The Golden Sombrero Baseball Blog | MLB, Fantasy, College & High School Baseball News

Mike Rosenbaum

• Marlins Logan Morrison escapes serious injury after scary moment (Video)

  For anyone who has ever played serious baseball, it is common knowledge that when in the on-deck circle, it is important to always be paying close attention as a pitch is delivered.  As a hitter, not only should you be attempting to time the pitcher’s release point, but you also should be paying close attention [...]

• Nyjer Morgan should be suspended for remainder of 2010

  In the same sense that people say baseball is better with Josh Hamilton in it, the exact opposite can be said about Nyjer Morgan of the Washington Nationals.  Baseball is worse with Nyjer Morgan in it.  On Wednesday night, Morgan continued his dip-shit ways by igniting a brawl with Chris Volstad and the Florida Marlins.  [...]

• Adam LaRoche pranks Kelly Johnson during Tuesday's game

  As I browsed through some tweets last night, I came across a story that was too funny not to pass along.  According to Steve Gilbert, the Arizona Diamondbacks beat writer for MLB.com, Adam LaRoche changed Kelly Johnson’s hitting music to prior to the start of Tuesday night’s game against the Padres. As Johnson stepped to the [...]

• Is Aroldis Chapman the nastiest reliever in baseball?

  Did Aroldis Chapman really hit 105 mph on the radar gun last Friday? Does it matter?  In his major league debut on Tuesday night, Chapman challenged all of his skeptics with a perfect, 1-2-3, 8th inning against the Milwaukee Brewers. The first hitter that the 22 year-old Chapman faced was Jonathon LuCroy, whom he retired on [...]

• Manny Ramirez not in White Sox lineup for Tuesday night, yet...

  According to Rotoworld, Manny Ramirez is not currently in the Chicago White Sox starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Indians.  After many were disappointed that Manny was not available for Monday’s contest, we quickly learned that Ramirez’s flight from Los Angeles was scheduled to arrive in Cleveland this afternoon, and that he would [...]

• Mike Moustakas belts 3 HR, drives in 11 in route of Round Rock Express

  On Monday night, Mike Moustakas established a new precedent for what we call a “career night.”  After being named the Texas League Player of the Year earlier in the day, Moustakas lead the Royals’ AAA affiliate Omaha Royals to a 23-5 route of the Round Rock Express that featured 25 hits, 11 of which went [...]

• Classic Sports Illustrated Covers: Frank Thomas Day at U.S. Cellular Field

  The Chicago White Sox are set to retire Frank Thomas’ #35 on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, IL. March 13, 2000

• Prospect Watch: Pirates RHP Stetson Allie has big league arm

  On August 16th, Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neil Huntington announced that they had agreed to terms with their 2nd round draft pick(52nd overall) of 2010, RHP Stetson Allie.  However, due to the hype surrounding their 1st round pick Jameson Taillon, Allie has not received the appropriate exposure for a prep whose fastball can reach triple digits.  [...]

• Bryce Harper Makes Nationals Park Look Like South Williamsport

  On Thursday evening, the Washington Nationals held a press conference to show off introduce their 1st overall draft pick of 2010, Bryce Harper.  Nearly a week and half ago, the Nationals and Harper came to terms on a 5-year, $9.9 million contract- not a bad payday for a 17 year-old.  At the press conference, the [...]

• Ryan Howard Loses His Cool, Ability to Make Contact

  In Tuesday’s 16 inning contest between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, Ryan Howard joined an elite club that I’m sure he would prefer not be a part of.  Howard managed to go 0-7 with 5 strikeouts- The Platinum Sombrero- before he was ejected for passionately disagreeing with 3rd base umpire Scott Barry over the [...]

• White Sox Thornton to DL, Chris Sale to close?

  As if the Chicago White Sox weren’t already having issues with their bullpen, there are rumors that All-Star reliever Matt Thornton may be headed to DL with discomfort in his left forearm.  Thornton, who hasn’t pitched since last Tuesday in Minnesota, had recently been called upon, along with right-handed set-up man J.J. Putz, to close [...]

• Is That Carlos Quentin in the State Farm Insurance Commericals?

  We all have seen the All-State Insurance commercials with Dennis Haysbert, or as most of America knows him, President David Palmer from the television show, “24.”  Perhaps it’s just my baseball fanaticism that takes over, but when somebody condescendingly points out that he is the same guy from “24,” I can’t help but want to [...]

• Sign Him Up: Astros, Phillies Fans Impressive on Foul Balls (Video)

  Ever since I was a little kid, I have always reserved the hope that I might be lucky enough to catch a foul ball, perhaps even a yard ball, at a MLB game.  There is always that moment right as I get to my seats and check out the view where I evaluate how probable [...]

• Exploring the Brandon Phillips, Yadier Molina "Shin-Guard-Tapping" Incident

  Shortly after the bench-clearing brawl between the Reds and Cardinals, I received an email from a good friend and former teammate, asking about one of baseballs many, under-appreciated nuances.  Since it is a discussion that delves into the mentality surrounding the brawl, as well as a discussion about the overall makeup of professional baseball players, [...]

• LaRoche, Hawpe Clear Waivers - Are White Sox Interested?

  On Wednesday, left-handed power hitters Adam LaRoche and Brad Hawpe cleared waivers and it appears that they will be traded in the coming days.  Although neither the Arizona Diamondbacks nor Colorado Rockies seem close to a deal involving either player, there are several organizations that will undoubtedly express interest. The fact that LaRoche was placed on [...]

• Dodgers' Belisario Balks, Defies All Baseball Logic

  On Thursday night, the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers surrendered a 5-run lead against the Philadelphia Phillies, giving up 3 runs in both the 8th and 9th innings and ultimately losing 10-9.  Although many of the Dodgers’ players lent a helping hand in making the late-inning collapse exceedingly memorable, the brunt of my focus is on [...]

• The Best Baseball Commercials, Part 7: Kenny “F'n” Powers Magic Number Down to 45

  As the end of the 2010 Major League Baseball regular season edges a little closer every day, playoff races from around the league are gradually taking form.  The final months of the season have the potential to produce any number of dramatic, memorable outcomes, especially with some divisional races being three teams deep.  Although the [...]

• Chris Carpenter Finally Gets To Fight Someone

  Apparently Yadier Molina didn’t appreciate Brandon Phillip’s comments from Monday, and he wasted no time displaying his discontent with the Reds’ second baseman.  Like any respectable baseball player would do, Molina confronted Phillips after he tried acting all “buddy-buddy” with him as he stepped up to the plate, in his first at-bat on Tuesday.  All [...]

• Joe Buck Yourself: Did Buck's Giant Head Distract Alex Rodriguez?

  After watching Alex Rodriguez roll on the ground for what seemed like an eternity, I would have expected him to have had a broken leg, or at least a fractured hoof.  However, A-Rod was able to postpone a trip to the glue factory for one more day, and was in the starting lineup on Sunday.  [...]

• That Adam LaRoche, So Hot Right Now

  If you could use one word to describe Adam LaRoche, what would it be?  For those that have had him on their fantasy team, I’m sure that you chose the correct answer, “streaky.”  For the record, I would have also accepted “hack-taker,” as well as “pain-in-the-ass,” and of course, “brother.”  To those fantasy owners who [...]

• The Best Baseball Commercials, Part 6: Giants Closer Brian Wilson/B-Weezy

  Even though none of these videos are actually commercials, they are just as entertaining thanks to the hilarious antics and personality of San Francisco Giants’ closer, Brian Wilson.  If you know nothing about the flame-throwing right-hander, there is a lot to take in.  Wilson dresses like a rock star, acts like a rock star, is [...]

• Classic Sports Illustrated Covers: Andre Dawson

  Congratulations to 2010 Major League Baseball, Hall of Fame inductee Andre “The Hawk” Dawson. July 20, 1987

• When Julio Borbon Hits, The Texas Rangers Win Baseball Games

  It should not come as a surprise to baseball fans that the Texas Rangers are currently sitting atop the American League West with 51-38 record, good for a 4.5 game lead over the Angels.  Thus far, they have consistently fired on all cylinders due to a perfect blend of youth and experience that can be [...]

• The Best Baseball Commercials, Part 5: Colorado Rockies

  Much like the Cardinals, the Colorado Rockies have a lot of players who are just flat out likable. CarGo, Helton, Ubaldo, Spilly, Tulo…the list goes on and on. Based upon how hard they try to sell their abilities as actors, it’s obvious that these guys embrace the opportunity to be in these commercials. [...]

• The Home Run Derby Is Officially Boring

  Since its inclusion in 1985, I have always felt that the home run derby was, without a doubt, the highlight of the All-Star break.  There was nothing more exciting than watching the most prolific home run hitters put on an unparalleled display of power, as a way of giving back to the major league baseball [...]

• Classic Sports Illustrated Covers: Ken Griffey, Jr. vs. Jeff Francoeur?

  As I was browsing Sports Illustrated’s archive of covers, I came across something so disturbing that it forced me to reevaluate their legitimacy, and consider a moratorium on my ‘Classic Sports Illustrated Covers’ series.  Sure, I know that it is part of their business to market what is trending across sports, but it is not [...]

• The Best Baseball Commercials, Part 4: Seattle Mariners

  Part 4 of my series is dedicated to the Seattle Mariners. Technically, it should really be dedicated to one of the toughest looking players in baseball history, Jay Buhner. Many years ago I saw a Mariners’ commercial that featured Jay Buhner, using his shiny, bald head to reflect sunlight into the opposing hitter’s [...]

• The Best Baseball Commercials, Part 3: St. Louis Cardinals

  Every time I attempt to consolidate a specific amount of videos for an article within this series, I am divided over which videos are worthy of the cut. In my opinion, there simply isn’t a bad baseball commercial out there; each video is hilarious or unique for some reason or another. Over the [...]

• The Best Baseball Commercials, Part 2: Video Games

  As I eluded to in Part I, the second installment of, “The Best Baseball Commercials,” is dedicated to my favorite baseball, video game commercials. The first baseball game that I remember becoming totally obsessed with was ‘Sports Talk Baseball’ for Sega Genesis. I know that Rob possesses a similar endless love for this [...]

• 10 Relief Pitchers Who Will Immediately Help Your Fantasy Team

  I just wanted to pass along the first article that I wrote for Bleacher Report called, “10 Relief Pitchers Who Will Immediately Help Your Fantasy Team.” I will continue to post any articles that I write for them and I hope that everybody enjoys them. “10 Relief Pitchers Who Will Immediately Help Your Fantasy Team”

• The Best Baseball Commercials, Part 1: ESPN and More

  Other than seeing someone get kicked in the ballsack, there is nothing more hilarious than a quality baseball commercial. There is just something about seeing a professional baseball player reduced to the goofy child that he really is that makes me respect them in a unique way.  As a youngster growing up [...]

• What an Asshole: The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Bullpen

  It’s really a shame that the Diamondbacks’ season has gone the way that it has thus far because I actually enjoy watching them on tv and listening to Mark Grace’s drunken tangents.  Luckily I haven’t caught too many games over the past week, but based upon both the highlights I’ve seen and articles I’ve read, [...]

• Remembering "The Kid:" Ken Griffey, Jr. on the cover of Sports Illustrated

  Ever since I read Griff’s homage to “The Kid,” Ken Griffey, Jr., I have been brainstorming about how to do something similar.  My first thought was to scan each and every Griffey card that I have; Griffey cards have always been the shit and were a staple of my childhood.  Other than his rookie card, [...]

• Reflecting on the Golden & Platinum Sombreros thus far

  After watching both Jason Heyward and Mark Teixeira fall victim to the Platinum Sombrero over the weekend, I thought it would only be appropriate to reflect on all of the golden and platinum sombrero performances this season.  Some of the names on the list may surprise you, most of them will not.  For those of [...]

• What An Asshole: Joe West is at it again...

  When will that asshole Joe West be stopped?  On Friday night, West added to his already long rap sheet of abuse of power with his ejection of the Nationals’ Ian Desmond in the bottom of the 7th.  After tagging from 2nd to 3rd on a fly ball to the center, Desmond over slid the bag [...]

• Audio from my appearance on B-Squared Show

  May 19, 2010 Thanks to Jordan and and Brian of the B-Squared Show on 312sports.com for having me on the air today.  They do a great job every single day and I had a blast talking baseball with them! Here is the audio segment from my appearance on today’s show: Mike Rosenbaum on the B-Squared Show

• The Golden Sombrero on the radio

  May 19, 2010 I’m excited to announce that I will be a guest on the B-Squared Show, today at 11:05am CST.  The B-Squared Show is an internet radio show on the 312sports.com network that covers all-things Chicago Cubs and is hosted by a friend and former high school teammate, Jordan Bernfield.  As a fellow baseball fanatic, [...]

• The Book of Ely

  May 18, 2010 When Vicente Padilla landed on the DL, the Dodgers decided to call up John Ely from AAA.  For those who have not heard of him, Ely was one of the players that the White Sox surrendered in the Juan Pierre trade.  No, I’m not bringing this up because I wish he were doing [...]

• The MLB Headlines That You Missed...

  May 11, 2010 Every single day(and night) I spend an exceptional amount of time combing the internet, searching for various baseball related articles.  Of course, I love ESPN.com and all of their MLB writers and fantasy gurus, but I have also come to enjoy articles written by MLB, beat writers and bloggers like myself.  To some, [...]

• Welcome Back: The Resurgence of Vernon Wells, Kelly Johnson and Andruw Jones

  May 3, 2010 There are a handful of players across Major League Baseball that are proving that their misfortunes and struggles from last year(and some even longer) are behind them.  For avid, fantasy enthusiasts like myself and the rest of the staff at The Golden Sombrero, the resurgence of many of these players may not be [...]

• Catch My Drift?

  April 15, 2010 After a most unpredictable and exciting first week and a half of the Major League Baseball season, I’ve noticed a trend that has become all too clear to GMs and fantasy owners alike.  They wish that they had Joe Mauer and his sweet, sweet 1.167 OPS%.  During the off-season, Mauer and [...]

• Mike Rosenbaum's 2010 Predictions

  April 7, 2010 NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Reds, Astros, Pirates NL West: Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Padres NL Wild Card: Giants NLCS: Cardinals def. Phillies NL MVP: Albert Pujols NL Cy Young: Tommy Hanson NL ROY: Stephen Strasburg AL East: Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles AL Central: White Sox, Tigers, Twins, Indians, Royals AL West: Rangers, [...]

• Finding Value in Relief Pitchers

  March 29 , 2010 Regardless of which fantasy references you frequent, I’m sure that you have been beaten upside the head with theories as to how to draft relief pitching.  I have both read and experimented with advice that has ranged from the conservative, waiting until the 3rd round to draft the best available closer, to [...]