According to a story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today, the agent for Brewers infielder Bill Hall, Terry Bross, said his client wants to be traded.
Hall has been unhappy since Russell Branyan's callup from the minors, which has put Hall and Branyan in a platoon scenario at 3rd base. The move was prompted when the Brewers decided they couldn't put up with Hall's .158 batting average against right handed pitchers.
Hall is upset because he thinks the Brewers should give him more time to shake out of his slump, given the fact that they've moved him all over during the past couple of seasons.
Perhaps Hall is right there. But will it be any better any place else? Does Hall think any other team wouldn't bench or platoon him if he's hitting .158 against right handers.
This move shows me what Hall is all about, himself. If Bill Hall cared about his team at all, he'd keep quiet, be patient and wait for his opportunity to return to full-time duty. Russell Branyan historically has struggled over his previous time in the Major Leagues, the numbers will prove that out. Given the fact that there's really no other options, Hall only needs to wait for Branyan to slump for another opportunity.
According to the report, Bross hasn't formally requested a trade, which means they can still make amends and allow Hall to wait this out. Hall needs to stop being a "me" guy and suck it up.
Many people have already soured on Hall prior to this, but the Brewers are going to need him yet, and they need him in the right frame of mind. They need to convince Hall that a platoon is in the best interests of both parties, at least for now.