The Golden Sombrero presents MLB Look-alikes: Mike Trout and Lochlyn Munro

Thanks to long-time friend of the Sombrero, Jim Malewitz, for digging this one up…he’s probably the only sick bastard who could have made this connection.  Be sure to check out Jim’s work on the Iowa City Digress, and also his blog, How To Train A Watchdog: (Mis)Adventures in Non-Profit Journalism.

• Jesus Montero has been training with Joe Girardi and Tony Pena at the Yankees’ Spring Training complex since the end of January, and has apparently shed a few pounds in the process.  Although 28-year-old Russell Martin will likely serve as the Yankees’ primary catcher, Montero will have a shot to win the back up role during Spring Training.  Sliding Into Home dissects some comments made this week by the confident 21-year-old, who is preparing to make a strong impression in the coming weeks.

• It should come as no surprise that the Los Angeles Angels are planning to take their sweet-ass time grooming their prized-prospect, Mike Trout.  This week, Angels GM Tony Reagins announced that the 19-year-old outfielder will begin the season in Double-A, and that it’s “unlikely” we will see him in the Major Leagues until 2012.  This offseason, Trout was crowned baseball’s top prospect headed into the 2011 season, ahead of the immaculate Bryce Harper.

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• In a stunning eight-player deal, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Matt Garza, Fernando Martinez, and Zach Rosscup to the Chicago Cubs, and received a slew of prospects in return- Chris Archer, Brandon Guyer, Robinson Chirinos, Sam Fuld, and Hak-Ju Lee.  Although the players that the Cubs parted with are just prospects – all but Fuld are yet to reach the Major Leagues – I sincerely believe that they surrendered too much for Garza.  And after reading Dave Cameron’s analysis of Garza over at FanGraphs, I’ve only become more convinced this was the case.

• Although they are not nearly as despicable as the staff of the Chicago Tribune – don’t get me started on Phil Rogers – the Chicago Sun Times sports writers are still pretty inept.  On the morning following the announcement of the Garza trade, the Sun Times published a photo of Joaquin Benoit on the cover of the sports section instead of the newly acquired Garza.  A slip up of this magnitude speaks volumes about the crack-squad of writers and editors that they willingly employ.

• This week we learned that the St. Louis Cardinals and their prized slugger, Albert Pujols, resumed talks regarding an extension before the 2011 season.  But even when the Cardinals lock up the all-mighty Pujols, will it be enough? I-70 Baseball explores the trades made by the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs, and offers some insight as to how the 2011 Cardinals team will compare.

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#45 Hank Conger – Los Angeles Angels

C

DOB: 1-29-88

ETA: 2011

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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: