The Golden Sombrero presents MLB Look-alikes: Joe Tinker and Nicolas Cage

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:

Do you know what divine intervention is, Garrett Olson?

In the upcoming issue of ESPN The Magazine, Felix Hernandez and Garrett Olson of the Seattle Mariners decided to cut loose, trading in their gloves for guns, and their own pride for laughs.  Dressed as Vincent Vega and Jules — with King Felix playing Jules, naturally — from Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” the two Mariners’ pitchers clearly embraced the rare opportunity, as you will see in the remaining photos.

My only question: Garrett Olson? Really? Does that mean Ryan Rowland-Smith was unavailable?

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The Golden Sombrero presents Rookie Card Corner: Roy Halladay 1997 Bowman

Fun Fact: As a boy, Roy was an avid card collector.  His most treasured cards were Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, and Dale Murphy.

A few months ago we posted about our good friend, Sam Eaton (known to us as “Eat-a”; pronounced EET-uh), and his job within the Arizona Diamondbacks’ front office. Last week Eat-a was promoted. He now is the Assistant to Baseball Operations. Quite clearly in our opinion Kevin Towers is running the best front office in baseball out there in Phoenix with talents like Eat-a being recognized and rewarded so appropriately. We fully expect them back in the World Series very soon.

Congratulations, dude! We’re really proud of you and know you’re going to continue to excel in your new role. Maybe see if you can’t get them to send you to scout Matt Purke some Friday evening this spring. I will meet you out in Fort Worth after school. Lots of love from the Sombrero, man.