Angels Sign Shea Hillenbrand

by Charlie Wilmoth on Dec 26, 2006 5:54 PM EST in News

The Angels have agreed to a one-year deal with Shea Hillenbrand, including a club option for 2008, ESPN reports.

Yes, Hillenbrand was so disruptive in the Blue Jays' clubhouse that they were forced to trade him. Yes, he's not very good. And yes, the Angels already have two promising young first basemen in Casey Kotchman and Kendry Morales. But given that Hillenbrand can also pick up ABs at third and designated hitter and that he's only signed for a year, I can't blame the Angels for guarding themselves against risk by signing him.

Hillenbrand is a very Angels sort of player, by the way - like Garret Anderson and other Angels, he hits well for average and has some power but couldn't take a walk to save his life.

Now would be a good time for the Pirates to try to trade for Kotchman, I think.

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kotchman

Totally agree Charlie. DL, however, has yet to show any evidence that he grasps the concept of buy low/sell high.

by bolton on Dec 26, 2006 7:25 PM EST reply actions

kotchman

I agree also. I've never heard anything but praise for Kotchman. The guys at MLB Radio (specifically Around the Minors and Fantasy 411) are totally enamoured with his bat. The signing of Hillenbrand only increases the Angels depth at both 1st and DH, where they have 3 potential superstars all under the age of 24 between Howie Kendrick, Casey Kotchman and Kendry Morales. Kendrick was playing second base last season with Figgins at 3rd, but it looks like the Angels are willing to give Dallas MacPherson another shot to win that job. I would gladly take either Kotchman or Morales.

by bryanzane on Dec 27, 2006 12:20 PM EST reply actions