Think ESPN FBB, Think!

[NetShrine]

Found on ESPN.com Fantasy Baseball RUMOR MILL:

Vinny Castilla to Boston
I'll completely admit this is a fictitious rumor, but doesn't it make sense? Castilla should come cheap for Boston -- possibly a prospect or so. The Red Sox could do better than Shea Hillenbrand at third base.

- - - Aaaaaaah, Duh! Granted, they open with it's fictitious; but, "could do better than Shea Hillenbrand at third base" is just bad journalism.

First of all, forget that if Castilla sucks in TB, going to Boston ain't gonna help. Ever see the RH HR Indexes for Fenway? They are a killer.

Secondly, and more important, Hillenbrand can rake! In '98, he hit .349 in A-Ball, in '99 he had a knee injury, in '00, he hit .323 in AA. OK, he won't take a walk, but, he puts the bat on the ball with some sting. He's only 25..........and the Sox would rather someone else because of what? Bad ESPN, bad.

[mainsr]

Baseball writers' fascination with Vinny Castilla amazes me. "Hey, he hit a lot of home runs when he played in Colorado a few years ago; he must be good." The man is washed up.

Year to date:
Hillenbrand .333 OBP, .415 SLG, 10 R, 6 RBI
Castilla .224 OBP, .326 SLG, 3 R, 6 RBI

For what possible reason would the Red Sox want to play Castilla instead of Hillenbrand? A desire to spend money on overpriced veterans? Trying to stock the clubhouse with malcontents? Reverse age discrimination?

[NetShrine]

Bringing back Butch Hobson would be a smarter move than acquiring Castilla.

Bigger question may be: If John Valentin can come back - - will he have a home?

[mainsr]

As a Sox fan, I could see Valentin having a role coming off the bench and maybe giving Hillendbrand a day off here and there. But what will happen, assuming Valentin comes back, is that the kid goes to Pawtucket after his first 1-for-20.

[NetShrine]

Shea could become a RH DH - - assuming long pants Ramirez gets back in the field and the Sox unload Bichette.

But, those things will never happen.........

All these players under 30 (Manny, Fullmer, Big Hurt) becoming FT DHs - - makes he sick.

[mainsr]

Spoken like a man who didn't grow up watching Harmon Killebrew "play" third base.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by mainsr
Spoken like a man who didn't grow up watching Harmon Killebrew "play" third base.

At least Killer tried - - these guys are too quick to give up and ditch the leather. Boggs @ 3B early was the WORST, but, he worked at it and got much better. Defense is practice and work - - maybe you'll never be a GG winner, but, with sweat, you can get decent.