"The main reason behind Shawn being released is just the uncertainty that his track record brings to the clubhouse every day. It's hard to pencil him into the rotation every fifth day when you're not sure what you've got when he gets to the ballpark."
(Mike Rizzo, via Washington Times, 3/18/2009)
"Well, there is more to the Nationals than me. The people upstairs felt this was a decision we had to make."
(Manny Acta, via Nationals Journal, 3/18/2009)
The people upstairs moved on.
The timing seems a bit curious, but they finally moved on. Nats release Shawn Hill.
But why now? We were surprised they brought him back for another try to begin with...but it seemed like a $775,000 gamble might be worth it (then again, it's not our money!) Unless, despite the overly optimistic headline over at Nationals dot com yesterday ("Forearm problems behind Hill") there's something Mike Rizzo knows about Hill's arm that made this decision a little bit easier. Sorry, but the "uncertainty" defense doesn't really seem to explain things - given that it's been the same state of affairs since 2005, pretty much.
Best wishes to you, Shawn Hill. Hope you prove 'em wrong (just not in the NL East, ok)?
Now, time to think happy thoughts: Nats sign Joe Beimel; the 8th inning won't be so scary any more!
and THAT'S what you get for thinking about him.
Posted by: harper | March 18, 2009 at 11:26 PM
Hey, I didn't think about him - it was YOU!
Posted by: The Nationals Enquirer | March 18, 2009 at 11:44 PM