-  Nyjer Morgan is exciting.  His defensive prowess in the outfield is absolutely fun to watch.  He brings a competitive nature to the game that should be lost on no man.  However, with that said, I wish Albert Pujols would have continued past the mound and cold-clocked Morgan right in his jaw last night.  C’mon Nyjer, there was no reason to get all butt-hurt over that AB last night.

-  It would appear that that Ian Kinsler just can’t help but lay lumber right now. (7 HR’s in his last 7 games.) I am proud to call him a fellow Central Arizona College Alum…ride Vaqueros, ride!

-  Is there anyone out there that can overtake Ben Revere’s over-the-shoulder masterpiece for play of the year?  Of course not.  So I ask you, which catch is better?  That one- or this one?

-  What is up with fans reaching over into the field of play on homeruns? I get it on foul balls, but really people? Don’t screw up a ball in fair territory folks.  It just makes you look bad.

-  Speaking of balls leaving the yard…heads up, pal!

-  A.J. Burnett sure is working hard to make his case for sticking in the Yanks starting rotation with amazing efforts like this.

-  If the criteria for voting on the MVP are so vague, why not just give the award to the player who accumulates the highest WAR at season’s end?  Are wins not the most valued outcome in all of baseball?

-  Did you know that Jeff “Frenchy” Francoeur is tied (with Ben “The Zorilla” Zobrist) for the most doubles in the AL?  Me neither.  To put the cherry on top of an excellently resurgent season, Frenchy turned back the clock to the first year of playing baseball on 90’ bases with this play.

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Top 2: Jeff Francouer struck out swinging against Tim Stauffer

Top 4: Francoeur struck out swinging against Stauffer

Top 6: Francouer called out on strikes against Stauffer

Top 8: Francoeur struck out swinging against Chad Qualls

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K

Notes: Frenchy’s sombrero on Wednesday was his second of the season, as he accounted for four of the Royals six strikeouts in the game.  He is also the fifth player to notch multiple sombreros this season.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 55

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Top 1: Jeff Francoeur struck out swinging against Gio Gonzalez

Top 3: Francoeur struck out swinging against Gonzalez

Top 5: Francoeur doubled to left against Gonzalez

Top 7: Francoeur struck out swinging against Joey Devine

Top 9: Francoeur struck out swinging against Grant Balfour

Final Line: 1-for-5, 2B, RBI, 4 K

Notes: Oh Frenchy, why am I not surprised.  His four strikeouts accounted for a quarter of his team’s total punch-outs on Thursday, as the Royals were carved up by Gio Gonzalez and three other Oakland relievers.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 44

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Everyone has a vice.  If you’re like me, you have multiple vices.  My favorite vice, fantasy baseball, is right around the corner, so I just couldn’t help but look for some interesting angle to write on in January.  Analysis of off-season moves are done by, well everyone.  Rankings and season previews are more of a spring-training time piece.  Writing about the shittiness of any one of my Houston Astros’ players value (except Mr. Bourn and WayRod, duh) is pointless for so many reasons.  So what does that really leave a guy with in January?  How about a little head-to-head action…by position.  I’m not talking about looking at the top guys at each position, but rather the guys in those second – possibly third if you’re in a deep league – tier guys that can really make or break your draft and season.  Over the next week and a half, I will take a look at a couple of guys from each position and see how they match up versus their higher drafted counterparts.  As per usual, any ideas, thoughts, or beliefs (both supporting and opposing) are welcomed.

First base is a rather deep position this year with Joey Votto emerging as the hitter many have seen coming, Adrian Gonzalez getting to trade Petco for Fenway, Prince Fielder heading into free agency after the season (I’m a sucker for a guy playing for a new, mega-sized contract), as well as your standards like Ryan Howard, Miguel Cabrera, and Mark Teixeira.  If you are not fortunate enough to secure one of those guys, then whom do you take a flier on?

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• The Mourning Journal is reporting that the baseball world lost yet another legend on late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning, as Bob Feller has passed away at the age of 92.  Earlier in the day it was reported that Feller had been moved into hospice care in Cleveland, and now comes the potentially heartbreaking news of the Hall of Famer’s death several hours later. *I am still seeking further confirmation on this story, check back for updates* [Mourning Journal]

• I’m sure that Atlanta Braves’ fans had a good laugh yesterday after learning that the Kansas City Royals had signed both Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera.  If the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox made a splash in the free agent market, then one would have to assume that the Royals are floating face down. [MLB Trade Rumors]

• The always bat-shit-crazy Luke Scott took the time to give David Brown another candid interview on Wednesday at the Winter Meetings.  It turns out that the gun-toting, buck hunter is also a “birther.” I know, shocker. [Big League Stew]

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