Top 1: Jim Thome struck out swinging against Luke Hochevar

Top 4: called out on strikes against Hochevar

Top 6: called out on strikes against Hochevar

Top 9: struck out swinging against Greg Holland

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K

Notes: With his golden sombrero on Saturday, Thome became the second player this season to accomplish the feat for two different teams – Kelly Johnson is the other.  A recent addition to the 600 Home Run Club, I can only imagine how many times Thome has worn a sombrero in his career. It looks like it might be time to subscribe to Baseball-Reference.com’s Play Index…

Total 2011 Sombreros: 104

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-       I am glad to see Jim Thome waive his no trade clause and return to Cleveland.  He is the anti-LeBron for that city, not to mention they could really use his bat to make a final push at the playoffs.

-       Talk about a grand showing by the Yankees last night.  Did anyone else find it as fitting as I did that Curtis Granderson was the guy to hit the record setting 3^rd grand slam?  Thank goodness it wasn’t Derek Jeter.  I am tired of hearing people talk about how great he still is.

-       Just to point out a few stats the back up my claim that despite his recent “resurgence” at the plate, Jeter is still not very good anymore.  His .299 avg. is completely hollow.  His isolated power stands at a paltry .088 (lowest of his career).  This in turn leads to his meager .388 slugging percentage and an OPS of only .747.  He is on pace to set career lows in runs scored and total bases.  I am not here to pile on with the Jeter haters.  I just wish people would put it into perspective that despite his mashing of late, he is still set to have one of the worst years of his career.  Dude is still a 1^st ballot HOF though…so don’t get it twisted.

-       Those of you who saw California’s Braydon Salzman take a comebacker right of the brim of his hat witnessed something amazing.  For the science behind why he was not killed immediately upon impact check out this video from ESPN’s Sport Science.

-       I watched The Sandlot last night on AMC and was reminded of why that movie is the Best Baseball Movie of All Time.  For more details on that, look for my write up on the movie to come out later today.

-       Lenny Dykstra has been charged with indecent exposure.  Supposedly he exposed himself to women he met on Craigslist…Hello ladies, why else do you think a washed-up, has-been, like Lenny Dykstra wants to meet you based on an internet personal ad?

-       And ending on a good note for my Astros today, we actually won a real, live, major league baseball game last night!

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• Mevs over at Diamond Hoggers offers a suggestion on how to spice up the All-Star Game and its other side-stage events: The Pitcher Home Run Derby.  So, who would win? I also applaud Mevs on the inclusion of Mike Hampton’s 1992 Bowman rookie card. That may be the most awkward card series of all time. See for yourself.

• One of my favorite baseball bloggers, The Flagrant Fan urges the Cardinals to trade Colby Rasmus, and believes that a change of scenery would do the 24-year-old some good.  Over at FanGraphs, though, Steve Slowinski explains why the Cardinals will not be able to trade him. It’s important to note that both articles were written before Colby’s dad burst back on the scene.

• Jim Thome is four home runs shy of becoming the eighth player in baseball history to reach the 600 home run milestone…and nobody seems to be talking about it.  Considering that Thome has NEVER been linked to any sort of PED use, and is perennially regarded as one of the best dudes in all of baseball, why aren’t people talking about this? Perhaps it’s because three of its current members were known steroid users (and flagrant liars). Babes Love Baseball is dead on when they argue that Thome’s 600^th longball is both imminent and a huge deal.

• With Adam Dunn as well as the majority of the White Sox offense still struggling mightily, Jim Margalus (my favorite White Sox blogger) of South Side Sox lays out several potential trades that Kenny Williams could swing as the trade deadline rapidly approaches.

• Speaking of the ever-frustrating Dunn, our friend MTD from Off-Base Percentage airs his frustrations over Ozzie Guillen’s reluctance to bench the big man.  Apparently Ozzie will only sit Dunn if he’s not helping the ball club, which seems pretty ridiculous if you ask me.  There’s no way he is helping the team by turning in an 0-for performance every night which includes at least two strikeouts and three or four runners left on base.

• One of the most frequently mentioned names in trade discussions has been Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who, in the face of a deal that would send him to the Angels, recently stated that he would veto any trade.  With 10-to-5 rights, Ramirez can only be traded if he gives it a thumbs up.  If he’s traded, his potential suitor will be forced to pick up his massive $16 million option for 2012, which seems like nothing given how much the Halos spent on Vernon Wells this offseason.  It comes down to this: Is Aramis Ramirez content with losing, or does he want to play for a contender? Foul Balls weighs in on the issue…

• MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Tigers designated third baseman/super utility man Brandon Inge for assignment on Wednesday after acquiring Wilson Betemit from the Royals.  Even though he was never a star player, I’ve always had a soft spot for Inge.  No, it’s definitely not because he loaded up with a bunch of lame tattoos over the last few seasons. Rather, it’s because he’s an absolutely freak across the athletic board.  At 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, here is a summary of Inge’s sheer athleticism: can drive a golf ball 400+ yards; can dunk a basketball; MLB All-Star (that’s the obvious one); and he can kick (at least) a 50-yard field goal. Don’t believe me? Here’s a link to Laura Downhour’s original article which highlights the team-less infielders abilities. Oh yeah, dude also told a terminally ill kid that he’d hit a home run for him in a game….and did.

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Top 2: Jim Thome struck out swinging against Mark Buehrle

Top 4: Thome called out on strikes against Buehrle

Top 6: Thome struck out swinging against Buehrle

Top 9: Thome struck out swinging against Jesse Crain

Final Line: 0-for-4, 4 K

Notes: The novelty of a Jim Thome golden sombrero faded a long time ago, as the 40-year-old veteran is second on the all-time strikeout list with 2,431 – only 166 behind Reggie Jackson.  Thome’s also five home runs shy of joining the 600 HR club.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 68

The Golden Sombrero presents MLB Look-alikes: Jim Thome and Jamey Sheridan