The First 25 - A Roster

A brief look back in team form at the first 25 player cards in the 1980 set as if constructing a fantasy league team:

1B - Ron Jackson
2B - Dave Cash
SS - Mark Wagner
3B - Derrell Thomas
OF - Dan Ford
OF - Lee Mazzilli
OF - Jay Johnstone
C - Jerry Narron
DH - Pat Putnam

Bench:
Mike Lum, Del Unser, Steve Braun, Jimmy Sexton, Ron Pruitt

Not a whole lot of power in this lineup, but there are some good glove men here and versatility. Mazzilli was an All-Star, Ford an 100-RBI man. The bench is definately a strength, as some of the best pinch hitters in history are here. They could tip the scales in a tight game, especially with the pitching staff this team has.

Starting Rotation:
Vida Blue
Dennis Martinez
Jim Slaton
Bruce Kison
Craig Swan

Bullpen:
Bruce Sutter, Bill Campbell, John Curtis, Balor Moore, Manny Sarmiento, Marty Pattin

Excellent rotation headed by Martinez and Blue. They log a lot of innings and should keep the team in the game Like the bench, a lot of versatility in the bullpen. Sutter is a HOFer, Curtis and Moore are good swingmen.

OVERALL: Topps did a good job of filling a team with its first 25 players. It would at least have been as competitive as the 1980 Mariners or Blue Jays; alas no manager card to complete the team.

Grade: B