Posts belonging to Category Major League Baseball

The Golden Sombrero presents Rookie Card Corner: Roy Halladay 1997 Bowman

Fun Fact: As a boy, Roy was an avid card collector.  His most treasured cards were Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, and Dale Murphy.

A few months ago we posted about our good friend, Sam Eaton (known to us as “Eat-a”; pronounced EET-uh), and his job within the Arizona Diamondbacks’ front office. Last week Eat-a was promoted. He now is the Assistant to Baseball Operations. Quite clearly in our opinion Kevin Towers is running the best front office in baseball out there in Phoenix with talents like Eat-a being recognized and rewarded so appropriately. We fully expect them back in the World Series very soon.

Congratulations, dude! We’re really proud of you and know you’re going to continue to excel in your new role. Maybe see if you can’t get them to send you to scout Matt Purke some Friday evening this spring. I will meet you out in Fort Worth after school. Lots of love from the Sombrero, man.

The San Francisco Giants selected Buster Posey 5th overall in the 2008 MLB First Year Player Draft.  After being called up on May 29th, Posey played a major role in the Giants’ late-season surge to reach the playoffs, and ultimately win the World Series.  In just 108 games, he hit .305 with 23 doubles, 18 home runs and 67 RBI.  On Monday, the 23-year old was named the National League’s Rookie of the Year after receiving 20 1st-place votes.  Here is a video of the always-impressive Posey taking batting practice as a California League All-Star in 2009:

• Rumors continue to swirl regarding Paul Konerko’s potential suitors…..even if the White Sox resign him, they would still like to acquire a major left-handed bat…..Dayan Viciedo could be the homegrown solution to a void left by Konerko. [MLB.com]

• Ozzie is preparing himself for a team and life without free agents A.J. Pierzynski and Paul Konerko…..Bobby Jenks career with the White Sox is looking like it’s over…..team might have interest in American League’s top closer, free agent Rafael Soriano. [ESPN]

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The Los Angeles Angels selected outfielder Mike Trout with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.  Before the 2010 season, Baseball America ranked Trout as the #3 prospect within the Angels’ organization, and 85th overall.  At just 18-years old, Trout hit .341 with six home runs, 28 doubles, 39 RBI, and 56 stolen bases, while splitting time between Cedar Rapids and Rancho Cucamonga.  Additionally, he exhibited excellent plate disciple, drawing 73 walks and striking out 85 times in 508 at-bats.  Here is a video of Trout — who will likely be named one of baseball’s top prospects prior to the 2011 season — taking batting practice as a member of Team USA: