Topps Cards That Should Have Been: 2007 Reds

 

2007 was a transitional year for the Reds. We began to wind down the era of Ken Griffey, Adam Dunn and Aaron Harang, and we began to see some new heroes emerge. For instance, despite his rookie being a 2008 Topps card, Joey Votto played his first games in 2007. In 24 games, he gave Reds fans a sharp preview of how awesome he'd be for them over the next decade and a half, hitting .321 with 27 hits, 17 RBIs and his first four home runs. By the time the 2008 season would start, the 1st base position would basically be his, and he'd be in position for a long, prosperous HOF-quality career.

Still pitching in 2007 was former Braves and Yankees relief specialist Mike Stanton. Stanton had played for a bunch of teams since leaving the Yanks, with his best post-Bronx season clearly being 2004 with the Mets. For his final MLB numbers, he'd be the most relied upon non-closing reliever for the Reds, and he'd hand over a 5.93 with 40 Ks in 69 innings. I think I have one or two spring training stint customs for him after this season in waiting. 

Speaking of spring training stints, Mark Bellhorn was coming off an insanely weird 2006 season. The former Sox infielder and mid-lineup bat had a -11 batting WAR, but also a 11 FIELDING WAR, so he still managed to turn in decent numbers despite hitting below the Mendoza line. So there wasn't a TON of suitors lining up for Bellhorn for 2007. Bellhorn signed a minor league deal with Cincinnati, made it to the majors, and hit .090 in 13 games, with only 2 hits and one RBI. The Reds had better options at 2nd and 3rd, so he was cut fairly soon after and never played in the majors again. Meanwhile, in 2007, a lot of his old teammates would win their second rings with Boston. 

Tomorrow, we feature a similar schematic of youth and winning down heroes, this time with the Rockies in 2006. This one features a missed opportunity that I'm sad that Topps never delivered on.

Custom Card of the Day: Stanton Edition

Well, it's happened again. I've made another really, really, really nice custom of a Marlins player, and can't think of anything nice to say about the team. I'm gonna try this. I mean, usually, I can't get very far without bashing the Marlins, but since I'm a nice guy, and since I'm in a giving mood with the giveaway, I'll restrain myself from any bashing in this post. At least I'll try.

The card in question is of Giancarlo Stanton, who is easily the best player on the team. Stanton has really surprised me in terms of his own staying power, as I thought he'd be a one-year thing after his mediocre sophomore season in 2011. Thankfully, he's the team's only main source of strength, and though he hasn't been having the greatest season, he's still a force at the plate whenever the team's on, which isn't very often.

I have to admit, in this photo, the orange uniform really suits Stanton. Maybe it's the way it falls against the blue sky, and the darkness in the foreground, but I think it's not too bad, at least in this photo. I'll admit the uniforms are unusual to say the least, but I don't think they're as bad as the Padres' current duds, though they come pretty damn close.

Saying that Giancarlo Stanton is the Marlins' main source of power does nothing to discredit the rest of the team, sadly. The team also boasts the speed of Juan Pierre whenever they play him, the outstanding arm of Jose Fernandez (no insult needed, he is indeed that good), the broken legs injuries soullessness disappointment onfield support of Chris Coghlan, and the youth and power of Aediny Herchivarria (or however you spell it).Though that's just scratching the surface of the collection of has-beens players nobody else wanted failed prospects players they've assembled, those are the highlights.

While it's safe to say that the Marlins aren't playing for this year (and that isn't necessarily a jab), you can easily see that manager Fredi Gonzalez Ozzie Guillen Bob Lemon Mike Quade Mike Redmond clearly is building for future success. Whether or not he will remain as manager to see said success is beyond me. Still, his efforts do make sense, and hopefully the team will be stronger in 10 years time without him.

In all seriousness, I doubt the Marlins will finish anywhere other than last this season, though I do hope their rebuilding strategy works.

Really.

Giancarlo needs some help.

Coming Tomorrow- This guy played for my team for 6.5 seasons, and made a reputation as a fun, awesome player. Which is why I can't get used to rooting against him.

Year by Year Customs: 1968

 

Overall, a nice mish-mosh of players for today. Not much else to say.

Oooooh, if only I got that team emblem right for Stanton. That alone ruins it. That's the only subpar thing about that custom, cause the rest of it's amazing.

 

Sigh...this guy used steroids.

 

 

This is a great shot, but I think that's Matt LeBlanc in the stands. You be the judge.

Coming Tomorrow- one of the heroes of the World Series, plus 3 other guys.

Custom Card of the Day: Stanton Edition

I must say I'm liking the whole "New Teams in Old Designs" shops I've been doing a lot lately. They're very fun to make, and I always like exploring new possibilities. For example, this 87 one was a tad bit harder, being that I needed a team logo, but thanks to Google Images, that problem was solved almost instantly. Of course, the man on the card has been doing his best to solve things as well. I think that if Hanley Ramirez gets traded next season, Mike Stanton will lead the team. The guy can definitely hit, and if he's healthy all 162 games, he'll possibly lead the team far. Unfortunately, that's hard to do when the Phillies and Braves are in your division.

Coming Tomorrow- Another custom that was requested by a fan...only there's more of a story to this one.

Year By Year Customs Finale: Expantionists on Parade

Well, folks, here they are. The last customs of 2010. These were teams that couldn't be put on vintage card designs, so I had to photoshop them into the 1993 and 2001 designs, both designs I can easily customize. Hope you enjoy, and Customs will return once the Spring Training shots come in.

Tomorrow- I'm probably gonna get some Stocking Stuffers that may or may not be cards. If I get cards, you know where they're going. Right here on the blog.