Angels designate Hillenbrand for assignment
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by user Kelsdad
First, he runs his mouth in Boston, then gets run out of town. He ends up in Arizona, where he lives of all places, and complains about the lack of protection around him. Not sure a .270 hitter needs protection, but, whatever. Then he goes to Toronto, alienates the clubhouse, gets into two fights in a week, including one with his manager, and poof! he's gone again. Signs a free agent deal in LA with the Angels with the promise of full-time playing time. Questions about the health of Casey Kotchman at first base. The loss of DH Juan Rivera for the season. How would Chone Figgins adapt to playing third base full-time? Going into spring training, Hillenbrand was the Angels starting first baseman with a fall back on two other positions. How did he respond? By hitting a robust .254 with three homers and 22 RBI's. Hillenbrand's playing time had been cut into as expected, which was compounded by the hot play of late of rookie outfielder Reggie Willits.
As is Hillenbrand's MO, he began earlier this week mouthing off about, "I'm only 32, too young to be a bench player." "It's disheartening, and I feel like I'm being pushed aside."
Well, the Angels did push Hillenbrand...out the door. Immediately following tonite's 1-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals, Hillenbrand was told he was being designated for assignment and would not accompany the team on its upcoming East Coast road trip which begins Friday in Baltimore. The Angels now have 10 days to trade, release or send him to the minors. The state of baseball being what it is, I suspect Hillenbrand will sign a minor league deal with someone and will not be out of uniform long. What this does for him long-term is anyone's guess, but if I'm a GM, I don't touch him with a ten foot pole. His production isn't worth big money or the cancer he spreads in the clubhouse.
Nice knowin' ya!
