Bill Hall

Baseball's offseason player movement is in full swing at the moment, albeit with a certain team from New York being much quieter than anyone expected. Today, word came out that the Blue Jays had joined in on the fun and signed a free agent.

It's not often you will read an article that's primary focus is on utility player who has never been an All-Star, has one season of 30-plus home runs, and has seen his playing time consistently dwindle.  This, however, is one of those articles.

If Sandy Alderson and the rest of the New York Mets' brass are reading this, I suggest they pay close attention. 

I proclaim that Bill Hall would be a perfect fit for the 2011 New York Mets.

One month ago and this conversation would not have even scratched the surface of Red Sox nation.

But after Jed Lowrie's 4-for-4 performance (including a home run and three singles) in a 10-8 win over the New York Yankees, the debate suddenly becomes a valid one.

Lowrie has become Boston's starting shortstop after a rotator cuff injury sidelined opening day starter Marco Scutaro.

Scutaro will be healthy for 2011 and will be in the final year of his contract. Lowrie, however, will also be healthy for a change and offers more upside than the 34-year old journeyman. 

The season is long and right now it's coming down to the wire for the top owners in their respective leagues.  These few players that are poised for either a huge week or a week you will want to avoid.  Pay attention, this could mean winning or not winning your league.

Start 'Em:

Weeks ago, most of Red Sox Nation seemed to give up on the idea that the Sox could overtake the Yankees and win the AL East. The conventional wisdom was that the team was now fighting to overtake the Rays for the Wild Card spot.

But things have recently changed. 

In the last 10 games, the Yankees are 5-5, while the Rays have gone 9-1, tying New York for the AL East lead. 

Fans in every city throughout the league know full well who the stars in baseball are. They're instantly recognizable with their gaudy stats, household names, and exorbitant contracts. As if immortals descended from Mount Olympus to thrill us with their power, grace, and athletic prowess, these men sell the jerseys and pack the stadiums.

Teams aren't just constructed of high-profile stars however. Players possessing a variety of skill sets are vital to a well-balanced team.

When Niuman Romero , a 25-year-old infielder, went 0-for-4 against the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month upon being called up from Boston’s Triple-A team the Pawtucket Red Sox, I was surprised. He had come out of nowhere, having been claimed from the Cleveland Indians prior to this season, and taking this into account, he fit the bill of someone who would have an immediate impact.

The Red Sox are team still struggling to find their identity as they near the midpoint of May. 

Today, Red Sox traded first baseman Casey Kotchman to the Seattle Mariners for veteran utilityman Bill Hall and a prospect.

Last season, in limited playing time, Hall hit just .218 with a homer and seven RBI.

So, why is this deal so great from a Sox perspective?

Hall will earn $8.4 million in the final year of a four-year deal he signed with the
Milwaukee Brewers. But as part of the deal, the Mariners will pay approximately $7.65
million of remaining salary, meaning  Hall will cost the Sox about $750,000.