Take a chance on Shea??

Posted at 10:18 AM on July 20, 2006 by David Zingler (10 Comments)

The Blue Jays designated third/first baseman Shea Hillenbrand for assignment last night after a series of conduct issues, including criticizing the team’s front office. The two-time All Star, who has a batting line of .301/.342/.480 with 12 HR and 39 RBI, could take over at third base for the Twins and allow Nick Punto to resume the super utility role he seems so suited for. Hillenbrand turns 31 next week and the Twins would be on the hook for less than half of his $5.8 million salary. Should they give it shot?

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Comments (10)

Yes, although I'd much rather have a power outfielder.

Posted by Ben Tesch | July 20, 2006 10:39 AM

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2 time all-star or "little nickey" punto...hmmmmm.

can't work out worse than batista, right?

Posted by worm2 | July 20, 2006 11:19 AM

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Why would they possibly want to pick up another infielder when Punto is playing well and there is seemingly no room for him to DH with Rondell White and Jason Kubel sharing the spot? Maybe if Punto was hurt more than we were lead on, otherwise, let's not disrupt the chemistry of the team with a guy who got kicked off the Blue Jays despite their need for offense with their own injuries. Did someone say Bret Boone?

Posted by qualler | July 20, 2006 11:23 AM

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saying "shea hillenbrand, all-star" carries as much weight as saying "mark redman, allstar". that's a weak .301

Posted by ryan | July 20, 2006 12:19 PM

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While Shea is no superstar, he's still a productive player unlike Bret Boone who was washed up when the Twins got him. Picking up recently released Vinny Castilla would be Boone-like...........

Posted by daveZ | July 20, 2006 3:20 PM

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Basically I think it would be smart to go after Shea if they are truly going to Go For It. While LNP is playing like a champ, it's quite likely that he and/or some other players will cool off or get injured. That's when you put other guys in to keep the ball rolling. Also, at that price, it's possible to keep him here for next year or at least have some options instead of just going with the "what's left".

Posted by Ben Tesch | July 20, 2006 4:08 PM

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It is risky to bring a guy like Shea into the clubhouse but I don't think that platooning him with Punto at 3B would be that bad of a deal. Nick could still get regular at bats (playing third and spelling Bartlett and Castillo) and Shea could land somewhere. It's obvious that the Twins will make some sort of move next year at 3B. Everyone knows that we need MORE power from that position even LNP. Might as well make the move this year.

Posted by Drew | July 20, 2006 4:38 PM

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Isn't anyone concerned about Shea's reputation. The guys on Sports Center this morning compared him to TO and then said, "No, actually that's not true, Hillenbrand is much worse then Owens." I'm not defending their opinioin, but I would be hesitent to bring in a big ego when the team's so seemingly cohesive at the moment. But that's just me.

Posted by Josiah | July 20, 2006 9:42 PM

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Josiah, the voice of reason. He is not a good enough player to take such a risk. Punto is playing better then him anyways.

Posted by Nora | July 21, 2006 3:51 AM

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Did SportsCenter really say that Hillenbrand was worse than TO? That's a pretty telling statement right there. Anyway, it's a moot point now as Shea has been acquired by the Giants.

Posted by RisingSunofNihon | July 22, 2006 5:34 PM

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