Can you imagine a more humiliating existence than to be benched in favor of Russell Branyan? I mean, as existences go, "Backup Major League Baseball player," is a pretty fricking sweet one, but getting benched for a career utility guy has to really sting. It certainly does for Bill Hall, who's agent is letting people know that if that's how the Brewers are going to treat his client, he'd much rather Hall be traded. "If Billy's not going to be an everyday player, it's probably best for him and the team to be traded," Bross said. "They could get a pitcher for him that would really help the team. I'm sure there are some teams out there that could use a third baseman or shortstop."
Bross indicated he had not formerly requested a trade from Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. Hall said he preferred to be moved to another club but left it to Bross to do the talking on that subject.
"(Bross) knows how I feel," Hall said.
"They could get a pitcher for him that would really help the team." Ooooo! Burn! Seriously, though, Hall's been awful both this year and last year and it's hard to believe any team would trade a useful player for a guy that would amount to a useful swiss-army knife that can fill in gaps in both the infield and outfield, but probably isn't good enough to start anywhere.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-03-2008 @ 8:34AM
Gary Mayer said...
Bill Hall is a mainstay of the Brewer line-up. Russell Branyan is inconsistent offensively and strikes out alot. That's why he was sent to the minors.
I don't know of many ballplayers who can field third base better than Bill Hall. He consistently makes tough plays and complements Rickie Weeks and J.J Hardy. If anyone can play third base well and hit in the clutch, it's Craig Counsel.
It's a tough problem for Brewer management, but Branyan playing every day would not be a choice I'd make. He may hit long home runs, but this team is not hurting offensively. I would not platoon Bill Hall. Branyan's lucky to be a bench player.
Reply
6-03-2008 @ 9:51AM
Bas said...
I understand Hall's frustration, but he needs to quit being a baby, put his head down, and figure out what's going wrong with his batting. His numbers have been awful so far this season, and he shouldn't be surprised at the platoon move. It was my understanding that the Branyon move wasn't anything permanent. I'd like for Hall to stay a Brewer, but if he's dying to leave, let him leave. I'd rather have a player with the mentality to do what's best for the team and that would hope to contribute in any way they could.
Reply