Shawn Hill released

The Nationals released former ace Shawn Hill today, saying that they wanted to give him an opportunity with other organizations.

Washington Post Nationals Journal:

"Manager Manny Acta called Hill's release "probably the toughest decision I've had to make since I've been here."

Hill, 27, had spent the previous three years in constant comeback mode, trying to recover from, at varying points, a shoulder injury, elbow problems, and forearm tightness. Through all of it, the Nationals stuck with the right-handed sinkerballer, drafted in 2000, back when the organization was in Montreal. Always, the Nationals spoke of Hill's potential, his ability -- if healthy -- to anchor a rotation. Assistant General Manager Mike Rizzo grew tired of waiting, even though Hill, in an exhibition start on Monday, threw one scoreless inning and looked healthy."

It's pretty bad if you are so unhealthy that the Nationals wont even consider you for their rotation anymore. Hill had been constantly hurt and with his injuries, constantly disappointing. Perhaps it is a good thing for the clubs moral to no longer be forever waiting for Hill's health to catch up to his abilities and potential. Look at the effect Ben Sheets injurires has had on the Brewers. Whenever he was healthy they played well all around, whenever he was hurt the team became dejected and fell apart. Even with Sabathia this last year they struggled after Sheets got hurt.