ice breaker

It has been a slow time for Mississippi baseball, but finally, on Thursday, some real news. Nettleton’s Bill Hall was traded again, this time from Seattle to Boston for Casey Kotchman. Two questions: What does Boston plan to do with Hall, who plays several positions but none of them real well and seemingly can’t hit anymore? And, what happened to the guy who hit .270 with 35 home runs in 2006? Hall has struggled ever since signing a big contract before the ’07 season. He hit .201 with six homers in 76 games with Milwaukee last year before he was dealt to the Mariners, for whom he hit .200 (consistent, he is) with two homers in 34 games. Hall will be with a contender in 2010 — if the Red Sox keep him. Maybe his bat will break out of its slumber in the charged atmosphere at Fenway. After three straight off years, Hall desperately needs to produce this season.