Just days after almost getting into a fistfight with Toronto Blue Jays’ manager John Gibbons, Shea Hillenbrand was traded to the San Francisco Giants. The Giants sent relief pitcher Jeremy Accardo and also received reliever Vinnie Chulk from Toronto.
In a well-publicized tirade earlier last week, Hillenbrand was upset with the Blue Jays organization for not congratulating him and his wife on adopting a baby girl. On top of that, Hillenbrand was irate over the fact that he wasn’t in the Toronto lineup once he returned from signing the adoption papers.
Matters got worse when Hillenbrand decided to partake in a little freelance writing.
Hillenbrand was designated for assignment during Toronto’s game Wednesday night after writing “play for yourself” on a board the Blue Jays use to post batting practice times. He later wrote the “ship was sinking” before manager John Gibbons challenged him to a fight during a team meeting.
San Francisco adds the pop to their lineup that they have so desperately been seeking while trying to contend in a tight NL West race. Hillenbrand will play first base for the Giants and probably bat right behind Barry Bonds.
For the Blue Jays, they get a rising young pitcher in Accardo, whom the Giants weren’t thrilled to part with given their bullpen struggles this season. However, GM Brian Sabean thought that the Giants could acquire relief help easier before the trade deadline than he could get a bat like Hillenbrand.
