#298 Chris Getz

More randomization.

#298 Chris Getz

First impression of what’s going on: Pretty simple here. Looks like Getz is turning two. Some sketchy tactics by the base runner trying to break it up. As an above average fielder, I played quite a bit of middle infield growing up, until being left handed and my below average height caught up to me in high school. Luckily, there weren't very opportunities to turn two so my shins, ankles and groin remained intact. Looks like Getz got just enough air to avoid any serious mishaps.

Kansas City Royals second baseman Chris Getz (17) forces out Detroit Tigers' Andy Dirks (12) at second and completes a double play on Torii Hunter at first in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Monday, June 10, 2013. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images)

The Reality of the Photo: The caption says the double play was completed, but early on I have trust issues. With both Getty and Topps so I will definitely follow up with the BOXSCORE.

The Royals pulled out a squeaker here. Did the double play squash a potentially game winning rally? (Even if was only the fifth…)

Nah not really, just the second batter of the inning after a leadoff single.  Maybe, but I guess we’ll never know.

On to the back:

Rookie Fact: Chris’ seven errors in 2009 were fewest of regular AL second basemen.

My skepticism ran a little high here. I have trust issues. I went over to FanGraphs and ran a chart of American League second baseman from 2009.

Placido Polanco, Dustin Pedroia and Mark Ellis all had fewer errors than Getz as regular second basemen. Ugh. Why do I have to keep digging deeper?

Information I’ll be tracking:

Card Number: #298

Player Name: Chris Getz

Team: Kansas City Royals

Position: Second Base

Game Date: June 10, 2013

Opponent: Detroit Tigers

Stadium: Kauffman Stadium

Division: American League Central

Home/Away: Home

Outcome of the game: 3-2, Royals over the Tigers, Win for the player depicted

Alternate/Throwback Jersey: No

Bats/Throws: Left/Right

Birthdate: 8/30/1983

Birthplace: Michigan

Cameos by: N/A

Photographer: Kansas City Star

Niche collections this card could fit into: Double Play, Cameo

My Grade: I’m torn on this one. These inaccurate blurbs/rookie facts are getting annoying. But I really like the photo. Good crop, good action. Getz is up in the air. The play was made. There aren't too many niches this fits into but I’m still going to give it a B anyway because I think more people are interested in the fronts of cards than the backs. Still no excuse for bad facts though.