I’ll be the first to admit, I have been on Bill Hall’s case all year. Over and over again I have said that Hall is good for 2 things: committing errors and striking out. Anyone who has watched a Red Sox game with me is so sick and tired of hearing me say that line that whenever Bill Hall comes up to bat, they either say it before I do to get it out of the way faster, or leave the room because they can’t take it anymore. Over the past few weeks however, my impression of Bill Hall has drastically changed in the wake of his improved hitting and defense.
One of the most difficult positions in baseball is to be a utility-bench player like Bill Hall. Each day, you show up to the ball park needing to be ready to play any position, whether it be in the starting lineup or coming off the bench. The uncertainty of playing time and position make it nearly impossible to be comfortable, but the expectations when you are on the field or in the batter’s box are the same as the other every day starters. It takes a unique individual to be successful in this role, because it requires you to be ready for anything at anytime, including bench time.
Hall has certainly had his moments this year all around the diamond, many of them not so positive. He has committed 6 errors at 4 positions this season and has had a handful of other mis-plays, but has played in 65 games for the injured Sox this year. Hall has played 39 games in the outfield, 18 at second base, 5 at shortstop, 2 at 3rd base and even pitched a 1-2-3 inning on May 28th in Kansas City to rest the bullpen. His versatility has proved to be incredibly valuable in an injury-riddled season and now that he has begun to really hit the ball, he could continue to play a huge role going forward.
On the season, Hall has hit .246 with 8 home runs and 25 rbis, mostly sitting in the 8th of 9th spot in the lineup. Most recently, over the last 9 games in July, Hall has hit .313 with 2 home runs and 6 rbis, while having a slugging percentage of .563. Hall appears to be comfortable in bouncing around and with that errors will come, but if he is hitting well and contributing in important ways, he will continue to be invaluable. His playing time will also likely decrease entering August, as many players return, but having a bench player with a decent bat, decent speed and the ability to play literally every position with certainly be helpful.
I want to take a moment and apologize to Bill for tearing him apart most of the year, not really appreciating his value to the club and not appreciating his willing attitude to jump in wherever needed. Thank you Bill and I look forward to watching you continue to make contributions and push this team into a strong 2nd half of the season.
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