERA and .837 WHIP making him very tough to beat when he comes in thegame.

My Take: The loaded closers that we have seen lately, between Street, Rivera and now Wagner, All the same tier but all different controls. You can;'t go wrong with any of the 3, I may choose Wagner first to have 1 more control than Rivera.

Jason Bay: The 2004 Rookie of the Year followed up that performance with a tremendous 2005 season for the Pirates. 44 doubles, 6 triples and 32 home runs to go along with 101 RBI and 21 stolen bases made this guy an all around offensive weapon. 

My Take: This card is going to be very hard to pass up, he can do everything on the offensive side. His defense is a let down, but he will produce on the other side enough to cancel that out where I would feel comfortable sliding him into my 1 or 2 spot in the lineup.

Jake Peavy: Another Tier 2 starter like Dontrelle Willis in Jake Peavy. Winning 13 starts in 2005, to go along with a sub 3 ERA All Star Jake Peavy was really showing what he was becoming in the MLB. A High K range makes him ideal to keep runners stranded on base. 

My Take: I have always been a Peavy fan, and he is very good in this set. I can see him being in the top 5 pitchers taken in a draft.

Scott Linebrink: In 73 IP Linebrink had a 1.83 ERA and a 1.059 WHIP, being the set up man for Trevor Hoffman doesn't get you a lot of recognition, can you imagine facing Jake Peavy for 6-7 innings followed by Linebrink and then you get Trevor Hoffman.

My Take: While his face looks like he may have messed himself, this chard doesn't mess around in the bullpen. Tier 1 Reliever is hard to come by, and he will set your team up for success behind a starter or to even finish the game as a closer.

Albert Pujols: The NL MVP is here with a potential bat flip. Albert Pujols is one of the best players of recent time, winning 3 MVPs from 2005-2009. This particular season he had 38 doubles and 41 Home runs, and more impressively stole 16 bases. a rare Pujols card with some stellar speed making him even more deadly.

My Take: He is one of my favorite players ever, and in my opinion the best hitter post steroid era. This is the first batter I would take of the board, and probably the second best player in the set behind Roger Clemens.

Chris Carpenter: 2005 NL CY Young Winner, The Cardinals take home the hardware in MVP and Cy Young voting which is pretty impressive. Carpenter was a Tier 2 stud but has 1 more I on his card vs the other Tier 2 control 4 players. a 2.83 ERA and 1.055 WHIP, along with leading the league with 7 complete games.

My Take: In comparison with the same players in the set, he is fantastic and the 7IP helps rest the bullpen as you shouldn't need as many arms per game. A good ground ball range, and a low fly ball range makes it hard to advance runner on his chart outs.

Mark Teixeira: Can first base get any deeper? Another stud player at that position, it is starting to feel like the short stops of the 2019 set. 41 doubles and 43 Home runs for this All star, MVP candidate, Silver slugger and oh yeah Gold Glove winner.

My Take: You want a first basemen that an do it all, look no further, insane offense and some defense to back end a very good card, While a speed C he is at a 14 so in the right situations could swipe a bag.

Roy Halladay: A late edition thanks to our good friend rekt pointing out he had a stud year, and fell just short of the innings needed to qualify. He only pitched 19 games but had 5 CGs and destroyed the league at the same level as Johan Santana that season, but allowed a very low XBH%.

My Take: After Roger Clemens this is now the best pitcher in the set. He mixes in well with the other top Tier 2 starters, and his 16-20 single will make thing interesting. He also has a huge ground ball range, thanks to 60% of his batted ball outs being ground balls. RIP to a legend

Chad Cordero: League leading 47 saves or Chad in 2005, with a 1.82 ERA and a .969 WHIP gets him this Mariano Rivera style card, he wan an all star, and finished 5th in the NL Cy Young voting tied with Andy Pettitte.

My Take: With the amount of top notch closers in this set, you can't go wrong grabbing a few of them up to help balance that bullpen out. Cordero has a lot of fly balls on his chart, something to be mindful of when bringing him into different game situations. With less than two outs and a runner on third, I may pick a different option, but most times he is the right call.

Phew that is a lot of players to go over, and that is the end of the base 2005 season mini set. The last thing that we will have to go over is the Historical Collection which I cannot wait to get into with you guys, I think were going to have so much fun with those cards.

For now follow me @MLBSHOWDOWNCUP on Twitter, Join our MLB Showdown Discord @ MLB SHOWDOWN CUP 2019, we have tons of showdown discussion on it, and even some through the app games.

Let me know what you guys this of these cards and who if anyone, do you think was snubbed as a foil or got one that shouldn't have.