As we briefly mentioned last week, the Atlanta Braves have cleared the way at first base for power hitting prospect, Freddie Freeman.  With a physique similar to that of Brandon Belt of the San Francisco Giants, the 6’5,” 225 pound Freeman is poised to make an impact in 2011, hitting in the middle of the Braves order alongside Jason Heyward.

Drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, Freeman was ranked by Baseball America as the 32^nd best prospect in all of baseball headed into the 2010 season.  And at just 20-years of age, in his first season at Triple-A Gwinnett, the left-handed hitting youngster demonstrated exactly why he was deserving of such a prominent ranking.

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Ok, so they didn’t actually say that, but you have to imagine that the Florida Marlins’ announcing tandem of Rich Waltz and Tommy Hutton were instantly devastated upon learning that the organization had traded Dan Uggla.  No longer will they be able to deliver their patented home run call, “His name is Dan Uggla!”

Soon, Marlins fans will have the joy of hearing, “His name is Omar Infante!” Granted, it will only be, roughly, eight to nine times per year, and for the sole purpose of informing the fan base that they have a new player.

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On Tuesday, rumors began to circulate regarding Justin Upton and the Arizona Diamondbacks willingness to hear offers for their right fielder.  Thus far, the teams that have expressed an interest in the 23-year old include the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and as of a few minutes ago, the New York Yankees.  Prior to the start of the 2010 season, Upton — who, on The Golden Sombrero, is commonly referred to as JUpton — signed a 6-year/$50 mil deal with the Diamondbacks that will make him a free agent after the 2015 season.

In 2010, he posted a .799 OPS that included 27 doubles, 17 home runs and 69 RBI, while playing in 133 games.  There are very few players in all of baseball who possess the strength and bat control that Upton does, and I expect that nearly every team will inquire about his availability.  Here is a video of him taking batting practice during Spring Training in 2010:

The Golden Sombrero presents Rookie Card Corner: Adam Wainwright 2000 Bowman

Fun Fact: Waino hit the first major-league pitch he saw out of the park, a feat only six other players had done before him.  To commemorate the event, the St. Louis Cardinals gave him an engraved Rolex watch.

Over the last few seasons, I have learned that the baseball world is perpetually invested in the demise of Jeff Francoeur.  Even those who root for him as a member of their favorite team think that the guy is an arrogant bum.  I’ll admit it; I liked the guy when he first came up with the Braves.  I didn’t exactly think he was the greatest thing ever — or as Sports Illustrated claimed, “The Natural” — but I believed that the guy had a lot of potential.

Last night, as I was killing time by scouring eBay for various baseball rookie cards(yes, I’m 25-years old, shut up), I stumbled upon one of Jeff Francoeur.  Now, on eBay, nearly every baseball rookie card will eventually sell, even if it is eventually at a reduced price.  Over the years, the depreciation and gross production of baseball cards has made many of the cards people once dreamed about buying, a possibility.  Hell, even Jose Canseco’s rookie cards get a few bids and eventually find a new home.

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