Bottom 1: Adam Dunn struck out swinging against Jon Garland

Bottom 3: Dunn struck out on foul tip against Garland

Bottom 4: Dunn walked against Ramon Troncoso

Bottom 6: Dunn struck out swinging against Troncoso

Bottom 8: Dunn called out on strikes against Lance Cormier

Final Line: 0-4, 4K, BB

Notes: Dunn, who has yet to record a hit off a left-hander this season, was the only White Sox starter without a hit on Saturday.  Furthermore, the White Sox only struck out five times as a team, four of which belonged to Dunn. The slugger is now hitting a dismal .190 this season.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 27

Top 2: Chris Iannetta struck out swinging against Kyle Kendrick

Top 3: Iannetta called out on strikes against Kendrick

Top 5: Iannetta struck out swinging against Danys Baez

Top 7: Iannetta struck out swinging against Scott Mathieson

Top 9: Iannetta flew out to right field J.C. Romero

Final Line: 0-5, 4 K

Notes: Not only did Iannetta wear the golden sombrero on Thursday, he also was kind enough to leave six runners on base in the Rockies 7-1 win over the Phillies.  Luckily for he and the rest of the Rockies’ offense, Jason Giambi picked up the slack, accounting for all seven runs thanks to three home runs.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 26

It has been announced that Drayton McLane and Jim Crane have reached an agreement on the purchase of the (my) Houston Astros.  This sale brings closure to the end of an era that has seen the Astros reach the World Series, and then become the laughing stock of all MLB organizations. (Except maybe Pittsburgh…maybe.)  McLane took over the Astros in 1993.  While Drayton is leaving this franchise amidst one of it’s lowest points, he also gave Astros fans plenty to be thankful for.  While my view on things tends to lean towards the more cynical, I am always, always, always grateful for baseball and what baseball brings to my life.  So instead of focusing on where Drayton has left us, I want to thank him for what he brought us during his tenure as owner of the Houston Astros.

Continue Reading »

Top 1: Marlon Byrd struck out swinging against Edinson Volquez

Top 4: Byrd struck out swinging against Volquez

Top 6: Byrd struck out swinging against Volquez

Top 8: Byrd struck out swinging against Jordan Smith

Final Line: 0-4, 4K

Notes: Byrd simply couldn’t touch Volquez on Tuesday, striking out swinging in each of his three at-bats against the Reds’ starter.  Although he is hitting .309, Byrd’s non-existent power continues to leave people thinking, “What the hell was that first half of 2010 all about?”

Total 2011 Sombreros: 25

It is that time of the year for owners to come to grips with the reality of their team.  Your guys have either performed at or above the level you expected when drafting them, or have fallen short of reaching your expectations.  But even if you might have flopped on draft day, chances are you have at least a couple of guys on your roster that other owners would love to have.  If you only have a couple guys worthwhile on your roster, it’s probably time to make some moves and expand.  Turn your one stud into a couple of players that allow you to upgrade at multiple positions.  If you are an owner that currently has a hard time fitting everybody into the lineup on a daily basis, it is time to consolidate and bring in that one stud that will help ensure your team reamins in the top tier of your league.  If you refuse to make a move now, you might find yourself dwelling in the cellar for the rest of the season, and that makes for a miserable summer.

Continue Reading »