Shea

Hillenbrand

We’ve been getting the feeling for some time that this was the way the D’Backs wanted to go, and they cleared the way for it by sending down Lyle Overbay yesterday. The move clears the way for Craig Counsell to play third base, and opens the position for top prospect Chad Tracy next season. For now, the D’Backs have settled on Junior Spivey at second base and Alex Cintron at shortstop, with Matt Kata in a utility infield role. As for Overbay, he no longer looks like a part of the plan in Arizona, and the team could seek to trade him.

Hillenbrand figures to start tomorrow.

Arizona will use the rest of the season to see how the rest of their infielders fit into their future plans. Alex Cintron, Chad Tracy, Scott Hairston, Jerry Gill and Andy Green will rotate through the remaining spots at 2B, SS and 3B, depending on how they are performing.

Well, it’s only fair. Pedrique didn’t use his best lineup against the Giants, so it’s only right that he rests one of his only veterans against the Dodgers.

Bill Mueller will be at third and Todd Walker at second. Little wants his best defensive infield out there with the sinkerballer on the mound. If Little wants to keep Kevin Millar’s bat in the lineup when Lowe starts, it will be at DH or right field.

The Blue Jays still might be that team. A swap of Adam Peterson and Hillenbrand was nearly done before Shawn Green vetoed Arizona’s previous attempt to acquire him. Hillenbrand’s departure would clear the way for Chad Tracy to take over as Arizona’s primary first baseman.

It’d only be a bad idea if the Blue Jays really want to keep him for more than one year. Signing Shea to a two-year deal could make him cheaper in 2005 and allow the team to get something in return for him next winter. A 100-RBI season as the Jays’ No. 5 hitter would likely give him some trade value.

It’s still expected that they’ll trade Adam Peterson for him. Hillenbrand would become the team’s DH.

With Bobby Hill struggling, the Cubs could trade for Hillenbrand and move Mark Bellhorn back to second. That wouldn’t actually do much to help the team, and it would cost them Juan Cruz. Still, a deal is possible.

Hillenbrand shouldn’t be much of an option at first base during the regular season. Kevin Millar likely will play regularly at the position, leaving Hillenbrand at third and making Bill Mueller a reserve.