I know no one really cares (
) but here were my five votes. It was a difficult choice as all of the candidates could have a case made for them. I'm not going to try to make a case for my five choices but just to give a small rationale for why they got my pick at that particular time.
In no particular order:
1/ Jeff Zimmerman. Only reliever on the list. A Canadian (we need more Canadians), winner of the Tip O'Neill Award in 1999 (for a Canadian having "excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to the highest ideals of the game of baseball.") Played in the French Elite League. Only played three seasons at the Major League level but if injuries hadn't ruined his arm he probably would have been a top-flight closer. His 1999 season (the one we've been asked to vote on here -- actually I asked you to since he was my nomination) was splendid: an all-star, finished third in ROY voting (behind Beltran and Freddie Garcia), a 0.833 WHIP and a 215 ERA+ (remember this is 1999). An R2 -- so you could get some innings out of him). Here's his card:
http://onlinegames.strat-o-matic.com/player/8544/1999/1/19992/ Ozzie Smith. I know, we already have 2 other Ozzie years and 1985 is not his best. This was my most difficult choice. But the thought of being able to use Ozzie in 60 mil (and 45 mil) is just to wonderful to pass up. Here's his card (click on 1985):
http://onlinegames.strat-o-matic.com/player/841262/1680/1/803/ Ben Zobrist. The Mr. Everything (except catcher). A 2e8 at 2b, 3s and 4s elsewhere. What a slashline! .297/.405/.543. Eighth in MVP voting. A Tampa Bay player. Here's his card:
http://onlinegames.strat-o-matic.com/player/1277/2009/1/20094/ Miquel Tejada. Though I probably would have preferred his 2002 MVP season, this one might even been better. Fifth in MVP voting, bulletproof, a slashline of .311/.360/.534. A option to Baltimore franchises to Ripken.
5/ Mark Loretta. A magical year. .335/.391/.495. Led the league with 16 sacrifice flies. Would be a great addition to the Padre franchise (besides being able to play for the Brewers, Astros, Red Sox and Dodgers).
Well...those are mine. Again, this was a particularly difficult election. Great nominations all the way around!
Bill