Angels Land Hillenbrand, and Other Thoughts
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by user The Beast
Also published at http://rallytime.blogspot.com//
A day after Christmas, the Los Angeles Angels landed a belated gift. It came in the hands of Shea Hillenbrand for 6.5 million over one year. The Angels have a club option for 2008. The move comes after outfielder Juan Rivera was injured during Winter League play.
General Manager Bill Stoneman told the media, "We've always liked Hillenbrand's bat, and when we got the news that Rivera was injured and that it might cost him some time into the season, that provided impetus to get another bat."
Last season, Hillenbrand, began the year with the Toronto Blue Jays, but was later dealt to the San Francisco Giants at the trading deadline. He hit a combined .277, with a career-high 21 home runs and 68 RBIs in 141 games last season. He finished with 73 runs and 27 doubles.
Hillenbrand ran into trouble with the Blue Jays before being traded last year. He wrote "play for yourself" on a board that the Blue Jays use to post batting practice times, and he later wrote that the "ship was sinking" before manager John Gibbons challenged him to a fight during a team meeting.
Both Stonehman and manager Mike Scioscia feel that Hillenbrand won't have any "issues" with the Angels.
Several questions surround the acquisition of Hillenbrand and whether he can become a major addition to the club. So here are three burning questions.
1. Will Shea Hillenbrand hurt team chemistry? That is a good question considering that he has certainly had altercations in the past. The Angels also pride themselves on being a tight-knit group with chemistry playing a major role. That is why Jose Guillen was dealt to Washington. Scioscia is a no-nonsense guy and the Angels certainly don't deal with any whinny players. Judging by past history, such actions won't be tolerated and the player will be either dealt or straightened out. For that reason, Hillenbrand shouldn't have too much trouble or he will be shipped elsewhere. For the meantime, don't expect any difficulties.
2. Can he be that big bat in which Arte Moreno promised? That is the million dollar question, and the answer is a big flat NO! He is not the big move in which Moreno promised. However, he, Gary Matthews Jr., and Chone Figgins playing everyday at third, can allow for more run support. Shea is clearly not the Aramis Ramirez or Alfonso Soriano type of bat, but he is a solid power hitter. Not a superstar, but a he is a solid contributor on a World Series contender.
3. Where does he fit in? This is the most pertinent question involving Hillenbrand. I envision Hillendbrand being a solid contributor, backing Vladdy up. It has been clear that the Angels simply didn't go for the big name this offseason, choosing to add a group of players. With Matthews, Hillenbrand, and Howie Kendrick playing fulltime around Vladdy in the lineup, the Angels should have multiple offensive options instead of two major ones.
Final Thoughts I have been quick to criticize Bill Stoneman over the past year, especially after the winter meeting, but I am now beginning to understand what he is doing. The Angels aren't throwing large sums of money at big name players like the Cubs did for Soriano and the Astros did for Carlos Lee. Instead they are making several moves hoping that many little moves will make a big impact. If one move fails, it won't hamper the team in the future like what could possibly happen with the Cubs and Soriano. Overall it was a solid move and much needed after Juan Rivera went down.
