The season is already off to a disappointing start for the Brewers and their third baseman, Bill Hall. Entering Spring Training, Hall had his eyes on a return to his 2006 form -- when he hit 35 home runs. Instead, he injured himself during conditioning activities and may not be ready for the beginning of the season. Hall has been diagnosed with a partially torn calf muscle in his left leg. The injury typically takes four to six weeks to heal, and we're just over seven weeks away from Opening Day. He'll have missed most of his spring training reps by that point.
This is ultimately an injury that will hurt Hall as much as the Brewers. It's no secret he was unhappy with his diminished role last season, when forced to platoon with Craig Counsell, but he only hit .225 with a terrible .689 OPS. He's been an offensive liability since '06, and he's not good enough defensively -- though he is a bit above average -- to make up for it at a position like third base. This season was likely to be Hall's last chance to prove he'd stick as an everyday player in Milwaukee.
For the Brewers, they have options. Mike Lamb and Counsell can both fill in at third base. There are a few prospects who could matter down the line as well. He better hope he recovers quickly and doesn't need much time to get up to full speed. If his progress lags, he'll be spending a lot more time on the bench than he wants -- especially since they have a new manager in house.
Of course, this scenario would mean the Brewers have to continue to eat that remaining $16 million (roughly) left on his contract through 2010, unless they can move him for starting pitching. Good luck doing that when he's not playing everyday. We're definitely looking at a lose-lose.
