Rich Hill
by PujolsJunkie on Apr 11, 2008 2:42 PM EDT
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PrintAs per RotoWorld:
Cubs manager Lou Piniella hinted that he could take Rich Hill out of the rotation until he works out his control issues.
"I'm going to sit down and talk to our pitching coach about that. I want what's best for Hill. We've got to get him straightened out. That's the important thing," Piniella said. Hill could trade places with Jon Lieber, who bailed him out after his second poor start of the season on Thursday.
Alright, maybe I'm just crazy, but isn't this a bit much? I realize Hill had a shaky spring, but he righted himself at the end, and tossed a strong game to open his season. Doesn't he deserve a bit more slack than this? I feel Piniella is being way too impatient, and felt that way when he pulled him last night after three innings. Some nights it's tough to find location when a guy's primary plus offering is his curveball. He throws more curves than anyone I've seen (I'd say even moreso than Zito when he was good), and actually seems to throw the curve to set up his fastball as an out pitch, which is backwards. However, it worked well enough that he was a better than average starter for the Cubs for 30+ starts last year. Does anyone believe Jon Lieber deserves a rotation spot over him right now? If this is the sentiment toward Hill, why wouldn't they just deal him to get Brian Roberts? Sorry for getting ranty, but I like the guy and believe his talent and success warrant a bit more respect than he's getting.
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Not too worried
Honestly, I'd like to see Hill take some time to work things out mechanically outside of the rotation. He's going to be fine, the stuff is there and he's healthy. He's struggling with his dynamic balance right now, getting too high and tucked on his front side. They've been working on it since spring training but its going to take time. Last night he looked different on every pitch. For that reason I don't think Lou was impatient last night either. It was only 77 pitches but they were stressful pitches. Get him out of there and let's get this thing fixed.
Sending him to the pen or minors is not all bad. You know Marquis will fade like he always does or Lieber will stop getting away with 85 mph gas and Hill will be back.
Baseball Instructor - www.frozenropes.com
Lets take a look at a world
where Lieber actually DOES get away with 85 mph gas
"Sandman wins 5th in a row, 85 mph fastball blows away Kearns"
"$7,000 goes to charity, cubs miracle man lieber wins annual Moyer challenge"
"8 SO innings for Lieber, fastball aging like a fine wine"
"27 up, 27 down, cubs illusionist leaves to roaring ovation"
"Kazmir strikes out 16, credits Lieber with once in a life time pep talk"
Marcello on Tim Lincecum's 2008: "Yeah, he only pitched 180 innings last year, who knows if he can handle 200?!?!??"
by realityconquest on Apr 11, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks man
At least when Hill goes to the pen, I can laugh about it while wearing my $200 authentic Rich Hill jersey.
I will be waiting...24601.
by PujolsJunkie on Apr 11, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
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