Thursday, December 27, 2012

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

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