Posts belonging to Category Major League Baseball

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.

Bottom 2: Cody Ross struck out swinging against Cliff Lee

Bottom 4: Ross struck out swinging against Lee

Bottom 7: Ross struck out swinging against Lee

Bottom 9: Ross called out on strikes against Lee

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K, 3 LOB

Notes: On Thursday night Ross fanned against CLee in all four at-bat and became the second player to notch a sombrero in that manner this season.  Even though he may be known around Philly as SORRYDOC, the 2010 NLCS MVP was hardly a threat against Lee.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 85

The Golden Sombrero presents MLB Look-alikes: Andres Torres and A.J. McLean

That’s right, Torres looks like one of the Backstreet Boys. It took me awhile to put my finger on this one, but after four episodes of ‘The Franchise’ on Showtime, it finally clicked.  I must admit: this is a pretty good one.

Be on the lookout for a few more MLB Look-alikes that will be posted over the weekend.

Top 2: Carlos Santana struck out on a foul tip against Tim Wakefield

Top 4: Santana struck out swinging against Wakefield

Top 6: Santana struck out swinging against Wakefield

Top 8: Santana struck out swinging against Randy Williams

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K

Notes: To say that Santana struggled against Wakefield’s knuckie would be a gross understatement.  In fact, Santana was so baffled by the pitch that he actually turned around to face him right-handed for his third at-bat.  As you can see above, it didn’t matter; his golden sombrero was meant to be.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 84

Top 3: J.P. Arencibia struck out swinging against David Price

Top 5: Arencibia struck out swinging against Price

Top 7: Arencibia struck out swinging against Juan Cruz

Top 9: Arencibia struck out swinging against Brandon Gomes

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K

Notes: Arencibia’s golden sombrero against David Price and the Rays on Tuesday night was his second of the season.  Now hitting ninth in the Blue Jays’ batting order, the rookie has shown pretty impressive pop (17 HR, .232 ISO).  However, he has also shown a propensity to strike out (93 K, 28.7 K%), which explains the .219 batting average.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 83