Hillenbrand story continues unfolding
07/20/2006
TORONTO -- The kind of media circus that typically follows the Yankees around was in full force at the Rogers Centre on Thursday. New York happened to be in town to face the Blue Jays, but the horde of reporters flocked to Toronto's side for once.
Behind the wall of cameras and sitting on Toronto's bench was Jays manager John Gibbons, who carefully pieced together his words for the crowd of digital recorders and coinciding notepads. Gibbons had quickly become the focal point of a story worthy of the New York tabloids and wanted to shed some light on what happened the night before.
On Wednesday, Shea Hillenbrand -- Toronto's former designated hitter -- made critical comments about the Blue Jays organization in an angry pregame tirade. He later expressed his anger with Gibbons, who entered a players-only meeting and criticized Hillenbrand in front of his teammates -- an outburst that stemmed from a message the player wrote on a dry-erase board in the clubhouse.
According to multiple reports, Hillenbrand said the manager challenged him to a fight in front of the team and then said he would never play another game as long as Gibbons was at the helm. At that point, Hillenbrand said he was instructed to leave the team and Toronto designated him for assignment. That means the Jays have 10 days to either trade or release him.
"I don't have anything to say, other than he got his wish," Gibbons said. "I know he wanted to get out. That's no secret. To be honest, I don't think he wanted to be here for the last two years."
Gibbons had a lot more to say, though, and most of it dealt with what led up to Hillenbrand's dismissal. Toronto's manager confirmed that Hillenbrand had written, "This is a sinking ship," among other things, on the board in the clubhouse.
"Yeah," said Gibbons, when asked if Hillenbrand had written the message. "That's a fact. That's how the whole thing got started anyway. I just thought the timing of it all and the meaning of it -- the circumstances -- either you're with us or you're not."
A source within the team indicated that the meeting was in fact intended for just the players and was in no way called because of anything Hillenbrand had said or done. During the meeting, Gibbons entered the room and began to chastise Hillenbrand.
Hillenbrand didn't return a message left on his cell phone prior to Thursday's game against the Yankees, but it was reported on Wednesday that he took the blame for the note when confronted by Gibbons. On Thursday, Hillenbrand denied writing the words and also denied another report that claimed he ripped a Canadian flag patch off his hat after being removed from a game on Canada Day.
"It was a team meeting, and he singled me out and was cursing at me in front of the team," Hillenbrand said in a radio interview on Thursday. "He challenged me to a fight, and wanted me to get up and punch him in the face."
Another source, who was present at the meeting, said that Gibbons did, in fact, try to provoke Hillenbrand. The manager was vague when asked about the heated confrontation on Thursday.
"He had his chance to defend himself yesterday in front of his coaches and his teammates," Gibbons said. "He chose not to do that. Everybody reacts differently. We'll just leave it at that."
Gibbons did admit that he told Hillenbrand that one of them was going to be leaving the team because, "It got to the point where we weren't functioning well together."
"I believed in what I was doing," Gibbons said. "I meant it. It was going to be him or me. I came in and I told him he won't see the field as long as I'm here. If the front office feels differently, then he wins and I lose. Then I'd be the one out of here."
That was all Gibbons would allow himself to say about what took place behind closed doors.
"We're not going to get into one of those, 'He said, she said,' things," Gibbons said. "I know what happened. He knows what happened. His teammates know what happened. I can live with that."
So could Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi.
"[Hillenbrand] can say what he wants," Ricciardi said. "I've known John Gibbons for 20-something years, and if you can't play baseball for John Gibbons, then you can't play for anybody. I know there's been some rumors out there that Gibby's job is on the line. I'm here to tell you that Gibby's job is more secure today than it's ever been."
The feud between Hillenbrand and Gibbons runs deeper than just Wednesday's events, which began with the player fuming about being kept out of the starting lineup and calling the organization a "disgrace" because no one from the front office had congratulated him on adopting a baby girl recently. He was away from the team for three days to tend to the adoption process before rejoining the club on Tuesday.
Hillenbrand added on Wednesday that he "should've been traded two months ago," when he was rumored to be part of a deal that would've sent him to the Angels.
"I would rather lose than sell myself out and have someone play here that says those kinds of things about our organization," Ricciardi said. "I wouldn't even want the job if it meant I'd have to change everything I believe in. Someone else can be the GM here and act like that."
Hillenbrand, who also plays first and third base, had complained on and off about serving as Toronto's primary DH for the last two seasons. Last year, Corey Koskie and Eric Hinske occupied the corner positions, and Troy Glaus and Lyle Overbay start at third and first, respectively, this season.
"We told him he was going to be the DH," Ricciardi said. "He knew the role. [When we acquired Glaus and Overbay], he could've asked to be traded and he didn't. Sometimes we should be thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we don't have."
Hillenbrand also was quoted as saying he had gone to Gibbons' office on numerous occasions to ask why he wasn't in the starting lineup for certain games. According to reports, Hillenbrand said Gibbons never offered "justifiable" explanations.
"I've seen some of the things written, and I've listened on the radio," Gibbons said. "There are a lot of things being said that are wrong, but I'm not going to get into that."
"He didn't come in to complain," Gibbons said later. "That might've been once."
Gibbons added that it was also "very inaccurate" that he and Hillenbrand hadn't been speaking for two months, something another report quoted Hillenbrand as saying.
"Maybe I come from a different line of thinking and contrary to maybe what some of you guys think," Ricciardi said, "but you make $5.8 million, you're healthy, you wake up in the morning without any physical problems and you're not happy? I don't know. I don't know what happened."
Gibbons didn't think the situation warranted any more discussion.
"I'm probably saying a little more than I intended," Gibbons said. "He's not here anymore, so we'll just move on."
Source: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/
Jays right to cut loose Hillenbrand
07/20/2006
The Toronto Blue Jays parted ways with Shea Hillenbrand on Wednesday night for one basic reason -- they had no other choice.
When a player makes it clear he no longer wants to be a part of your team, you have to consider moving that player to another team.
When a player writes the words "This ship is sinking" on the clubhouse bulletin board, there is nothing else to be considered. The player has to go. Immediately!
According to news reports out of Toronto, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons has confirmed that Hillenbrand wrote those words on the bulletin board in the Blue Jays' clubhouse prior to Wednesday night's game.
The words sent Gibbons into a rage, and rightfully so.
It's one thing for a player to be unhappy with his role. That's a common complaint all too familiar to the ears of managers and general managers.
It's another thing for a player to use words that express doubt about his team's ability to win.
A manager and a team can't live with a player who feels the team is "sinking" and expresses these thoughts in an open fashion.
Gibbons was so upset, he reportedly told Hillenbrand, "You're gone! I'll be gone before you ever play another game in this organization."
In other words, it's you or me. That's how strongly Gibbons felt about the player's expressed sentiments.
Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi did the only thing he could do. He supported his manager.
Before the evening was over, Ricciardi made the technical move to immediately remove Hillenbrand from his team's roster.
The contract of Hillenbrand was "designated for assignment." The Blue Jays now have 10 days to trade or release Hillenbrand.
Ricciardi shouldn't have a problem finding a new home for Hillenbrand. He is batting .301 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs.
If you wonder why the Blue Jays simply didn't release Hillenbrand, there is a simple answer -- he is being paid $5.8 million for the season.
As the general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, we once had a player who expressed doubt about our chances to win.
I knew the player had been unhappy with his role, but when he didn't feel we could win and expressed these thoughts to me, I knew it was time to say goodbye to the player. The contract of the player was designated for assignment.
Managers and general managers grow accustomed to players complaining about their roles and lack of playing time. You don't like to hear the complaining, but there are times you have to live with the situation.
You can say you're unhappy and that's one thing. Once you say you're unhappy and the ship is sinking, it is time for the player to set sail on his own.
John Gibbons made a bold move on Wednesday night, but he has shown me he is a good captain of the Blue Jays' ship.
Source: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/
Notes: Where will Hillenbrand land?
07/20/2006
TORONTO -- 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/
Wells walks off with win
07/21/2006
TORONTO -- Any game that ends with a walk-off home run will inspire the winning club to swarm home plate and congratulate the hitter with a joyous series of helmet-slaps and high-fives.
On Thursday night, however, it seemed as if the Blue Jays were celebrating more than just Vernon Wells' 11th-inning solo shot that sealed a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Yankees. It seemed as if the team was casting off a chaotic week that included two other extra-innings wins, two heartbreaking losses and some behind-the-scenes turmoil.
"It's been a tiring few days. And tack on that weekend on top of that, it makes it even longer," said Toronto manager John Gibbons. "Guys are tired, and I think we needed that. It was a good way to finish today."
Wells' home run was the second walk-off hit by a Blue Jay this season. The first ended a 3-2 win over the White Sox on May 27 and was hit by Shea Hillenbrand -- the soon-to-be-former Blue Jay who was designated for assignment after publicly criticizing the team and entering into a clubhouse shouting match with Gibbons before Wednesday's game.
Gibbons looked particularly happy after Wells' homer, and was pumping his fist on the field in celebration.
"There was no hidden message in that," Gibbons said of his fist pump. "I was just excited and tired."
It was the Blue Jays' third extra-inning win in their last six games, after needing a combined 25 innings to top Seattle twice on Saturday and Sunday. The euphoria of those wins and a 10-1 thrashing of Texas on Monday, however, were erased by a pair of losses to the Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday due to late-inning blown leads.
In this game, however, it was Toronto which came back. Down, 3-0, and held to just two hits in the first five innings by Yankees right-hander Mike Mussina, the Jays (53-42) scored four runs on four hits in the sixth. The biggest blow was a two-run double off the bat of third baseman Troy Glaus, who was playing in his first game since Sunday due to a case of patellar tendinitis in his right knee.
"Good teams respond after they lose a lead," Gibbons said. "We did good tonight."
Toronto ace Roy Halladay threw 7 2/3 gritty innings, during which the right-hander was touched for three runs, but he escaped some jams thanks to a pair of inning-ending double plays. Halladay left the game on track for his Major League-leading 13th win, but closer B.J. Ryan couldn't retire the Yankees (55-38) with two outs in the eighth. After a hit and a walk, Yankees catcher Jorge Posada delivered a bloop single to left-center that scored pinch-runner Bubba Crosby.
Posada's hit was similar to the seeing-eye hits that Texas used to beat the Jays, but Wells said his team wasn't discouraged by this seeming case of deja vu.
"It's going to happen," Wells said. "We've [had] broken bats flying all over the place and balls dropping in over the last week, and it's something you don't want to get used to, but that's baseball."
Ryan and relievers Justin Speier and Brian Tallet (3-0) held New York off the board and gave Wells a chance for his late-inning heroics against New York closer Mariano Rivera. It was the first homer allowed this season by Rivera (4-5), and the first walk-off long ball he has allowed since July 24, 2004.
Wells said he was just happy to make contact against the future Hall of Famer's famously nasty cut fastball.
"My thinking in that situation is just try to get started early and try to hit it," Wells said. "Whatever happens after that happens."
The homer was a suitably dramatic in a playoff-esque setting at Rogers Centre. The 42,366 fans in attendance hung on every pitch in seeming realization that Toronto's season may be made or broken by this four-game series. The win moved the Jays three games behind New York in the American League East, and they remained 5 1/2 games behind the first-place Red Sox.
With the importance of this series in mind, the Blue Jays sounded like a team ready to put the past week's events behind them and move on with their season.
"This is a game we needed, no matter what happened in the past," Wells said. "We've got to win, we've got to win now, and win as many as we can against these guys. This is one of many, hopefully, and this is a good start."
Source: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/
