Posts belonging to Category Mike Rosenbaum

Bottom 2: Paul Goldschmidt struck out swinging against Mike Pelfrey

Bottom 4: Goldschmidt struck out swinging against Pelfrey

Bottom 6: Goldschmidt struck out swinging against Pedro Beato

Bottom 8: Goldschmidt called out on strikes against Bobby Parnell

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K

Notes: For a power hitter like Goldschmidt, especially a rookie power hitter, golden sombreros will happen.  In 41 at-bats since being called up, he has struck out 18 times.  However, Goldschmidt is also capable of this, which, for the record, was way farther than 450 feet.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 88

Bottom 1: Kosuke Fukudome grounded out to short against Doug Fister

Bottom 4: Fukudome struck out swinging against Duane Below

Bottom 7: Fukudome struck out swinging against Daniel Schlereth

Bottom 10: Fukudome called out on strikes against Phil Coke

Bottom 12: Fukudome struck out swinging against Joaquin Benoit

Bottom 14: Fukudome hit by pitch by David Pauley

Final Line: 0-for-5, 4 K, HBP, RBI

Notes: A week ago, Fukudome was a hit by a pitch in the 14^th inning to drive home the game-winning run and secure a 3-2 victory over the Tigers.  With a potential platinum sombrero on the line, Fukudome wisely stuck out his elbow and wore the David Pauley fastball.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 87

While most of the The Golden Sombrero’s writers and contributors remain involved in the game (coaching, scouting or playing), Robbie Unsell is in a league of his own.

Since moving to London to attend the Royal Veterinary College after graduating from Grinnell in 2008, Unsell has emerged as a star two-way player in the British Baseball Federation.

Earlier today Joe Gray published an article highlighting the league leaders, and Unsell’s name is practically plastered everywhere. The shortstop for Richmond, he leads the league in runs scored (29), triples (4), walks (20), and is currently tied for the lead with 26 stolen bases – he captured the stolen base crown in 2009 and 2010.

And we’re just getting started. Unsell also leads the league with a .463 batting average, and is two points off the lead in slugging percentage with .780.

On the bump, the right-hander’s five wins are two shy of the league lead.  He also leads the league with a minuscule 0.61 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 11.22 K/9.

Continue to check back as we track Unsell’s progress toward becoming one of the most dynamic and successful players in the history of the BBF.

This may sound cheesy, but we’re damn proud of you, Bob.

Bottom 1: Nelson Cruz struck out swinging against Ubaldo Jimenez

Bottom 3: Cruz called out on strikes against Jimenez

Bottom 5: Cruz struck out swinging against Jimenez

Bottom 7: Cruz flied out to center against Joe Smith

Bottom 9: Cruz called out on strikes against Chris Perez

Final Line: 0-for-5, 4 K

Notes: Cruz collected his first golden sombrero of the 2011 season in the Rangers 8-7, 11-inning win against the Tribe last Friday.  He fanned in each at-bat against Ubaldo and was one of two players not to record a hit – Endy Chavez the other.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 86

This season, Friday has become a day dedicated to the debut of some of baseball’s finest prospects. On June 10 we celebrated Mike Moustakas Day; on June 17 it was Dustin Ackley Day; on July 8 it was Mike Trout; and on July 22 we celebrated Jason Kipnis Day.

Today we celebrate the arrival of the Toronto Blue Jays’ top prospect, Brett Lawrie.  He would have debuted weeks ago if not for a set back due to a broken wrist.  Nevertheless, Lawrie has done everything and more this season at Triple-A Las Vegas in the Pacific Coast League.  In 329 plate appearances, Lawrie has slashed .353/.415/.661 with 24 doubles, 6 triples, 18 home runs and 61 RBI.  His plate discipline, which was the major concern surrounding Lawrie headed into the season, has drastically improved: 53 strikeouts and 26 walks.

Lawrie will play third base for the remaining seven weeks for the Blue Jays and should make an immediate impact.

So…happy Brett Lawrie Day, everybody.