EXPANSION (1967-1998) Catcher & 1b--IMPROVEMENT Edition

Many have said that we don't know what we are getting when we nominate cards, so I've taken some time to put some stats together from some cards, using Diamond Dope and Veterans 1975 for the park, since it's kind of neutral (10,10,10,10). I asked Bill for his permission/blessing to do this. So I'll be posting some card add ideas, thoughts, etc to hopefully keep interest up and give folks some stuff to actually discuss on the boards.

My Goals on IMPROVEMENTS:
1--Provide a card that is more representative of a player's career than their current card(s)
2--Provide a card that is fundamentally different than their current cards


1987 Will Clark, SF, Bats-L, E Balance, 1b-2e16
LH—13.4 2b, 1.6 3b, 6.3 HR, 0 BB 389/398/720, 1.118 OPS
RH—1.8 2b, 0.8 3b, 13.2 HR, 9 BB 340/407/782, 1.189 OPS
This card is different than his 8.01 card. This card has much more power than that current 8.01 card. The 8.01 card is better as far as average and OBP, but this 1987 card shows off more HR power, especially vs RHP (and the doubles vs LHP are pretty nice too). Finished 5th in the MVP Voting this season.

1973 George Scott, MIL, Bats-R, 3L Balance, 1b-1e10
LH—6.4 2b, 2 3b, 7.7 HR, 10 BB 406/467/752, 1.218 OPS
RH—9.3 2b, 0 3b, 5.2 HR, 9 BB 322/365/577, .962 OPS
Here’s a Boomer card with more power than the current ones. His 1975 card is when he led the League in HRs. It is opposite of this card as far as Balance. 1975 is a 4R card, but its LH side is weaker than 1973’s RH side. This 1973 card is better overall than 1975.

1977 Ted Simmons, STL, Bats-S, 1R Balance, C-3(0)e4, RF-4(+1)e16
LH—1.5 2b, 0 3b, 9.2 HR, 14 BB 346/437/659, 1.096 OPS
RH—6 2b, 0.3 3b, 5.9 HR, 11 BB 401/467/646, 1.113 OPS
1978 Ted Simmons, STL, Bats-S, 1R Balance, C-2(+1)e3, LF-4(+1)e8
LH—12.5 2b, 0 3b, 3.5 HR, 14 BB 323/417/568, .984 OPS
RH—8.5 2b, 2.3 3b, 9 HR, 14 BB 313/408/744, 1.152 OPS
Both these cards are strong, and both are balance slightly to the Right, opposite of his two current big cards. 1977 is a better hitting card, while 1978 has a little more power, especially vs RHP. The 1977 card is only a 3-game INJ. Simba should probably be in the Hall, or at least close to it. Underappreciated catching star of the 1970s, maybe the best offensive catcher of the 70s.

1977 Andre Thornton, CLE, Bats-R, 6R Balance, 1b-2e9
LH—0 2b, 0.4 3b, 3.5 HR, 21 BB 141/348/279, .626 OPS
RH—6 2b, 1.6 3b, 11.5 HR, 22 BB 332/499/860, 1.359 OPS
Want a cheaper power source in those RH Power Parks? Check out his line vs RHP. Nobody uses his current card. Here’s one that would get some use.

1975 Bob Watson, HOU, Bats-R, 3L Balance, 1b-4e11, LF-4(+3)e6, 15 Game INJ Risk
LH—13 2b, 0.7 3b, 4.6 HR, 6 BB 474/508/750, 1.258 OPS
RH—4 2b, 0 3b, 7.3 HR, 3 BB 362/385/610, .995 OPS
1977 Bob Watson, HOU, Bats-R, 2L Balance, 1b-3e10, 3 Game INJ Risk
LH—5.9 2b, 0.4 3b, 9.6 HR, 6 BB 393/444/752, 1.195 OPS
RH—9.2 2b, 1.7 3b, 5.6 HR, 9 BB 314/390/623, 1.013 OPS
Without a doubt, Watson needs an ATG upgrade. 14 year Astro in a 19 year career, it’s just a matter of which of these two cards should be the one. (Don’t worry about 1976 card, it looks good on paper, but vs LHP it is not better than 1975 vs LHP, and it’s much weaker against RHP than 75 & 77).
Both 1975 & 1977 a good and more representative of his fine career.

1997 Todd Hundley -- don't know if it qualifies as an improvement...

1982 Lance Parrish

1997 Todd Hundley -- don't know if it qualifies as an improvement...

1982 Lance Parrish

1997 Todd Hundley, NYM, Bats-S, 4R Balance, C-2(0)e6
LH--5 2b, 0 3b, 2.8 HR, 38 BB, 173/479/367, .846 OPS
RH--3.3 2b, 0.2 3b, 13.2 HR, 13 BB 313/408/778, 1.187 OPS

1996 Hundley, 6.09m, NYM, Bats-S, 5R Balance, C-2(-1)e2
LH--5.4 2b, 0 3b, 6.5 HR, 16 BB 148/282/422, .710 OPS
RH--5.9 2b, 0 3b, 14.7 HR, 12 BB 289/375/815, 1.190 OPS

1997 Appears to be a 2 INJ, where 96 is a 1 INJ. Cards are almost the same. We don't need this one.



1982 Lance Parrish, DET, Bats-R, 4L Balance, C-2(-3)e4, LF-5(+2)e16
LH--4.3 2b, 0.7 3b, 12.6 HR, 10 BB 362/421/805, 1.226 OPS
RH--2.2 2b, 0 3b, 8.1 HR, 11 Bb 259/334/532, .866 OPS

1985 Parrish, 4.04m, DET, Bats-R, 3L Balance, C-1(-3)e4
LH--7.5 2b, 0.6 3b, 8.5 HR, 9 BB 372/431/721, 1.152 OPS
RH--4 2b, 0 3b, 6.8 HR, 3 BB 307/332/541, .873 OPS

The only difference here is a couple more HR than our current card. 85's defense is better. This will be just a slightly more expensive Parrish than we have now, with not much real difference.

Below cards probably would work best in franchise leagues,



1979 Gene Tenace Padres; C-3 (-1) e5, 1B-3e9, .263/.403 OBP, 20 Homers in 463 ABs, with 103 walks: Gene, Gene the on base machine, versatile player who would give the Padres a nice option at either catcher or first base. By far his best card.

https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/741940/1670/1/70





1978 Andre Thornton Indians, 1B-2e11, 3B-4e34, .262/.377 33 HRs , Balance 4L He also destroys LH pitching, however there is a 77 card that is very similar in stats but he hits RH pitching much better.

https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/742060/1670/1/70


1970 Bob Robertson 1B-2e9, 3B-4e44, Pirates, .287/.367 27 HRs, Balance 4R, much better card all around and hits RHP very well.

https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/740207/1670/1/70

Below cards probably would work best in franchise leagues,



1979 Gene Tenace Padres; C-3 (-1) e5, 1B-3e9, .263/.403 OBP, 20 Homers in 463 ABs, with 103 walks: Gene, Gene the on base machine, versatile player who would give the Padres a nice option at either catcher or first base. By far his best card.

https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/741940/1670/1/70





1978 Andre Thornton Indians, 1B-2e11, 3B-4e34, .262/.377 33 HRs , Balance 4L He also destroys LH pitching, however there is a 77 card that is very similar in stats but he hits RH pitching much better.

https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/742060/1670/1/70


1970 Bob Robertson 1B-2e9, 3B-4e44, Pirates, .287/.367 27 HRs, Balance 4R, much better card all around and hits RHP very well.

https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/740207/1670/1/70

1979 Gene Tenace, SD, Bats-R, 3L Balance, C-3(-1)e1, 1b-3e20
LH--3.8 2b, 0.2 2b, 8 HR, 36 BB 317/564/725, 1.289 OPS
RH--0.6 2b, 1 3b, 3.9 HR, 28 Bb 242/459/427, .887 OPS

Current 1973 Tenace, 5.02m, OAK, Bats-R, E Balance, 1b-4e18, C-4(0)e2, 2b-5e41
LH--0 2b, 1.6 3b, 7 HR, 32 BB 247/498/583, 1.081 OPS
RH--3 2b, 0 3b, 6.3 HR, 20 BB 279/439/537, .976 OPS

Similar to current 1973 card. Better than 73 vs LHP but worse than 73 vs RHP. Wouldn't be a bad add from SD exp point of view. That line vs LHP is nice, especially the OBP.

Actually, I think his 1975 card is probably his best:
1975 Gene Tenace, OAK, Bats-R, 4L Balance, C-3(-1)e5, 1b-3e4
LH--3.2 2b, 0 3b, 14.1 HR, 25 BB 338/522/920, 1.442 OPS
RH--1.2 2b, 0 3b, 6 HR, 29 BB 233/475/493, .967 OPS





1978 Andre Thornton, CLE, Bats-R, 4L Balance, 1b-2e8
LH--8 2b, 0.8 3b,14.4 HR, 26 BB 353/520/1.013 1.533 OPS
RH--1.2 2b, 0.9 3b, 9.2 HR, 23 BB 246/421/613, 1.034 OPS

His 1977 is listed above in this thread:
1977 Andre Thornton, CLE, Bats-R, 6R Balance, 1b-2e9
LH—0 2b, 0.4 3b, 3.5 HR, 21 BB 141/348/279, .626 OPS
RH—6 2b, 1.6 3b, 11.5 HR, 22 BB 332/499/860, 1.359 OPS

Overall, the 1978 card is better, mainly because 78's weak side (vs RHP) is better than 77's weak side (vs LHP). I looked at both, and I listed the 1977 card because of how different it is: a cheaper Right handed 1b who could bash RHP as part of a platoon. There aren't as many of those guys as there are Right handed Lefty Mashers in the Set.
1978 isn't bad at all, I just like 1977 better.





1970 Bob Robertson, PIT, Bats-R, 4R Balance, 1b-4e8, 3b-4e62, LF-4(+2)e25
LH--1.7 2b, 1.8 3b, 8.3 HR, 18 BB 212/350/549, .899 OPS
RH--6.2 2b, 0.8 3b, 12 HR, 15 BB 374/467/848, 1.315 OPS

Current 1971 Robertson, 4.20m, PIT, Bats-R, 1R Balance, 1b-2e11
LH--0 2b, 0.6 3b, 10.2 HR, 13 BB 292/391/634, 1.025 OPS
RH--5.6 2b, 0 3b, 9.4 HR, 14 BB 315/417/683, 1.100 OPS

The line vs RHP looks good, and would be nice. Better vs RHP than his 1971 card. However, his 1971 card is better balanced and better defense. I wouldn't be opposed to his 1970 card, but it doesn't really improve him any in the Set.

Mickey Tettleton 89 91 94 95
Bill Freehan 67 74
Rick Dempsey 80 85
Joe Ferguson 73 74 77 79
Randy Hundley 67 69
Milt May 74 81
Matt Nokes 87
Duke Sims 70

Mickey Tettleton 89 91 94 95
Bill Freehan 67 74
Rick Dempsey 80 85
Joe Ferguson 73 74 77 79
Randy Hundley 67 69
Milt May 74 81
Matt Nokes 87
Duke Sims 70

1989 Mickey Tettleton, BAL, Bats-S, E Balance, C-3(+1)e1, 3 INJ Rating
LH--1.8 2b, 0 3b, 11.3 HR, 21 BB 152/317/560, .877 OPS
RH--3.4 2b, 0.5 3b, 8.8 HR, 23 BB 274/429/636, 1.065 OPS

1991 Mickey Tettleton, DET, Bats-S, E Balance, C-3(-1)e3, 1b-4e25, LF-4(+2)e16, 1 INJ Rating
LH--1.7 2b, 0 3b, 12.6 HR, 15 BB 229/343/658, 1.001 OPS
RH--0.9 2b, 0.2 3b, 7.8 HR, 26 BB 270/453/553, 1.006 OPS

1994 Mickey Tettleton, DET, Bats-S, 2R Balance, C-4(+2)e1, 1b-4e30, LF/RF-4(+1)e6, 2 INJ Rating, 15 Game Risk
LH--4.8 2b, 0 3b, 2.8 HR, 30 BB 189/437/365, .801 OPS
RH--3 2b, 0.6 3b, 5.6 HR, 34 BB 212/482/508, .990 OPS

1995 Mickey Tettleton, TEX, Bats-S, 2R Balance, C-4(+2)e1, 1b-4e25, LF/RF-4(-1)e9, 1 INJ Rating, 15 Game Risk
LH--3 2b, 0.8 3b, 7.7 HR, 25 BB 173/388/518, .906 OPS
RH--1.9 2b, 0 3b, 11.4 HR, 33 BB 188/459/689, 1.148 OPS

Current 1993 Tettleton, 3.82, DET, Bats-S, 1L Balance, C-4(+1)e1, 1b-3e13, RF/LF-4(+2)e7
LH--7.4 2b, 0.9 3b, 7 HR, 30 BB 247/456/635, 1.091 OPS
RH--1.8 2b, 0.8 3b, 8.2 HR, 22 BB 179/346/503, .849 OPS

That was a wild goose chase. How many different ways can Tettleon walk, hit some bombs, and bat .230?




1967 Bill Freehan, DET, Bats-R, 3L Balance, C-1(-2)e4, 1b-4e5, 1 INJ Rating, 3 Game Risk
LH--0.5 2b, 0 3b, 6.2 HR, 23 BB 367/549/615, 1.164 OPS
RH--4.2 2b, 0 3b, 4.3 HR, 8 BB 297/401/480, .881 OPS

1974 Bill Freehan, DET, Bats-R, 7L Balance, C-4(+2)e5, 1b-4e10, 2 INJ Rating, 15 Game Risk
LH--9.2 2b, 4.8 3b, 5.8 HR, 11 BB 488/550/868, 1.418 OPS
RH--0 2b, 0 3b, 5.8 HR, 8 BB 223/295/401, .695 OPS

Current 1968 Freehan, 5.97m, DET, Bats-S, E Balance, C-1(-2)e5, 1b-3e10
LH--4.5 2b, 0.6 3b, 4.7 HR, 9 BB 307/416/524. .940 OPS
RH--4.2 2b, 0 3b, 6.9 HR, 14 BB 298/441/587, 1.028 OPS

The 1974 card is out, the defense doesn't work. 1967 is good, but it's not much different than the 68. 68 more balanced, 67 better vs LHP.




1980 Rick Dempsey, BAL, Bats-R, 3L Balance, C-2(-3)e5, 1b-4e25, LF/RF-4(+1)e16
LH--5.7 2b, 1.4 3b, 4.3 HR, 8 BB 320/383/537, .920 OPS
RH--11.9 2b, 0.3 3b, 1 HR, 14 BB 178/300/345, .645 OPS

1985 Rick Dempsey, BAL, Bats-R, 6L Balance, C-2(0)e7
LH--8 2b, 0 3b, 5.8 HR, 16 BB 380/472/656, 1.128 OPS
RH--2.7 2b, 0 3b,1.7 HR, 19 BB 135/287/222, .510 OPS

Current 1983 Dempsey, 1.60m, BAL, Bats-R, 1R Balance, C-1(-3)e1
LH--1.8 2b, 1.5 3b, 2.2 HR, 12 BB 176/282/297, .579 OPS
RH--5.4 2b, 0 3b, 2 HR, 15 BB 235/356/360, .716 OPS

Current 1978 Dempsey, 1.03m, BAL, Bats-R, E Balance, C-2(-2)e5
LH--6.5 2b, 0 3b, 2.3 HR, 11 BB 294/366/430, .796 OPS
RH--6.3 2b, 0 3b, 2 HR, 13 BB 261/350/391, .741 OPS

Are 85 & 80 better? Maybe slightly overall. Do I see the need spend much effort and capital getting Dempsey another card? Not at all.



1973 Joe Ferguson, LA, Bats-R, 3L Balance, C-3(-1)e1, RF/LF-4(-2)e20
LH--10.7 2b, 0 3b, 9.3 HR, 27 BB 307/480/783, 1.263 OPS
RH--3.3 2b, 0 3b, 6.3 HR, 19 BB 242/375/489, .864 OPS

1974 Joe Ferguson, LA, Bats-R, 1L Balance, C-3(0)e5, RF-4(-2)e6
LH--5 2b, 0 3b, 7 HR, 32 BB 221/452/563, 1.015 OPS
RH--2.1 2b, 0 3b, 5.7 HR, 23 BB 250/410/476,.886 OPS

1977 Joe Ferguson, HOU, Bats-R, 6R Balance, C-3(-1)e4, 1b-4e25
LH--0.6 2b, 2.1 3b, 4.5 HR, 15 BB 077/206/274, .480 OPS
RH--4.2 2b, 0 3b, 6.3 HR, 30 BB 366/542/660, 1.202 OPS

1979 Joe Ferguson, LA, Bats-R, 4L Balance, C-4(0)e11, LF/RF-4(-2)e7
LH--3.2 2b, 0 3b, 11.1 HR, 17 BB 362/469/767, 1.236
RH--2 2b, 0 3b, 6.3 HR, 29 BB 206/426/474, .900

Current 1982 Ferguson, 1.01m, CAL, Bats-R, 7L Balance, C-4(+2)e2, RF-4(-2)e18
LH--0 2b, 0 3b, 6.3 HR, 30 BB 340/523/582, 1.105 OPS
RH--0 2b, 0 3b, 1.3 HR, 9 BB 090/166/128, .294 OPS

What is Joe Ferguson? He's a lefty masher, mainly for the 1970s Dodgers. That's what we need. I'm cool with that 1979 card. 73/74 not bad...





1967 Randy Hundley, CHC, Bats-R, 2R Balance, C-1(-3)e2, 1 INJ Rating, 15 Game Injury Risk
LH--1.8 2b, 0.4 3b, 1.5 HR, 4 BB 271/305/340, .644 OPS
RH--6.4 2b, 0.4 3b, 3.5 HR, 9 BB 315/379/496, .875 OPS

1969 Randy Hundley, CHC, Bats-R, 4L Balance, C-1(-3)e2, 1 INJ Rating, 15 Game Injury Risk
LH--8 2b, 1 3b, 4.8 HR, 12 BB 338/424/596, 1.020 OPS
RH--0 2b, 0 3b, 3.5 HR, 12 BB 222/315/332, .647 OPS

Current 1966 Hundley, .93m, CHC, Bats-R, 3R Balance, C-2(0)e6
LH--0.9 2b, 1.2 3b, 1.3 HR, 3 BB 170/201/238, .439 OPS
RH--5.2 2b, 0.3 3b, 5.8 HR, 7 BB 226/283/455, .738 OPS

Yeah, a better Hundley would be nice for Cubs. Don't know which one I like better here, the one better vs LHP or one better vs RHP. Defense is much improved. With the set of CHC exp, I think the 1969 card would fit better, since most of those catchers are better vs RHP.





1974 Milt May, HOU, Bats-L, E Balance, C-3(0)e2
LH--1 2b, 0 3b, 3.8 HR, 0 BB 313/319/428, .747 OPS
RH--4.6 2b, 1.5 3b, 1.2 HR, 8 BB 315/372/428, .801 OPS

1981 Milt May, SF, Bats-L, E Balance, C-3(+2)e2
LH--12.6 2b, 0 3b, 0 HR, 4 BB 344/369/465, .834 OPS
RH--4.6 2b, 0 3b, 1.4 HR, 10 BB 359/419/449, .867 OPS

Current 1971 May, 1.39m, PIT, Bats-L, 4R Balance, C-2(+2)e2
LH--0 2b, 0 3b, 3.8 HR, 0 BB 162/162/266, .428 OPS
RH--0 2b, 0 3b, 9.1 HR, 3 BB 300/320/559, .879 OPS

Surprise. Although he's kind of a "home run hitter" in ATG with that 1971 card, it's a small sample size. He only averaged 5 home runs a season in his 15 year career. I don't know that this is a pressing need. If you look at needs among the franchises, I'd go with the Astros and 1974 before the Giants and 1981.





1987 Matt Nokes, DET, Bats-L, 5R Balance, C-4(+1)e1, 3b-4e37, LF/RF-4(+2)e16
LH--0 2b, 0 3b, 5.5 HR, 7 BB 163/241/332, .572 OPS
RH--1.8 2b, 0.3 3b, 10.5 HR, 4 BB 346/388/682, 1.070 OPS

Current 1991 Nokes, 1.74m, NYY, Bats-L, E Balance, C-3(+2)e2
LH--0 2b, 0 3b, 10 HR, 3 BB 267/301/559, .860 OPS
RH--6 2b, 0 3b, 7.5 HR, 0 BB 274/287/542, .829 OPS

Would rather see him have this Tigers card than the Yankees card. Might make a fun cheap Tigers platoon with Lance Parrish. I think he'd come in around 3m or so.




1970 Duke Sims, CLE, Bats-L, 1R Balance, C-3(0)e5, 1b-4e25, LF/RF-4(-2)e18
LH--12 2b, 0 3b, 0.8 HR, 10 BB 321/409/474, .884 OPS
RH-- 0 2b, 0 3b, 11.8 HR, 16 BB 250/389/652, 1.041 OPS

Current 1974 Duke Sims, TEX, Bats-L, 1R Balance, C-4(+2)e15, LF-4(-2)e17
LH--0 2b, 0 3b, 2 HR, 19 BB 029/245/101, .346 OPS
RH--0 2b, 0 3b, 3.6 HR, 3 BB 161/223/269, .492 OPS

1970 is the culmination of a few decent year with the Indians. Ray Fosse's splashy arrival spelled the beginning of the end for Sims in Cleveland. He was better than that 1974 card with the Rangers, his last year in the majors. That line vs RHP might be fun as a cheap power source.

Mo Vaughn 94 96 97 98

Thanks Andy

1961 Earl Battey, Twins, C Bats R, 3R .302 17 55 .377 .470 .847 Career highs in BA, R, DO, OBP & OPS. 2nd career bests in HR, BB, TB & OPS+. Gold Glove winner.
https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/30620/1660/1/60

1963 Earl Battey, Twins, C Bats R, E .285 26 84 .369 .476 .845 Career highs in HR, RBI, BB, SLG, TB & OPS+. 2nd career bests in R, Hits & OBP.
https://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/30620/1660/1/60

Battey was generally regarded as one of the best catchers in the American league from 1960-1966. He was a great defensive player and a consistent hitter.

Mo Vaughn 94 96 97 98

Thanks Andy

1994 Mo Vaughn, BOS, Bats-L, 2L Balance, 1b-4e16, 15 Game INJ Risk
LH--7 2b, 0 3b, 15 HR, 2 BB 344/387/859, 1.245 OPS
RH--6.4 2b, 0 3b, 8.6 HR, 10 BB 347/438/693,1.131 OPS

1996 Mo Vaughn, BOS, Bats-L, 2R Balance, 1b-4e17, In Game INJ Risk
LH--1.5 2b, 0.3 3b, 7.1 HR, 17 BB 373/501/644, 1.145 OPS
RH--3.9 2b, 0 3b, 11.9 HR, 10 BB 378/464/804, 1.268 OPS

1997 Mo Vaughn, BOS, Bats-L, 3L Balance, 1b-4e18, 3 Game INJ Risk
LH--2.7 2b, 0 3b, 11.7 HR, 17 BB 424/541/862, 1.403 OPS
RH--3.4 2b, 0 3b, 8.6 HR, 13 BB 336/447/661, 1.107 OPS

1998 Mo Vaughn, BOS, Bats-L, E Balance, 1b-3e14, 3 Game INJ Risk
LH--2.4 2b, 0 3b, 11.5 HR, 8 BB 400/461/780, 1.242 OPS
RH--5.1 2b, 0.3 3b, 9.8 HR, 5 BB 410/454/760, 1.214 OPS

Current 1995 Vaughn, 5.97m, BOS, Bats-L, 5R Balance, 1b-4e13, 3 Game INJ Risk
LH--4.3 2b, 0 3b, 5 HR, 5 BB 238/308/435, .743 OPS
RH-- 4.7 2b, 0.6 3b, 16 HR, 9 BB 359/442/930, 1.372 OPS

Some interesting seasons there