hillenbrand

[UMTerp29]

what's up with him? still trying to trade him, starting at 3rd?

[dinocam]

The talk is that he's going to start at 3B, work a little at first (busy there already). Reading between the lines I think Epstein would like to trade him (low OBP his target stat), but doesn't want to be 'held over a barrel' in a deal. I would guess if an acceptable deal came along he'd be traded. As Hillenbrand usually starts strong it may happen early in the season.

[9jack9]

Grady Little has stated that Hillenbrand is his starting 3B. Epstien would like to trade him but it most likely won't happen to after the allstar break.

[The Jury]

It doesn't really matter. Shea Hillenbrand sucks, he was just on a streak early last season.

[dinocam]

Please.....Shea doesn't 'suck'. Is he overrated by a lot of Red Sox fans? Yes....is your guy Hinske better? Probably, but Hillenbrand has been to the AS game - granted 3B has been weak for a few years now with only Chavez and Glaus as AL locks in the game. Fact is Epstein stresses OBP and Shea walks about 10 or so times a year.

BTW - The new rumor is Shea to the Cubs for Juan Cruz....
I like Cruz but weren't the Sox this close to getting Colon in a deal for him? (not straight up obviously) this is a big drop off.....

[red_freedom]

I used to loath hillenbrand but i have been watching him aot lately. He has really progressed as a hitter and has better strike zonee mastery. The red sox know what they have and only want to trade hillenbrand cause they want to give the farm system a boost. Hillnebrand is a good hitter and only needs to learn how to not get tired out mid seaason. Thats something alot of hitters learn only with experience.

[Bliz34]

HE SAID "STRIKE ZONE MASTERY" I JUST THOUGHT THAT WAS FUNNY!.

COMMAND OF THE STRIKE ZONE.......

[HYLRedSox]

Shea has been seeing a lot of time at 1B lately, with Mueller starting at 3B. Epstein does want to look to trade Shea, but only if the right deal comes along. The reason they didn't make the Colon trade was because they were demanding Fossum, who for some reason Epstein did not want to trade. And the rumor about Cruz was a 3 way deal between Boston, Chicago and Cincy in which the Sox would land Williamson. It was only a rumor, however. And to all the people who say Hillenbrand is "notorious" for slowing down after the All Star break, HE DID IT ONE SEASON! Shea has hardly been around long enough to begin career trends. And as someone said before, many young hitters struggle to be successful throughout the entire year, as it is something only to be learned through experience.

[anonomous]

Just for the record. Strike Zone mastery and Command of the strike zone are close to the same thing

[Bliz34]

I know they are! ......the way he meant it.
I've just never heard it referred too as "strike zone mastery" Seems a bit over the top don't it?..I mean if someone asked me if a player has ever showed strike zone mastery the first names that come to mind would be Ted Williams... Tony Gwynn....Barry Bonds.
It was just a little shot at humor...my bad. But lets just say Shea has showed an improved command of the strike zone the past 2 seasons.

SAVE FENWAY!!