Notes: Where will Hillenbrand land?
07/20/2006TORONTO -- The Blue Jays weren't necessarily planning on trading Shea Hillenbrand before the July 31 deadline. The strange turn of events on Wednesday has now forced the issue, though.
After Hillenbrand's angry pregame tirade, in which he criticized the Toronto organization, the Jays designated their DH for assignment during Wednesday's loss to the Rangers. That means Toronto has 10 days to either trade or release Hillenbrand.
The way the situation quickly unraveled could have negatively effected the number of inquiries the Blue Jays received on Thursday about obtaining Hillenbrand's services. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said that -- even though designating Hillenbrand could lower the return the team might receive in exchange for him -- the club has already gained plenty of interest.
"Actually, we are [hearing from a lot of teams]," Ricciardi said. "We got several calls today and we're pretty confident that we'll be able to move him."
Ricciardi didn't believe Hillenbrand's conduct on Wednesday would cause teams to be hesitant about dealing for him, either.
"I don't think this behavior is inconsistent with what his reputation has been," Ricciardi said. "People know the deal. The cards are on the table. So if someone wants Shea Hillenbrand -- obviously, enough clubs called today. We'll try to make a deal."
In May, Hillenbrand was rumored to be part of a potential deal that would've sent him to the Angels in exchange for second baseman Adam Kennedy. That deal fell through at the time, but Los Angeles could still be a possible suitor. Other teams already mentioned as being in the mix have included San Diego, Texas and Milwaukee.
Ricciardi added that he didn't believe the Jays would have to pick up any of the remaining money Hillenbrand is owed on his $5.8 million deal for this season. Any club that trades for Hillenbrand would owe him a prorated amount of the contract for the remainder of the year.
If he is not dealt in the 10-day period and clears waivers, any team that signs Hillenbrand would only owe him a prorated sum based on the league's minimum salary. In that situation, Toronto would still have to make up the difference of the $5.8 million.
Ricciardi said that Toronto is leaning heavily towards acquiring another pitcher because he is content with the offense the Jays have in place, considering that right fielder Alex Rios is set to come off the 15-day disabled list soon. That means the Blue Jays might not be serious about trading for Tampa Bay shortstop Julio Lugo, who has had his name included in trade rumors involving Toronto.
Phillips back with Jays: With Hillenbrand out of the picture, Toronto decided to purchase the contract of catcher Jason Phillips to fill the roster spot. The move gives the Blue Jays a third option behind the plate, which will help, considering that catchers Gregg Zaun and Bengie Molina will each see some time as the DH now that Hillenbrand is gone.
"If we've got both those guys in the lineup, now we don't have to worry about one of them getting hurt without having a catcher here," Ricciardi said. "At this point, it gives us a chance to get those guys in the lineup."
Toronto signed Phillips, 29, to a Minor League contract during this past offseason. He began the year with the big-league club when Zaun was on the 15-day disabled list with a calf injury, but was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse upon Zaun's return.
In 65 games with Syracuse, Phillips hit .268 with seven homers and 65 RBIs. He will join Zaun, Molina and outfielder Eric Hinske as an option at DH. Hinske will see more time at that spot once Rios returns from the DL.
Chacin on schedule: Earlier this week, Gibbons indicated that injured left-hander Gustavo Chacin would most likely throw off a mound on Monday. Ricciardi said on Thursday that Chacin had actually thrown off a mound recently and might be ready to rejoin the rotation by Aug. 8-9.
"He's feeling good," Ricciardi said. "We're keeping our fingers crossed."
Ricciardi said that he wasn't completely certain about Chacin's upcoming schedule, but he believed the pitcher would throw in a simulated game around July 31, when the team is in New York. After that, Chacin, who has been on the 15-day DL with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, would make one or two Minor League rehabilitation starts before starting again for the Blue Jays.
Glaus back in lineup: Jays third baseman Troy Glaus was back in the No. 4 hole of the lineup on Thursday against the Yankees. Glaus left Sunday's game due to a case of patellar tendinitis in his right knee and then sat out all three games against the Rangers earlier this week. Glaus leads Toronto with 24 home runs.
Did you know? Toronto's .292 team batting average, entering Thursday, ranked first in the Majors and was the highest in club history through 94 games of a season.
Source: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home