{"id":8,"date":"2010-05-06T14:22:46","date_gmt":"2010-05-06T21:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=8"},"modified":"2011-10-07T13:07:52","modified_gmt":"2011-10-07T18:07:52","slug":"griffin-phelps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/about\/griffin-phelps","title":{"rendered":"Griffin Phelps"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Griffin Phelps is currently teaching 6th<\/sup> grade Language Arts and Social Studies at Mesa View Middle school in Farmington, NM.\u00a0 He is finishing up classes towards his teaching degree via the Alternative Licensure Program at the local San Juan College.\u00a0 Better known as Flips by some, he graduated from Farmington High School in 2003.\u00a0 He attended the University of Arizona on a baseball scholarship as a freshman, only to blow out his knee and watch from the bench as his team made it to Omaha.\u00a0 He transferred to Central Arizona College where he studied (?) and played for 3 semesters before succumbing to a blown out elbow and Tommy John surgery.\u00a0 Two major reconstructive surgeries in 3 years drove him to hang up his spikes and pursue another dream\u2026the mountains.\u00a0 Griffin to decided to move out to the biggest little city in the world and join his younger brother Brett at the University of Nevada.\u00a0 Griffin enjoyed fresh pow, legalized gaming, and delivery pizzas on his way to a degree in the spring of 2009.\u00a0 Now days Griffin works as an instructor at the Strike Zone in Farmington.\u00a0 He also heads up FHS\u2019s C-team program during the spring and the Local Farmington Cardinals Connie Mack team during the summer.\u00a0 He also is an active participant in the Denslow Cup but has never finished above 5th<\/sup> in his 4 years in the league.\u00a0 You want to know more about Flips, check him out on Reverb Nation.\u00a0 Want to know more about Griffin, hit him up here: griffin13phelps@gmail.com<\/a>.\u00a0 One.
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\n Bud Selig Is Blowing It<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Bud\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

When I first heard the news that MLB was sending two teams to Japan to kick-off the 2012 season I didn\u2019t think much of it.\u00a0 Now that I am stuck in a classroom full of 6th graders taking state mandated tests, I have some time on my hands.\u00a0 Major League Baseball is a monster-sized, multi-national, […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n There’s Always Magic Happening<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"There’s\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Dear Astros Fans, I know it has been a while since we have heard any promising news for the upcoming season.\u00a0 \u00a0I know it has probably been as hard for you, as it has been for me.\u00a0 With stories like this, this, or even this, it\u2019s always a blessing to come across something, anything that […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Planting My Flag<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Planting\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Fantasy analysts are always talking about players that they are \u201cplanting their flags in\u201d (Am I supposed to feel dirty when I type that?) each year.\u00a0 I used to think this was a bad idea, as it might lead to poor draft day decisions. \u00a0Now that I am more seasoned I realize that we all […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Liveblogging My 1st Mock Draft of 2012<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Liveblogging\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

All fantasy baseball players begin jonesing for a fix after the New Year kicks off.\u00a0 I cannot be excluded from this group.\u00a0I always try to wait and indulge in my first mock draft once all the big names and major moves off the off-season have finished panning out.\u00a0 With the announcement of Ryan Braun\u2019s victorious […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Baseball is Neet: Peach’s Neet Feet<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Baseball\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Griff’s neet feet Here at the Golden Sombrero I would like to take advantage of our viewership to spread the word about a charitable organization that is near and dear to me. \u00a0Peach’s Neet Feet is a not-for-profit organization that provides custom shoes for children with cancer and other long-term disabilities. \u00a0It was started by […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Interview With a Vambauer<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Interview\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

I originally planned on writing a review of my time spent at the ABCA (American baseball Coaches Association) national convention in Anaheim.\u00a0 However, every time I began to think about the idea I grew more and more tired with it.\u00a0 Finally, I realized that if I were already tired of the subject, then how could […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Road to the ABCA<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Road\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

I guess the best place to start is here- from my seat on this here train.\u00a0 It\u2019s five \u2018til 8 and we are on the Amtrak from Gallup, New Mexico and won\u2019t exit this beast until we hit Fullerton, California.\u00a0 What do five coaches, a 12-hour overnight train ride, four and a half days in […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n A Trade, A Fan, and A Story<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"A\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

    Welcome to the big leagues Jeff Luhnow.\u00a0 A mere six days into his inaugural tenure as a general manager of a Major League franchise Mr. Luhnow has already completed his first trade.\u00a0 As a fan I\u2019m stoked.\u00a0 Sure, it might have cost us a cheap and controlled closer, but who cares when you\u2019re […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n World Series Thoughts and Predictions<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"World\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

With the Fall Classic kicking off tonight, I felt compelled to make my predictions for this exciting World Series. Let me start off by saying that I am rooting for Texas. For starters, as an Astros diehard I would not be able to look myself in the mirror if I rooted for those bastards from […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/20\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

  – \u00a0I am finally sold on Ian Kennedy.\u00a0 Dude has won more games this year than he has in his entire big league career.\u00a0 And after watching him strike out six in a row in the 7th and 8th innings last night, I just can\u2019t ignore the impression it left upon me.\u00a0 He is […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/19\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

– \u00a0What a weekend for baseball.\u00a0 The Rays were able to pull within 2 games of the Red Sox and the AL Wild Card spot. The best play of this series was started by David Price\u2019s chest, though. – \u00a0Justin Verlander is a beast.\u00a0 12 consecutive starts, and 12 consecutive wins.\u00a0 Not to mention he […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/15\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

– \u00a0Who does Shelley Duncan think he is?\u00a0 He must think he is the man he makes sure all bad things happen in 3\u2019s.\u00a0 Bad joke\u2026maybe.\u00a0 But bad defensive outfielder\u2026not last night. – \u00a0Why in the world was Clayton Kershaw ejected for that pitch the other night?\u00a0 And I better not hear the argument that […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/14\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

– \u00a0Congrats to Tim Wakefield on his 200th win.\u00a0 Dude is 45 (2nd oldest pitcher to ever record 200 wins btw) and throws a flippin’ knuckleball.\u00a0 That tells you a lot about the guy. – \u00a0Was J.P. Howell actually crying in the dugout after giving up that dinger to Matt Weiters? \u00a0I wonder what Jimmy […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/13\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

– \u00a0How bout those Rays?\u00a0 Can they really pull the rabbit out of the hat and clench a playoff berth?\u00a0 I mentioned this earlier as a joke, but the Tampa Bay Rays are about to pull a Houdini. – \u00a0But which is more impressive- The Rays surge, or the Boston Red Sox collapse? – \u00a0Good […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/8\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

    – \u00a0Nyjer Morgan is exciting.\u00a0 His defensive prowess in the outfield is absolutely fun to watch.\u00a0 He brings a competitive nature to the game that should be lost on no man.\u00a0 However, with that said, I wish Albert Pujols would have continued past the mound and cold-clocked Morgan right in his jaw last […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/7\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

– \u00a0As a former student of the University of Nevada, I saw my fair share of drugged out women of the night.\u00a0 Watching CJ Wilson last night brought back memories.\u00a0 His cutter and curve were as nasty as the workers of Reno\u2019s 4th street corners. – \u00a0Speaking of the Rangers, who put firecrackers inside David […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/6\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

I hope everyone enjoyed his or her holiday weekend as much as I did.\u00a0 Lots of exciting things happening over Labor Day weekend, so let\u2019s jump right in. – I finally caved and joined Twitter.\u00a0 Follow me @sp_flips to get up to date info and nonsense. – So much for having a bunch of exciting […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 9\/2\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stephen Strasburg\u2019s final rehab start has come and gone.\u00a0 He again looked supreme in comparison to the hitters he faced.\u00a0 He even appears to have more of a mental edge after recovering from Tommy John.\u00a0 Watching the way he carried himself, and the mound presence he exuded, gave me goose bumps.\u00a0 MLB hitters be […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 8\/31\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Another Yankees vs. Red Sox series got underway last night\u2026yawn.\u00a0 At least there was a little bit of tension after Francisco Cervelli\u2019s (weak) celebration of his own homerun.\u00a0 But other than that, what is the point of so many meaningless games for these two teams down the stretch Bud Selig? –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How cool would […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 8\/30\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What a night for southpaws last night.\u00a0 As predicted here yesterday, Wandy Rodriguez was masterful.\u00a0 He struck out a career high 13 through seven-innings.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad the Astros kept him around, as he could be a solid No. 2 for years to come. –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Did Cole Hamels forget that this was his first start […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 8\/29\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sure, the Yankees are one of, if not the most storied franchise in baseball.\u00a0 They have a history of being larger than life, no doubt.\u00a0 However, do they really believe that they are in a position to complain about rescheduling a couple games due to a freaking hurricane?\u00a0 Forget being happy about the fact […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n The Sandlot vs. Bull Durham: Heroes Get Remembered, but Legends Never Die<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"The\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

While flipping through the channels last night around 10:30 PM, I came across one of the all-time classic baseball movies\u2026The Sandlot.\u00a0 For me, and hopefully anyone with a soul and an ounce of love for baseball, this movie is a go-to.\u00a0 No matter what is happening, or what else is on the boob tube, if […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 8\/26\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I am glad to see Jim Thome waive his no trade clause and return to Cleveland.\u00a0 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. –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Talk about a grand showing by the Yankees last night.\u00a0 Did anyone else […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective 8\/25\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I guess it is a good thing that Rangers catcher, Mike Napoli, doesn\u2019t play wide receiver.\u00a0 Big Papi didn\u2019t even look like he was planning on barreling over Napoli, yet the catcher still heard footsteps and lost the handle on what should have been an easy out at the plate.\u00a0 And he\u2019s a catcher? […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective for 8\/24\/11<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Apologies for those of you looking for this article yesterday.\u00a0 At the middle school where I teach we had to teach the new 6th graders how to use and open their lockers, as well as distribute laptops to each individual student.\u00a0 If that sounds like sitting in hell with a puffy coat on, it\u2019s because […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Changeups and Screwballs: A Southpaw\u2019s Perspective: Harper, A-Rod, Weaver and A.L. Central<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Changeups\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Lefty pitchers are baseball\u2019s equivalent of kickers in the NFL.\u00a0 They are just a little bit different.\u00a0 However, because we lefties are such a minority in the realm of baseball, it allows us to provide the rest of you with a unique perspective on the game.\u00a0 Since I have this special ability to provide a […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Random Thoughts<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Random\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Having not written anything recently, I feel completely lost as I try to put together something for Sombrero Nation.\u00a0 I checked the files on both my work computer and home computer, and found out that I have eight different blog posts started, just waiting for me to finish them.\u00a0 For whatever reason, I just have […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n A Retrospective Look at the 2010 Strike Zone Cardinals CMWS Pitching Staff<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"A\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

This year\u2019s Cardinals took the field Friday night following a day of pictures, opening ceremonies, and a parade.\u00a0 The first Friday of the CMWS is a grind, and unprepared teams who happen to draw a Friday evening game always get trounced for not managing the day properly.\u00a0 The host team has no excuse for this […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Trade Bait: Volume 1, Issue 5 (Crawford, Beckett, Greinke, Wallace and Norris)<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Trade\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Each season I always manage to make at least one deal where I move a large amount of players, vastly altering the look of my team.\u00a0 As I have mentioned before, trading players, and acting like a GM, is one of my favorite parts of fantasy baseball.\u00a0 Thus, it is logical to see that I […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Thank You, Mr. McLane<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Thank\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

It has been announced that Drayton McLane and Jim Crane have reached an agreement on the purchase of the (my) Houston Astros.\u00a0 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\u2026maybe.)\u00a0 McLane […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Trade Bait: Volume 1, Issue 4 (Wright, HanRam, Ubaldo, Peavy and Maybin)<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Trade\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

It is that time of the year for owners to come to grips with the reality of their team.\u00a0 Your guys have either performed at or above the level you expected when drafting them, or have fallen short of reaching your expectations.\u00a0 But even if you might have flopped on draft day, chances are you […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Trade Bait: Volume 1, Issue 3 (McCutchen, CarGo, Alexei, Vlad, Roberts and Bay)<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Trade\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Wow, what a week.\u00a0 We had two no-hitters and a few pitchers come up just short of a no-hitter.\u00a0 We also saw a couple streaks come to an end.\u00a0 Unfortunately, Andre Ethier was not able to record a hit for a 31st consecutive game, and Joey Votto\u2019s streak of reaching base safely ended at 33 […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Trade Bait: Volume 1, Issue 2 (Nolasco, Hamels, Uggla, Werth, and Upton)<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Trade\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Another week and another healthy helping of goodness, baseball is well under way with what can finally be considered a \u201cworth-while\u201d sample size.\u00a0 By now, you have had enough time to watch baseball games, dissect saber-stats, and formulate a nice feel for your team and league.\u00a0 It is the primetime to find an unsatisfied owner […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Trade Bait: Zobrist, Crawford, Kinsler, Puma, and Konerko<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Trade\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Playing fantasy baseball is fashionable for many reasons.\u00a0 It appeals to not only rad people, such as myself, but also has qualities that attract the nerdiest guy you know from your AP stats class back in high school.\u00a0 People love the stats, and people love trying to predict the future.\u00a0 If they didn\u2019t, then why […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Griff’s Fantasy Draft Recap<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Griff’s\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

After reading Dee\u2019s write-up of his draft picks, I would like to add my own review of the Denslow Cup 2011 draft.\u00a0 Before we get into my picks and reasoning, let me tell you this: the league is filled with nerds, and playing in an OBP league drastically changes the way our draft goes as […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Sombrero Staff Prognostications: Griff’s 2011 Predictions<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Sombrero\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

National League West Division 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 San Francisco Giants 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Colorado Rockies 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Arizona Diamondbacks 5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 San Diego Padres Central Division 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Milwaukee Brewers 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cincinnati Reds 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St. Louis Cardinals 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chicago Cubs 5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pittsburgh Pirates 6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Houston Astros (tear drop) East Division 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Atlanta Braves 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Philadelphia Phillies 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 New […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Some Outlandish Predictions for 2011<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Some\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Mark Twain is responsible for popularizing the Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke quote, \u201cThere are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”\u00a0 As someone who bases many of his opinions on statistics, I could not agree more.\u00a0 I could take any player, along with any different combination of stats, and come up with two […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Albert Pujols hitting the market is good for baseball<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Albert\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Last night, on ESPN Radio\u2019s Brian Kenny Show, Brian Kenny posed the following question to Jayson Stark: \u201cIs Albert Pujols hitting the market good for baseball?\u201d\u00a0 Stark, being the baseball purist that he is, was a bit befuddled by the question until ultimately saying yes.\u00a0 I tried to wrap my mind around all of the […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Will 2011 be Billy Butler’s “breakout” season?<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Will\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Everyone has a vice.\u00a0 If you\u2019re like me, you have multiple vices.\u00a0 My favorite vice, fantasy baseball, is right around the corner, so I just couldn\u2019t help but look for some interesting angle to write on in January.\u00a0 Analysis of off-season moves are done by, well everyone.\u00a0 Rankings and season previews are more of a […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Fantasy Outlook: Paul Konerko vs. Player B<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Fantasy\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Everyone has a vice.\u00a0 If you\u2019re like me, you have multiple vices.\u00a0 My favorite vice, fantasy baseball, is right around the corner, so I just couldn\u2019t help but look for some interesting angle to write on in January.\u00a0 Analysis of off-season moves are done by, well everyone.\u00a0 Rankings and season previews are more of a […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Pablo Sandoval: was 2009 or 2010 the fluke?<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Pablo\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Yesterday I took a look at Jose Bautista and whether his 2010 season was a fluke. Now, let\u2019s move over to the NL and take a look at a guy that many are hoping regains his 2009 form, and forgets about his pathetic 2010 campaign (especially myself considering that I drafted him last year).\u00a0 He […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Jose Bautista: was 2010 a fluke?<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Jose\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Merriam-Webster defines a fluke as a stroke of luck. As a self-proclaimed fantasy nerd, I am always on the lookout for guys who I think might have had a fluky season.\u00a0 It does not matter to me if the season in question was a positive or negative; I just want to know if a player […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Paper or Plastic, Doesn\u2019t Matter How You Bag It<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Paper\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

So much for it \u201cbeing in the bag,\u201d I guess.\u00a0 As some of my readers may know (although most of you may not), I am a lifelong Houston Astros fan.\u00a0 The first piece of sports memorabilia I ever had as a young child was a Colt .45\u2019s jersey.\u00a0 Having been born and raised in Houston […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Cliff Lee: Destroying A Legacy? Doubtful.<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Cliff\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

After hearing about Cliff Lee duping the entire world, forgoing destinations like Texas and New York and returning back to Philadelphia, I can\u2019t help but find the similarities between this free agent signing and Lebron James.\u00a0 I\u2019m not trying to say that Lee pulled something like \u201cThe Decision.\u201d\u00a0 I am trying to say that what […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Response To Buster Olney’s Video Blog<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Response\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

In the game of baseball it is common place to hear somebody talking about \u201cplaying the game the right way.\u201d\u00a0 The right way means a few things.\u00a0 It means not taking a single pitch off.\u00a0 It means conducting yourself like a professional.\u00a0 It means that as a player, you are willing to sacrifice your body […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n The Final Chapter of the Ricketts Park Series: Connie Mack World Series Time<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"The\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

How you doin Sombrero Nation?\u00a0 I know I have not posted in a while and I apologize for that.\u00a0 I have been busy handling my coaching duties for the Farmington Cardinals, your 2010 FABC representative Host team in the 2010 Connie Mack World Series.\u00a0 I say that with pride.\u00a0 The Cardinals were the winner of […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Sunday’s SombreroCast<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Sunday’s\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

In the latest installment of the SombreroCast, Griff and Dee reflect on a recent Farmington Cardinals game, discuss hitting philosophies, talk about some players and player development and touch on ideas regarding coaching theory. Click here to listen to Part I Click here to listen to Part II<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n The Golden Sombrero’s First Podcast<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

Griff and Dee weigh in on Farmington High School players selected in the MLB Draft, the North\/South series and Stephen Strasburg. Click here to listen to the podcast<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n

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\n Will there ever be another VIP in the 40\/40 club?<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Will\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

“Hell, If I’d known 40-40 was going to be a big deal, I’d have done it every year!”- Mickey Mantle \u201c40\/40 club\/ESPN on the seats\u201d This is exclusivity at it\u2019s best.\u00a0 Fellow blogger Brett (aka my lil brother) wrote a piece on baseball\u2019s influence over hip-hop music.\u00a0 I felt that out of tribute, I should […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Ricketts Park, Part II: The High School Years<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Ricketts\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

First off, let me apologize for my delay in releasing any new pieces for all the people of Sombrero Nation.\u00a0 This last month has been quite a ride.\u00a0 First there was the state tournament (in which the Scorps lost their semi-final game in heartbreaking fashion), then I had to finish up my first year, as […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Big Ups to the Kid: A Tribute to the Real Life Natural<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Big\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

As many of you may know, a colossus of baseball has retired recently.\u00a0 It was a first for me.\u00a0 It was the first time in my life that I had witnessed the retirement of not only my all-time favorite baseball player, but my boyhood idol.\u00a0 Griffey did more for me than most fans.\u00a0 He not […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Slipping Under the Radar<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n
\n \n \"Slipping\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

June 3, 2010 June 1st is a big date in the Fantasy Baseball World.\u00a0 As TMR alluded to in his article on ESPN.com earlier, it marks the opening of trade season.\u00a0 It is also about the time that you begin to have substantial enough data sets to start forming a solid opinion as to what […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n Ricketts Park: A True Diamond in the Rough (Part I)<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

April 25, 2010 My first full season as a high school baseball coach has finally come to an end.\u00a0 For the grand finale, we were able to hook the C-teamers up with a dream come true\u2026playing at Ricketts Park.\u00a0 They got the whole deal, including pre-game batting practice on the field.\u00a0 Watching the grins roll […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n

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\n Thank You, Baseball: An Epiphany<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

April 22, 2010 Late one evening, my assistant coach-for both my high school C-Team and my summer league Connie Mack team-his girlfriend, my girlfriend and I were entertaining ourselves with some rather deep conversation about teaching techniques.\u00a0 By around 12:15 a.m. an epiphany had found its way through to my brain.\u00a0 We all began discussing […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n

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\n Why It Sucks To Be An Astros’ Fan<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

April 12, 2010 As an avid, lifelong, true Astros fan, I have experienced bliss as well as turmoil.\u00a0 It was only 5 years ago that the \u2018Stros found themselves in the World Series.\u00a0 Yet there is now a putrid taste in my mouth when I think of my beloved big league club.\u00a0 How could this […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n

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\n Battle to the Mistake<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

April 12, 2010 Plan the work, work the plan.\u00a0 This is a mantra that I heard over and over again while pitching for the University of Arizona.\u00a0 Thanks Coach Lopez.\u00a0 It might be one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard.\u00a0 It transcends the baseball field and carries over in to the […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n

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\n Griffin Phelps’ 2010 Predictions<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

April 6, 2010 NL East: Philly, Atlanta, Florida, New York, Washington NL Central: St. Louis, Milwaukee, Houston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh NL West: Colorado, Los Angeles, Arizona, San Francisco, San Diego NL Wild Card: Atlanta NL Pennant: Colorado NL MVP: Troy \u201cToo Legit\u201d Tulowitzki NL Cy Young: Ricky Nolasco NL ROY: Jason Heyward AL East: New […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n

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\n Work That Wire<\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

April 6, 2010 Working the waiver wire; who wants to worry about that?\u00a0 Not many people work the waiver wire correctly.\u00a0 Too often I hear people talking about, \u201cOh I don\u2019t need to worry about that.\u00a0 My guys are doing just fine.\u201d\u00a0 Or, \u201cWho could there possibly be that is better than anyone I have […]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Griffin Phelps is currently teaching 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at Mesa View Middle school in Farmington, NM.\u00a0 He is finishing up classes towards his teaching degree via the Alternative Licensure Program at the local San Juan College.\u00a0 Better known as Flips by some, he graduated from Farmington High School in 2003.\u00a0 He […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2264,"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions\/2264"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}