Bill Hall Finds a Home With the Houston Astros

I think if you asked a bunch of Boston Red Sox fans who was the MVP of the team in 2010, some would say Adrian Beltre, some would say David Ortiz, and others would say Bill Hall. If I had to vote for a team MVP for the Red Sox in 2010, I would vote for Hall.

The Red Sox had an injury-plagued 2010 season and Hall’s ability to play seemingly every position on the field helped the Red Sox tremendously. Hall actually played seven different positions including pitcher in 2010. And oh yeah, he also managed to hit 18 home runs and had his highest OPS since 2007 (.740).

Hall didn’t want to be a super-utility player again in 2011 and was looking for a full-time job this winter. He found that full-time job in Houston.

The Houston Astros signed Hall to a one-year, $3.25 million contract with a $4 million mutual option for 2012. While Hall can play a plethora of positions, he will be the Astros’ starting second baseman in 2011.

One year and $3.25 million is a good deal for Hall and the Astros.

Hall will join Clint Barmes, who was acquired by the Astros earlier this offseason, as the new Astros double-play combination. What’s interesting is that second base was Hall’s worst position defensively according to UZR. Though, if it’s any consolation, Hall did play the position at an above-average level from 2006 to 2009.

Offensively, Hall did a lot of good things in 2010. His 18 home runs were his highest since 2006 (35), his K percentage dropped by five percent, and his BB percentage was his highest since 2006.

What was interesting about Hall’s season was that the right-handed Hall was terrible against left-handed pitching. Hall only hit .199 in 163 plate appearances. His career BA against lefties is .259, so I expect him to improve on that number in 2011.

If Hall can replicate his 2010 for the Astros, then they will have a nice little signing on their hands.


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