#38 Chris James

About the Front: We've already had some instances of pitcherface in this set, but this is the goofiest expression I've seen on a baserunner. Chris James looks like he's making a kissy face as he barrels toward third base.

About the Back: Craig James spent five seasons (1984-1988) with the New England Patriots, and rushed for 1,227 yards and five touchdowns in his lone Pro Bowl season in 1985. You probably know him as one of the many ex-athlete blowhards of ESPN's college football coverage. He also made an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate last year as a Republican from Texas.

Triple Play:

1. On May 4, 1991, he set a team record with nine RBI in the Indians' 20-6 rout of Oakland. It was part of a 4-for-5 performance that included three-run homers off A's starter Kirk Dressendorfer in both the first and second innings.

2. Chris slugged .525 as a rookie with the 1987 Phillies. He started 90 games that year, including 77 in left field.

3. On December 6, 1989, the Padres traded James, Sandy Alomar, Jr., and Carlos Baerga to Cleveland for Joe Carter. I think the Indians came out a bit ahead in that deal.

11-Year-Old Kevin Says: In 1993, I was too young and naive to know that you should never trust a man with two first names.

Bill James Said: "Spent most of the year with Houston; was traded to Texas in mid-September and had one of his famous hot streaks in late September, giving his season's stats an entirely different look." As he says, Chris batted .256/.333/.488 in 65 games with the Astros. In his eight-game run with the Rangers, he was 11-for-31 (.355) with a double, three homers, seven RBI, and five runs scored. That boosted his overall season numbers to .275/.348/.525.

On This Date in 1993: The Rangers trade young pitchers Robb Nen and Kurt Miller to the Marlins for reliever Cris Carpenter. Nen went on to record 108 saves in five years with Florida, and 314 total in his career.