May 29, 200322 yr Wow they wouldn't deal for Juan Cruz, but they want BY Kim? interesting. I guess that means they are going to annoint Kim as the closer.
May 29, 200322 yr Wow they wouldn't deal for Juan Cruz, but they want BY Kim? interesting. I guess that means they are going to annoint Kim as the closer. I think they would've taken Cruz......... but the Cubs wanted to dish someone else.
May 29, 200322 yr I think they would've taken Cruz......... but the Cubs wanted to dish someone else. I thought it was the Cubs that had been offering that deal? Meh, maybe I was wrong then.
May 29, 200322 yr I thought it was the Cubs that had been offering that deal? Meh, maybe I was wrong then. Cruz is considered to be the next pedro in the eyes of many, and I dont think they wanna be the montreal expos in the respect of being the ones who trade away a superstar.
May 29, 200322 yr Cruz is considered to be the next pedro in the eyes of many, and I dont think they wanna be the montreal expos in the respect of being the ones who trade away a superstar. Juan Cruz numbers are similar to Rick White. I believe this was a cub spin job to garner publicity. I really don't get the Red Sox rush to get rid of Hillebrand?
May 29, 200322 yr Juan Cruz numbers are similar to Rick White. I believe this was a cub spin job to garner publicity. I really don't get the Red Sox rush to get rid of Hillebrand? Juan Cruz just can't pitch out of the pen to save his life. He had great numbers last year as a starter, he was just victimized by no offense and bad luck. If someone puts him in their starting rotation, he will be good, IMO
May 29, 200322 yr A 25 year old starter/closer with fantastic numbers for a third baseman who cannot get on base. Boston wins the trade easily.
May 29, 200322 yr So how is Boston going to use him? As a closer in an already overcrowded pen, or as a starter in an already overcrowded rotation?
May 30, 200322 yr I'm sure you've read by now that Boston will be putting him into the rotation. BoSox had plenty of extra infielders to make this deal... Hillenbrand is good but not a superstar. I think its a good deal for both teams - but I hate to see a potential playoff opponent get better (gotta be an optimist, right?)
May 30, 200322 yr The DBacks get a young third baseman for a guy that collapses under pressure. The BoSox solve their bullpen-by-committee troubles and could easily replace Hillenbrandt with Bill Mueller. I'd say a good deal for both.
May 30, 200322 yr Hillenbrand has to be glad to move. All he's heard for the past year are trade rumors.
May 30, 200322 yr http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/neyer_rob/1560894.html Neyers take on the deal. I have always wondered what the big deal was about Hillenbrand.
May 30, 200322 yr I agree with Neyers. I think this was a great deal for Boston. I think part of the reason that the D-Backs made the trade was for financial reasons, and usually the team getting rid of salary in these types of trades gets the short end of the deal talent wise(ala Millwood this offseason). Hillenbrand is a poormans, 3rd base version of Konerko(when he is hitting like he should). The only thing he does above average is hit for average. Kim is younger and has proven himself as one of the more dominating relievers in the game, and so far has done pretty well as a starter. A quality starter/domination reliever vs an average at best 3rd baseman. If given that choice I would take the pitcher, especially since Boston has other good options to take Hillenbrands AB's. For those of you origanal from the ESPN board this is a good day because Boogs favorite team got the short end of the deal.
May 30, 200322 yr BoSox fans have GOT to be biting their nails when Kim is pitching against the Skanks in September
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.