MLB 2K13: Low-Rated Teams to Control for Challenging Franchise Mode Experience

Some sports games can become easy to conquer in franchise mode if you select the more powerful and popular teams.

In MLB 2K13, you could start a franchise mode with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and other powerhouses, but if you're looking for a real challenge, try taking control of one of these clubs.

Miami Marlins—75 Overall

The Marlins are the lowest-rated team in the game, but they do have one legitimate superstar. Giancarlo Stanton is rated a 94 overall.

He has a power rating of 98 against right-handed pitchers and 99 against lefties. No matter what, you know you'll have a certified power threat in the middle of your lineup.

Unfortunately, there isn't much else to be excited about after that. The Marlins pulled another one of their salary dumps during the offseason, and Stanton was the only solid player that remained in a Marlins uniform—for now.

One look at the pitching staff will bring you even more in touch with the Marlins cruel reality. The bullpen isn't horrendous with Steve Cishek as the closer and rated an 82. Jon Rauch is the set-up man with an 81 overall rating. But the best starting pitcher is Wade LeBlanc and his overall is a 77.

Just imagine how bad the pitching will be by the time you get to the fifth starter in the rotation. Pick the Fish if you dare.

Minnesota Twins—78 Overall

Ok, let's start with the positives. Joe Mauer is rated a beastly 90 overall, and Josh Willingham is rated an 89 overall, and then....well the ballpark is really nice looking.

That's about all you have to look forward to after that. The folks in charge of ratings have indeed recognized Justin Morneau's fall from performance grace, he's rated just a 79 overall.

The pitching options are even worse.

Closer Glen Perkins is the only mildly bright spot. He has a workable 83 overall rating, but say hello to Vance Worley as your staff ace. Yes, he did win 18 games last season, but his rating is just a 78 overall.

San Diego Padres—79 Overall

Despite boasting just a 79 overall rating, the Pads have some exciting hitters. Chase Headley led the National League in RBI in 2012, and he is rated 91 overall.

Carlos Quentin (83 overall), Chris Denorfia (81 overall) and Cameron Maybin (80 overall) should provide Pads gamers with some pop in the lineup.

With the rosters set to recognize real-life injuries, they will need all the offense they can muster.

Cory Luebke and Andrew Cashner's absence will impact your pitching staff. Both are tagged as being on the disabled list on the game. But even with them out, closer Huston Street is close to elite with an 88 overall rating, and Clayton Richard is the best of a partially-respectable rotation.

Of all the teams rated below an 80 overall, the Padres give you the most to work with.

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