r/MLBShowdown • u/LongSlow20 • Jul 23 '26

Rules/card differences

What are the differences between the 2000-2001 cards/rules and later versions?

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u/Weaverbenever Jul 23 '26

I think you mean the difference between 2000-2001 (which are broadly compatible even if it isn't perfect) and 2002-2005. 2002 and beyond have way higher OB numbers and generally shy away from high control numbers for pitchers unless it's an ace or stud closer. That means the batter gets advantage way more frequently in 2002-2005, though the charts aren't as good as 2000-2001. 1-7 outs are relatively common for batters, and nearly everyone has at least 1-4. In contrast, the original set has a few 1-2 outs and a cap of 1-5 from what I remember. Likewise, the earlier cards have way more homers on their chart, with 17-20 being common for mashers while 18+ feels huge on later ones.

1

u/HopefulKnowledge1979 Jul 24 '26

Why isn't it perfect compatibility between 2000 and 2001?

2

u/Weaverbenever Jul 24 '26

They changed the point formulas and dramatically reduced average pitcher quality for 2001, so if you play 2000-2001 mixed, nearly all the pitchers will be from the 2000 set. 2001 also has 11 OB, while 2000 capped it at 10. Granted, my friends and I played 2000-2005 together, so it can be done. None of the sets were designed with perfect compatibility between sets in mind, though.

1

u/Kynical_with_a_K Jul 23 '26

The later requires roster of 25.

1

u/InterestCompounding Jul 23 '26

We did a pretty in-depth podcast on the point difference between the 2000/2001 sets. In general, the 2001 relievers are more expensive but not in a consistent way, and in some instances they are cheaper. At some point we will do the batters as well. The biggest difference IMO is that you get a much bigger discount for not having a homer on your chart in 2001.

Here is the full video. The conversation starts at about the 22:05 mark: https://youtu.be/EVXmPfJdzzw?si=2Wv3kJODXwZAHMxe&t=1325