Monster Card Monday: 1987 Alan Trammell

Detroit Tiger shortstop Alan Trammell hasn’t seen the hallowed halls of Cooperstown but I know many Detroit fans, who think he deserves to be enshrined.  Indeed along with Robin Yount and Cal Ripken, Trammell was among the best shortstops in the AL in his era. 

Offensively, Trammell’s performance in 1987 is among his best in his 20-year career.  His .343 batting average is the highest he ever hit.  So was his 28 homeruns.  It was the only year he ever drove in over 100 rbis.  So I guess it was no surprise he came in second in MVP behind George Bell that year.  Realists might even argue his bridesmaid’s vote, given the importance of a good fielding shortstop.  If it helps anyone, it was a close vote.  Trammell lost by just 21 vote points. 

You could argue that Trammell’s APBA 1987 card has it all.  It has power (1-0-0-0), hitting (a 55-7), fielding (a SS-9 rating though Tiger fans would say he deserve a 10, I bet), speed (he’s rated Fast and has a 15-11), and even less sexy but oh so important attributes like bat control (don’t forget he has three 31s).

Yes, Trammell’s 1987 card is the kind you could get way with batting pretty much anywhere in the order without anyone batting an eye.  He has the speed and OBP to lead off, the average and bat control to bat second or third, and just enough power to bat cleanup if you had to…

…and the fielding is just frosting on top. 

Thanks Pastor Rich!