Hillenbrand rumor roundup
Submitted by Robert Daeley on Fri, 2006-07-21 09:22.
There are conflicting stories about what went down in Toronto with Shea Hillenbrand, manager John Gibbons, GM J.P. Ricciardi, and various team mates — who either think he was awesome or a cancer, depending on who you ask. But whatever went down, and putting obvious team dysfunction aside, the rumor mills have Hillenbrand likely heading out west.
Trading Izturis would require acquiring another third baseman, and the Dodgers have reportedly expressed interest in Shea Hillenbrand, who has been designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hillenbrand is batting .301 with 12 home runs, and the Dodgers could use a potent bat after scoring only 15 runs in their last eight games. However, he is a below-average fielder let go by the Blue Jays because he was a problem in the clubhouse.
You know that “Simpsons” episode where Homer tells of Mr. Burns, gets in his car, drives over a little wooden bridge, gets out of the car, sets the bridge on fire, then gets back in the car and drives away? Well, that’s basically what Hillenbrand did Wednesday night in Toronto, and it got himself designated for assignment quicker than you could say … well, “designated for assignment.”
All three Southern California teams are looking for corner infield help, and the Twins need a bat as badly as they need sweaters in the off-season. Hillenbrand could be a Dodger, Angel, Padre or Twin by the start of next week. Or a Tiger. Or something. Just really, really not a Blue Jay.
And finally, the Toronto Sun
Ricciardi already was fielding calls from a number of interested teams yesterday for the disgruntled veteran, who was designated for assignment Wednesday.
While Ricciardi did not name the interested parties, the Sun’s Bob Elliott has learned those showing interest include the Milwaukee Brewers, the Minnesota Twins, the San Francisco Giants, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the San Diego Padres.
Ricciardi said he would like to get a player in return who could help the club this year, but he doesn’t sound overly concerned one way or the other.
Update
Well, looks like the rumors were correct — the Giants picked him up. Still waiting to hear what they gave up for him. Given the Dodgers’ emphasis on “character” this year and their reluctance to give up their prospects, I’m not surprised they passed on Hillenbrand.