Shea Hillenbrand: 'Play Me or Trade Me'

I think it's safe to say that Shea Hillenbrand has not been enjoying himself since signing with the Angels this last offseason. He started off the season as the designated hitter in Anaheim, but when he couldn't hit he found himself buried on the bench by Mike Scioscia. Then the emergence of Casey Kotchman and Reggie Willits made sure he stayed there.

For the most part Hillenbrand has remained quiet and respectful of Scioscia's decision, but it appears that his patience has run out.

"I feel like I'm being pushed aside, put on a back-burner, and I don't like that at all," Hillenbrand, 31, said. "If I'm not going to play here, give me enough respect to trade me or get rid of me. I think I deserve that."

If Manager Mike Scioscia "doesn't think I can help this team, there are teams out there I can help," Hillenbrand continued. "I'm a quality player in the prime of my career. To go from playing every day to not playing at all, it's very disheartening."

Well, Shea, they've been trying to trade you. In fact, you were thisclose to being sent to the Bronx to play for the Yankees, but then Garrett Anderson had to go back on the disabled list and Casey Kotchman took a baseball to the dome.

Another problem is that not many teams are really in the market for a guy making $6.5 million this season, and sports a .254 average with only three homers and 22 RBI. Granted, a lot of your low production could be a result of so little playing time, but you're going to have try to make the best of your situation.

Just stop worrying about it. You'll be in another uniform come August 1st, just trust me. I wouldn't lie to you buddy.

Previously at The FanHouse:
The Angels Can't Trade Shea Hillenbrand, Yet