2022 Set -- Atlanta Braves

 The National League was extremely top-heavy with THREE teams earning over 100 wins in 2022, including Atlanta, the NL East champion. While none of those teams even advanced to the NLCS, they're all loaded in Showdown -- for Atlanta, even with Acuna performing well below his usual standard due to injury, that means a deep rotation and very, very fun bullpen.

At this point, I'm going to keep sharing fun cards I recently made of old stars...

So I hope you enjoy this powerful, elite defender -- HOF or no for Jones?

Let's get to the team!

2022 Set -- Los Angeles Dodgers

 We're back in the NL for the next team -- the 111 win LA Dodgers, who somehow improved on 2021's 106 campaign... and failed to win the World Series either year. This year, the Dodgers cruised to their incredible win mark due to depth at.... well, basically every position, even sans Max Scherzer. Let's just keep the refrain going -- another year, another "Dodgers would win 120 games and the World Series with me as the manager" post!

Nevertheless, the squad could always have found a space for "robbed of a Cy Young" Grienke

Let's check out the squad!

2022 Set -- New York Yankees

 At one point, it seemed like we were back in 1998: the Yankees had the best record in baseball, the pitching staff was lights out 1-5, the lineup was cruising, and Aaron Judge was the surefire MVP candidate. Unfortunately for the Bronx Bombers (and fortunately for the rest of America), only one of those midseason snapshots was still true by season's end, creating the reason most of you are excited for the Yankees post -- AL MVP Aaron Judge, the new AL home run king! That said, the Yankees still finished with 99 wins and advanced to the ALCS, where they ran into that buzzsaw of an Astros squad.

Just to keep the rivalry rolling with Houston, here's Pettitte's best Yankees card

Let's get to Judge (and crew)!!

2022 Set -- Philadelphia Phillies

 The National League pennant winner was fortunate to the playoffs expanded to allow 6 seeds... and boy oh boy, did they take advantage! Dominating the Cardinals, powering past the NL East champion Braves and then cruising past their fellow wild card Padres in five games, the 9-2 run to the World Series was a sight to behold! The Phillies are led by their big free agent pickups from the last few seasons - Bryce Harper (duh), Zack Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber. Personally, I'm excited to see if they can build on those 87 regular season wins after signing Trea Turner this offseason and, perhaps, snag their first title since 2008!

Philly phans are hoping Turner churns out a card similar to this classic from Jimmy in 2023!

Now let's get to the 2022 squad!

2022 Set -- CHAMPION Houston Astros

 After winning 106 games, Houston entered the playoffs as the #1 seed and the unquestioned favorite in the AL... and they lived up to the hype, cruising to their second title in six seasons. As I mentioned in the classics post, we switched to the 00 style for this set, so please enjoy some Houston studs! 

Another classic Astro that I made recently to enjoy before we get into our first 2022 cards!

2022 Set: New year, old style (Classic Stars)

 Matt and I have been working hard to complete a 2022 Set in the original, 2000-style! I'm happy to report that we've finished it, along with a nice assortment of classic stars that we wanted to make as we were going along... I think Matt may have a special plan in store for these cards, the 2022 set, and the OG 2000 set ;)

Without further ado, let's take a look at some classic stars to re-introduce most players favorite Showdown art style!

NBA Showdown 30 for 30: Simulation through December

 Unfortunately, I was too busy to post the update after November, but we're getting a post after the December portion. Now three months into the simulation, get ready for an update on the standings, stats and thoughts on teams!! Let's get started:

Luka led the Mavs to an 18-3 start through November and is averaging 28.9/10.8/7.1 through 39 games