Angels Sign Hillenbrand
December 27, 2006 by Geoff Young
Filed under Hot Stove
The Angels have signed infielder Shea Hillenbrand to a 1-year, $6.5 million deal. Hillenbrand primarily played first base with the Blue Jays and Giants in 2006, but also has seen plenty of action at third base over the course of his career.
Hillenbrand originally came up with the Boston Red Sox and has hit .287/.325/.449 over six seasons. The 31-year-old is one of the more consistent hitters around and can be counted on for a .280 average with about 30 doubles, 20 homers, and 20 walks.
Hillenbrand will provide the Angels with right-handed power until Juan Rivera returns from a broken left leg. Rivera broke the leg while playing baseball in Venezuela this winter.
I fail to see what Hillenbrand provides for $6.5-million that a Brian Daubach-type could not provide for the league minimum.
Maybe Hillenbrand stays employed because he’s so great in the clubhouse.
LOL, no doubt. Even if you can’t find a guy at league minimum, why not get someone like Kevin Millar or Rondell White at $2.75 million? Actually, for one year, Millar easily could outproduce Hillenbrand at the plate. Of course, Millar might not be as “feisty” as Hillenbrand…