Card Reviews: First Multiplayer Program, Ranked and BR

The team at The Show Gazette will bring readers content and player reviews whenever new programs release or significant content drops into the game.

Today, we’re going through all the players you can earn through online gameplay.

MARK DAVIS

• Location: Multiplayer Program or Marketplace
• Card Series: All-Star
• Overall: 85
• Position: CP
• ShowZone profile

Perks: A lefty with 100 hits per nine, a 99 break rating and five pitches, including a splitter? Davis has all the makings of a crafty lefty.

Grind Time: Minimal. Mark Davis can be acquired by completing a few short missions in the Multiplayer Program, which is versatile enough to be completed in either Battle Royale, Events or Ranked.

Drawbacks: His velo is on the low side.

Verdict: At this point in the game cycle, any diamond bullpen arm is worth consideration — especially if it’s a lefty. Put in the short time to grind for Mark Davis and add him ASAP.

TERRY PENDLETON

• Location: Multiplayer Program or Marketplace
• Card Series: Contributor
• Overall: 87
• Position: 3B
• ShowZone profile

Perks: A capable switch-hitter during a period in the game’s cycle when Live Series Jose Ramirez is pricey, Pendleton can hold it down at third base until you’re ready to upgrade. Or, he can be a bench bat against left-handed pitching.

Drawbacks: He really, really lacks pop.

Grind Time: He’s quite a bit down the Multiplayer Program path in comparison to Davis, so while he’s attainable, it will require a bit more work.

Verdict: Pendleton looks like a fun new add, but not necessarily a must at this point. Putting a free card like Jordan Lawlar in his secondary at third base would probably provide you more value and will be less of a grind.

LANCE BERKMAN

• Location: Battle Royale or Marketplace
• Card Series: 2nd Half Heroes
• Overall: 87
• Position: 1B (CF, RF secondary)
• ShowZone profile

Perks: Hey look, another switch-hitter. Berkman is a new legend with a good swing and is balanced power-wise against both sides.

Drawbacks: Berkman’s vision is on the lower side (which is to be expected early in the power creep) and plays horrible defense even at his primary position (65 fielding, 66 reaction). He’s a DH at best.

Grind Time: The fact that he’s a Battle Royale flawless reward is already a turn off for most. It’s a grind, and maybe even a frustrating one, to get him.

Verdict: Berkman isn’t a mind-blowing first BR reward. You’re probably better off using someone like Live Series Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or 84-overall Nick Kurtz or Ben Rice at first base instead.

RICH GOSSAGE

• Location: Battle Royale or Marketplace
• Card Series: All-Star
• Overall: 87
• Position: CP
• ShowZone profile

Perks: Gossage possesses both the Outlier I and Break Outlier quirks, and his 35 stamina isn’t terrible.

Drawbacks: These are glaring. His 97 hits per nine is low, and so is his 85 pitching clutch. Plus, he still has poor control (76) and walks per nine (77), just like he always does.

Grind Time: Just like Berkman.

Verdict: While having Outlier quirks in the bullpen is nice, Gossage isn’t worth it. Go get Jhoan Duran or Mason Miller or several other Live Series relievers who throw hard. They’ll do the same thing for you as Gossage does.

MICKEY MANTLE

• Location: Ranked or Marketplace
• Card Series: All-Star
• Overall: 88
• Position: CF
• ShowZone profile

Perks: A switch-hitter with the Dead Red quirk, Mantle is either one of your favorite outfield options or one of your least. His swing is controversial.

Drawbacks: Defense is important this year, and Mantle isn’t one of the best out in center. His fielding (75) and reaction (78) are best suited for a corner spot, but because SDS is limiting secondary positions this year, he can only play center.

Grind Time: It can be a long, arduous journey to World Series, even if SDS lowered the threshold to 800 rating.

Verdict: Mantle … isn’t truly worth it? By no means is he a bad card, but in a game that throws free content at you, you can probably do better (or just as good) with Max Clark, Walker Jenkins or others.

STEVE CARLTON

• Location: Ranked or Marketplace
• Card Series: Postseason
• Overall: 88
• Position: SP
• ShowZone profile

Perks: A new lefty legend with a funky delivery and a wipeout slider, Carlton should become a fan favorite once more users get their hands on his cards.

Drawbacks: He’s a starter, but 75 hits per nine is on the lower side. And with his 78 velo and 75 walks per nine, you better not miss your spot too badly.

Grind Time: Same as Mantle.

Verdict: Of all the “gated” skill-based rewards, Carlton is probably the most likely to make a real impact on your team. There are plenty of free diamond starters available, so you shouldn’t be in a rush to get him (and it’s OK if you don’t). But Carlton is useful.