Team 2000-- Baseball 61-65

 61 Pedro Munoz -- Playing only seven seasons from 1990 until 1996. An outfielder who started his career with the Twins. Munoz had an erratic career with numbers that bounced up and down every season. in 1996 playing only 34 games for the Athletics Munoz was out of baseball.
                                                               BUST

62 Tino Martinez -- A first baseman starting his career in 1990 for the Seattle Mariners. Martinez also played for the Yankees, Cardinals, and Devil Rays during his 16 year career. Traded from the Mariners to the Yankees in 1995 who had a big hole at first with the retirement of Mattingly. Helping the team win four World Series Championships while in New York. While his stats weren't flashy, Martinez had a knack for coming through in the clutch.
                                                             SUCCESS

63 Darren Lewis -- Playing from 1990 until 2002 for seven teams. Lewis was known for his defense as well as base stealing. His defense was so stellar that twice in his career Lewis had error-less streaks of over 200 games. The longest of the two 267 games broke the all-time error-less streak. While his defense was great his plate appearances were forgettable. Hitting a measly .250, 137 doubles, and stealing 247 bases.
                                                                PUSH

64 Dean Palmer -- Entering the league in 1989 and playing 14 seasons until 2003. Palmer was known as a huge strikeout victim. An all or nothing type hitter, Palmer hit 231 doubles, and 275 home runs. While striking out an amazing 1332 times during his career. His all or nothing hitting led to Palmer being the first Ranger in history to hit home runs in the first three games of the season. Later in his career injuries slowed down the third baseman, and eventually led to his retirement.
                                                                    BUST

65 John Olerud -- Playing 17 years from 1989 until 2005. Olerud a first baseman was originally a pitcher in college splitting time at first and DH. Drafted for his play at first Olerud spent one season in the minors. Known as one of the best defensive players to ever play the game. His defense was so great that Sports Illustrated listed in in their all-time infield team. A great hitter as well Olerud is one of only 26 players to ever hit for the cycle multiple times. Olerud ended his career with a .295 batting average, 2239 hits, and 1230 RBI's.
                                                          SUCCESS

Team 2000-- Baseball 55-60

 55 Sammy Sosa -- Spending 18 years in the MLB from 1989-2007. The biggest bulk of his career was spent with the Chicago Cubs. Sosa was known for being one of the biggest home run hitters in the 90's. His power has led to Sosa being the only player to hit over 60 home runs three different seasons. Finishing his career with 609 home runs. Sosa was able to score runners as well with an amazing 1667 during his career. He is also one of only two NL players to ever drive in 160 RBI's in a single season.
                                                               SUCCESS

56 Carlos Baerga -- Playing 14 seasons from 1990-2005 with a stop in Korea. Baerga was a great switch hitting second baseman. Hitting over .300 four times during his career. Baerga was only the second, 2nd baseman to have over 200 hits, 20 home runs, and 100 RBI's in back to back seasons. Unfortunately in 1999 Baerga started to develop knee problems which led to a temporary retirement in 2000. Spending the time playing in Korea, and independent baseball. Two years later in 2002 Baerga attempted to play in the MLB again. Not the same player he once was his batting was still great but injuries limited his playing time. Retirement finally came for good in 2005.
                                                                SUCCESS

57 Mark Lewis -- Spending time with six teams during what was an 11 year career. Lewis was played sparingly only playing more than 100 games four times during his career. More of a utility infielder, Lewis played second base, short stop, and third base. Only playing in 902 games during his career. Lewis was a .263 hitter with 38 home runs, and 306 RBI's
                                                               BUST

58 Tom Gordon -- Known by his nickname Tom 'Flash' Gordon. Playing from 1988 until 2009. Gordon began his career as a starter before being moved to the bullpen. Coming into the league with a bang for the Royals, Gordons numbers started to decline quickly. Moving to Boston after a couple seasons the Red Sox moved Gordon into the closers role. Quickly he became a great closer by saving 46 games his second season in the role, but as with starting his numbers tanked the following season. Forced out of Boston Gordon made a few stops before ending up as the set-up man for Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. Spending a few more seasons in the league, but often on the DL for that time in 2009 Gordon was released into forced retirement.
                                                                   SUCCESS

59 Gary Sheffield -- Playing the outfield, shortstop, and third base in a 22 year career. Sheffield's career lasted from 1988 until 2009. A great hitter who was known for intense bat speed. Sheffield was a tough strikeout victim despite his 1171 strikeouts. Finishing his career with five Silver Slugger awards, and a nine time all-star. Sheffield finished his career with a .292 batting average, 509 home runs, and 1676 RBI's.
                                                             SUCCESS

60 Scott Erickson -- A starting pitcher that played for 15 years with the Twins, Orioles, Mets, Rangers, Dodgers, and Yankees. A ground-ball pitcher, Erickson led the league five times in getting the most double plays. Erickson was an inning eater as well, pitching 51 career complete games. Seventeen of those games ended in shutouts, and one game in a no hitter. Injuries later in his career slowed the great pitcher limiting his games.
                                                                          SUCCESS

Team 2000-- Baseball 49-54

 49 Ramon Martinez -- The older brother of Pedro Martinez. Ramon played in the MLB from 1988 until 2001 with most of those as a Dodger. A workhorse that had 37 complete games during his 14 year career. His ability to go late in games paid off in July of 1995 when Ramon got his first and only no-hitter. Ending his career with a 135-88 win-loss record, and 3.67 ERA.
                                                                  SUCCESS

50 Bret Barberie -- Playing only 6 years for four teams. Starting with the Expos, Barberie moved on to the Marlins in 1993. The move made Barberie one of the roster members of the Marlins for their inaugural season. Getting the first hit for the new franchise. His two seasons in Florida were his career best as a decline started the following season. before he was out of the league.
                                                                   BUST

51 Ray Lankford -- Playing in what ranks as one of the top careers as a Cardinal ever. Lankford played for 14 seasons with 12 1/2 of those as a Cardinal. An outfielder known for having speed, power, and great defense. Lankford showed off the speed and power in his rookie season becoming the only Cardinal rookie in history to hit for the cycle. Traded to the Padres where he played for 1 1/2 seasons. The trade was due to what was believed striking out too often. Returning to the Cardinals to end his career in 2004. Lankford finished with a .272 batting average, 238 home runs, 874 RBI's, and 258 stolen bases.
                                                               SUCCESS

52 Leo Gomez -- Playing in a short career that lasted only seven seasons from 1990-1996. Gomez spent six of those with the Orioles before being released due to poor performance. Signed by the Cubs, and playing almost daily his stats never came up and he was released by the Cubs at seasons end. Hitting a poor .243 for his career with 259 RBI's, and 79 home runs. Gomez moved onto the Japanese league where he finally retired.
                                                                      BUST

53 Tommy Greene -- Pitching for parts of eight seasons. Greene originally began his career in 1989 with the Braves. Moving to the Phillies where Greene has his career highlight with a no-hitter against the Expos. The next season Greene suffered from tendonitis in his arm and shoulder. The injury would reappear throughout the rest of his career, and eventually end it.
                                                               BUST

54 Mo Vaughn -- A first baseman who played 12 years from 1991-2003. A feared hitter due to the power Vaughn displayed. He hit 328 home runs with the help of a batting stance that included crowding the plate. The stance led to pitchers throwing more outside in fear of hitting the huge Vaughn. Like most power hitters Vaughn was prone to striking out as well. A .293 hitter, with 1064 RBI's during his career. Vaughn is most known for his charity work which he still continues today.
                                                                SUCCESS

Team 2000-- Baseball 43-48

 43 Robin Ventura -- Playing from 1989 until 2004 for the White Sox, Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers. With average hitting stats that fluctuated sometimes into greatness and sometimes forgettable. Despite the hitting Ventura was a great defensive third baseman who earned 6 Gold Gloves. Injured in 1997, Ventura returned earlier than expected but was injured way beyond what he let on. The injury would hamper the rest of his career and was the reason he finally retired. Ventura is currently the manager for the Chicago White Sox
                                                              SUCCESS

44 Milt Cuyler -- Drafted by the Detroit Tigers and making the MLB in 1990. Cuyler became a huge disappointment that didn't get much time playing for the Tigers. Never reaching his potential the Tigers released the struggling outfielder who signed with the Red Sox. Playing very limited time Cuyler signed with the Montreal Expos. Unable to make the team Cuyler didn't play one MLB game in 1997. The following season as contract with the Rangers gave Cuyler a last chance. Playing in only seven games and spending most the year in the minors. Cuyler started 1999 in the minors again and retired at seasons end.
                                                              BUST

45 Gregg Jefferies -- Playing 14 years from 1987 until 2000. Jefferies came into the league with huge projections for his future. Playing time was limited though his first two seasons as all positions were filled. His third season the Mets traded second baseman Wally Backman to clear space for Jefferies. Not living up to the projections after a couple seasons, the Mets traded Jefferies to the Royals in 1992. Time with the Cardinals, Phillies, Angels, and Tigers followed before retirement. Ending his career with a .289 batting average, 126 home runs, and 663 RBI's Jefferies never did reach the potential most expected but had a solid career.
                                                                  SUCCESS

46 Scott Radinsky -- Drafted by the White Sox and debuting in 1990. Radinsky was a middle reliever who played 11 seasons. With stats that don't tell the entire story as Radinsky was brought in sometimes to face only a hitter to at most a full inning. Only pitching in 481 2/3 inning for his entire career. Radinsky only allowed 33 home runs, and acquired 358 strikeouts. Honestly if this was a normal pitcher he'd be a bust, but this was what he was used for so.
                                                                 SUCCESS

47 Ken Griffey, Jr. -- Playing for 22 seasons from 1989 until 2010. Junior was one of the most popular players to ever play in the MLB. A great defender in the outfield and an even better hitter. Junior was the standard for centerfielders with his range and willingness to sacrifice his body to make the play. A 13 time all-star, 10 time Gold Glove winner, and 7 time Silver Slugger.
While it's not related. I was lucky enough to see Junior in his prime at the Kingdome once. Watching him take batting practice is something I will always remember. It was amazing to see him hit ball after ball out with what looked like such ease.
                                                                 SUCCESS

48 Roberto Alomar -- Playing from 1988 until 2004 at second base. Alomar is considered by some to be one of the best to play the position ever. Playing in more all-star game, and winning more Gold Gloves than any other second baseman it's hard to argue that he isn't. Elected to the Hall-Of-Fame in 2010 which was his second year of eligibility. Alomar became the first player ever elected as a Blue Jay.
                                                                SUCCESS

Team 2000 - Baseball 37-42

 37 Jim Thome -- Starting his career in 1991 and playing for 22 years. Thome is the only player in this entire set that still plays for the MLB. This might change though as Thome is currently a free agent looking for a team. A dangerous hitter every time he steps to the plate. Thome has played for six teams during his career with bulk as an Indian. Ranking 7th on the all-time home run list with 612. A .276 batting average, 1699 RBI's and playing in 2543 games rounds out his impressive resume.
                                                                    SUCCESS

38 Gary DiSarcina -- Playing for the California/Anaheim Angels his entire career running from 1989 to 2000. DiSarcina started his career out as the back-up shortstop to Dick Shofield. Taking over the spot in 1992 DiSarcina didn't have flashy numbers in either the field or hitting. Despite spending his career with the Angels an interesting tidbit is DiSarcina wore four different numbers during his career 4, 11, 33, and 9.
                                                                        PUSH

39 Brian Jordan -- Starting his career playing both baseball, and football. Jordan gave up football in 1992 when the Cardinals offered the outfielder a contract, but with the clause he gave up football. Signing the contract Jordan became a full-time baseball player and debuted in 1992. Playing for the Cardinals until becoming a free agent and signing with the Braves in 1999. A trade to the Dodgers, Rangers, and back to Atlanta at the end of his 15 year career.
                                                                      SUCCESS

40 Chad Curtis -- Playing from 1992 until 2001 with the Angels, Tigers, Dodgers, Indians, Yankees, and Rangers. Curtis won two World Series Championships during his three years with the Yankees. Not having great stats but consistent Curtis played all three outfield positions during his 10 seasons. Finishing his career with a .264 batting average, 101 home runs, and 461 RBI's
                                                                   PUSH

41 Ben McDonald -- Drafted originally by the Atlanta Braves in 1986. McDonald decided to pass and went to college instead. Three years later in 1989 the Orioles made him the first overall selection. Signing with the Orioles two months later, and debuting less than a month after that.  Joining the Orioles starting rotation the following season McDonald pitched a complete game shutout. While his win-loss record wasn't great McDonald was an inning eater who had 24 complete games during his 9 year career. Suffering a shoulder injury 1997, and unable to recover fully. McDonald was forced to retire way to soon. This is a tricky one as I think his early retirement hurts him. It's a shame too as I think he would have been an easy success if not for that.
                                                                    BUST
                                                                             

42 Jim Abbott -- A great story who just by making the majors should make him a success. Unfortunately it's not that easy though as we are grading based on accomplishments. Originally drafted by the Angels the pitcher who played for 10 seasons. Abbott made his debut in 1989 going 12-12 with a 3.92 ERA for the season. Starting as an inning eater in his sixth season his career started to decline dramatically. Struggling during the 1996 season Abbott retired for one season before returning. Two failed seasons later Abbott retired for good.
                                                                   BUST

Team 2000- Baseball 31-36

 31 Deion Sanders -- A two sport athlete originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Refusing to sign with the Royals three years later the Yankees drafted Sanders. Playing only a very small part of two seasons with the team Sanders moved to Atlanta where he had his best seasons. Still only dabbling in baseball as football was his primary sport. Playing for both the Falcons and the Braves at the same time. Sanders was able to make more games and a bigger impact on the team as well. Leaving Atlanta Sanders played in Cincinnati, and San Fransisco, but took time off in between to focus on football. Sanders retired from baseball in 2001 while in Triple A due to his football contract stating he could only miss time while playing for an MLB team. 
While I'd love to give him a success due to his time in Atlanta. Sanders did only play in 641 MLB games.
                                                                        BUST

 32 Greg Maddux -- Playing for 23 seasons Maddux was known as a cerebral pitcher. This thinking led to one of his nicknames 'The Professor'. With a fastball that started at 93 MPH when he entered the MLB. It began to decline leading to Maddux outsmarting hitters rather than overpowering them. This thinking helped Maddux to become 8th on the all-time wins list at 355. Not only was his pitching great, but Maddux was known as one of the best ever at fielding his position. Winning the Gold Glove 18 times. Maddux left such an impression for both the Cubs, and Braves that both team have retired his number 31.
Maddux was such a great player that let's be honest. I could write an entire blog entry on his career.
                                                          MAJOR SUCCESS

33 Andujar Cedeno -- A shortstop who played only seven seasons in the MLB. Cedeno spent almost all of those playing for the Houston Astros. Along with the Astros, Cedeno spent very short times in San Diego, and Detroit. Playing only 616 games for his entire career. Cedeno batted a measly .236, had 223 RBI's, and 47 home runs.
                                                                          BUST

34 Royce Clayton -- Starting his 17 year career in 1991 and ending in 2007. Clayton played for 11 teams during that time. A speedster who played shortstop, and was always a base stealing threat. Clayton stole 231 bases, but was caught 100 times as well. Clayton wasn't very flashy at the plate with a .258 batting average, and only 723 RBI's.
                                                                    PUSH

35 Kenny Lofton -- Originally drafted by the Houston Astros. A team that Lofton only played his debut season with. Lofton had a 17 year career with the bulk of that career with the Cleveland Indians. A team that Lofton spent three different stints playing for. Besides the Indians Lofton played for 10 other teams sometimes for one season, but mostly for part of a season before being traded. A stolen base threat every single time he was on a base. Loften stole 622 bases over his career, and ranks 15th all time. Playing in 11 post seasons, Lofton stole 34 bases while in the playoffs.
                                                                    SUCCESS

36 Cal Eldred -- Joining the Milwaukee Brewers from 1991 to 1999. Then moving on to the White Sox for 2000 and 2001 followed by the Cardinals from 2003 to 2005. Eldred's career lasted for 14 seasons. Playing in only 341 games during that time. Pitching only more than 150 innings three times in his career. Eldred retired during the 2005 season.
                                                                 BUST

Merry Christmas

It's Christmas time!!! While some of you have already had Christmas, and I'm a day late for you. Merry one day late Christmas. For those who it's today like myself. Merry Christmas..

Team 2000- Baseball 25-30

 25 Jose Offerman -- Debuting with the Dodgers in 1990. It wasn't until 1992 that Offerman earned the job as the Dodgers starting shortstop. As the Dodgers lead-off hitter one of his career moments was Offerman was the first batter against the Florida Marlins. A poor defensive player but strong hitter Offerman was traded and released by teams due to this defense. Despite this Offerman was able to have a 15 year career in the bigs. His hitting numbers aren't flashy, but he was a shortstop which at the time didn't haven't big numbers.
                                                                       PUSH

26 Juan Gonzalez -- A player known for his ability to drive in runs during his 17 year career from 1989-2005. Gonzalez was a line drive hitter, yet still hit out 434 balls for home runs. With the bulk of his damage coming from the ten year span of 1991-2001. During Juan's rookie season the young centerfielder had some serious competition for the starting spot. Feeling that Juan was the better future the Rangers traded Sammy Sosa and made Juan the everyday centerfielder. When his career was over Juan ended with 1,404 RBI's, and was a six time Silver Slugger.
                                                                      SUCCESS

27 Juan Guzman --A pitcher who played the bulk of his 10 year career with the Toronto Blue Jays. Guzman was a very slow worker while on the mound. This led to Toronto fans giving Guzman the nickname 'The Human Rain Delay'. Despite the slow work Guzman led the league twice in wild pitches in 1993 and 1994. Starting his career strong Guzman was 26-8 in the two years before the 'Team 2000' set was produced. Afterwards Guzman went 65-71 for a career record of 91-79 with a 4.08 ERA. As with Gregg Olson earlier in the set. Grading Guzman's stats after the set it's obvious he was a
                                                                      BUST

28 Eric Anthony -- Playing nine seasons with 5 different teams. Anthony was drafted by the Houston Astros originally, after an Astros tryout. The team spent a 34th round draft pick on the outfielder after seeing him display stunning power during the tryout. Tearing up the minor leagues with the same power the Astros were concerned about Anthony's high strikeout rate. Once in the majors Anthony became a starting outfielder. Two years later dealt for Mike Hampton to the Mariners. Anthony's career started to decline as he became a bench player. Playing in the MLB until 1997 Anthony moved on to Japan where he played for a season. Returning back after the season, Anthony spent two years in triple A before retiring.
                                                                          BUST

29 Brian Hunter -- Playing from 1991 to 2000. Hunter started his career in Atlanta before being moved to the Pirates after three seasons. The 1st baseman spent time in six different cities with a repeat run in Atlanta. Very limited time on the field led to what was a very disappointing career who's biggest career highlights were playing in the 1991, 1992, and 1999 World Series' with the Braves.
                                                                     BUST

30 John Smoltz -- Playing in a 21 year career with the bulk of that as a Brave from 1988 to 2008. Smoltz was one of the key players in a Braves rotation that terrorized hitters in the 90's. Injured in 1998 Smotz made a move to the bullpen where he was just as effective. Saving 154 games during a four year period. A move back to the rotation followed where Smoltz was slightly less dominating but still effective. Suffering from shoulder soreness Smoltz moved back to the bullpen but not as a closer.  One of only two players to have a 20 win season and 50 save season, with Eckersley the other. Smoltz is currently the only player in history to win over 200 games and save over 150 games.
                                                                           SUCCESS

This Trade Was Fast!

After doing this blog for a couple weeks. I was contacted by Joe of The Sandlot for a trade. Seems Joe noticed that I'm a huge NASCAR fan. Having what he said was a bunch of cards from his days when he collected NASCAR, and a shelf needing cleaned off. The makings of a trade were done.

Sending him basically every Mets card I have. Missed a couple that were supposed to go, but got placed on the table and missed them. While I was throwing the package together I kept having just one thought. Through the years I've put a ton of cards in the recycle bin. Wish I would have come across this blog thing earlier. Maybe a bunch of those cards might have been saved, and found their way into a collection instead of whatever they've become. Hopefully they have become a Christmas card, or another baseball card.

Sending out my half on Monday the wait for a return was next. Then Friday as I arrived home, and ready for a four day weekend due to Christmas. The mailbox was jam packed with the biggest culprit being a box that honestly was three times bigger than anything I expected. Excited to be getting my second trade in two days I couldn't wait to rip open the box.

Looking through the box was kind of a blast from the past. Seeing a young Gordon.

The latest addition to my favorite team. Joe Gibbs Racing.  
                                                                      Matt Kenseth

Some of my favorite guys from the various NASCAR shows.
                                         Kyle Petty          Rusty Wallace     Darrell Waltrip

Little word of wisdom on Petty. The wife followed him on Twitter for about a week. The guy is crazy when it comes to posting. Even admits himself that he's a twitter abuser.

In finishing I'd like to send a huge thank you out to Joe once again. You got this racing fan very excited. Looking through the cards for this post even got me going more.

He's Right! These Cards Really Are Cool!

                                                                (some eye Candy)

When I decided to join everyone else in the fun of writing a blog. The idea was to show off some of the daughters artwork as we write to teams for both schedules, and business cards. Kind of a post the pictures, and see if anyone had any interest in seeing what was going on.

Then as I was putting the page together the thought of well I do like baseball, and baseball cards. So why not throw up wantlists for those sets that I've been trying to finish, but haven't been trying too hard to finish. Give me a little more flash to the page.

With all that in mind if you would have told me six months ago. Heck, even one month ago. That I would be doing a trade with another blogger, and he would be from Japan. I would have told you that I was excited about the chance to add some schedules from a Japanese team or two. The funny part is this trade was all about the baseball cards. Even wilder is these cards I got in return wouldn't even be anything that goes in those started sets. No these were Japanese cards, and on my end it would be all about getting some really cool cards. All except for three players I have heard of, and a stack of guys that I don't even know how good they are.

                                                             (more eye candy)

This trade was with Ryan the man who does the blog This Card Is Cool. I would hope you check out his blog often. If not you need to get over there and do it. He posts some sweet looking Japanese cards on there. Some of which I am very lucky to have in my hands now.

The great part about this next card to me atleast. Is I got this trade in on Thursday, but had to wait until today to write up about this trade. So while I waited the extra day, Ryan was able to put it as part of his Friday post about a get together with someone in Japan. This meant that Justin gets double billing as I get to show him off as well.

The bummer part is with the Mariners making the trade for Morales from the Angels. Does this mean Smoak's days are numbered or does Justin still have a spot as the first baseman?

                                                                                (even more eye candy)

Ryan I want to let you know that you made me one very happy collector. From your last e-mail there was no telling how long it would take to get this puffy. So when I opened the mailbox Thursday, and it was the only thing in there. I was so pumped that usually I wait until after dinner to open the mail. This bad boy was ripped open the second I sat down.

For the record. This was my first trade as a blogger, and I don't think I could have gotten a better first trade.

                                        (one last bit of candy. Because who doesn't love a mascot?)