Conversation with Rich Hill
Pitcher Rich Hill told me last night that he's heard from a "pretty good amount of teams" that are interested in signing him, but he's still waiting for a major league deal that will return him to a 40-man roster.
Hill estimated that he could make a decision within the next two weeks, and the Orioles remain in the mix. He elected to become a free agent after being outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, but they're apparently open to re-signing him to a minor league deal.
"Anything is possible," he said. "I'm not ruling out any possibilities right now."
Hill might extend an invitation to throw for teams and prove that his left arm is sound after undergoing surgery in August to repair a torn labrum.
"I feel just as good or better than I did in 2007," he said, referring to his breakthrough season with the Cubs that was followed by repeated breakdowns. Hill went 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 195 innings.
"It's exciting, the idea of going through a whole season and being healthy and contributing to a team," he said.
"It's really good to have a full off-season. Last winter, I pitched in Venezuela after having problems with my back. When my shoulder started bothering me this year, the surgery gave me a chance to have a full off-season and go to the gym every day. Now the ball's coming out of my hand free and easy. I'm pain-free and I have good velocity. It's exciting, no matter where I end up."
Hill, who said he's put on about 15 pounds of muscle, began throwing three weeks ago. He had just finished playing catch in south Boston when he returned my call last night.
"The first week, I'd throw every other day," he said. "It was rough at first, with the scar tissue. But last week, I threw every day and I felt fantastic."
Hill stayed back in extended spring training before joining the Orioles' rotation on May 16. He went 3-3 with a 7.80 ERA in 14 games (13 starts), allowing 68 hits and walking 40 in 57 2/3 innings. The Orioles placed him on the disabled list for a second time on July 29 with an inflamed left shoulder, which ended his season.
"I never saw any of the things coming before, with my back and shoulder. You take it for granted when you're healthy. Now it's a lot more fun to pitch when you feel this good," he said.
"I'm just trying to get something done and know where I'll be in spring training and for the season. I don't know where I'll land, but there are a lot of options out there. I'm still waiting for that invitation to a (40-man) roster. It might not happen, but on my side, it shows my commitment. And teams will see a different guy when I come in to throw.
"If people see the work I've put in and how I'm throwing, they'll see it's worth the risk."
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Excuses excuses. This guy will just never admit that he stinks.
Thanks for a great year in B-more Rich. I loved the implosions.
I'm not sure why he'd be holding out for a Major League contract, honestly. Given his health and performance issues it seems like a given that he's going to have to show what he can do in the minors. It's the way this kinda stuff works. Plus, if no team was interested in claiming him when he was on waivers, why would they want to sign him to a Major League deal now? I don't see the logic in it.
This kid was a failed experiment. Yet another young Cubbie that MacPhail was too in love with to see the truth. There is no need for a bum like this in any part of our organization.
Roch - First Happy Holidays to you and yours.
I have to agree with Brummie, this guy has a lot of excuses. Kind of reminds me of Adam Eaton last year after he'd have an abomination of a start and act like he pitched well. The fact is Hill is a guy that will tease teams with potential and never deliver. Danny Cabrera? I hope he goes elsewhere, we don't need a guy like this on our roster any more.
Now if the Orioles would go get a Jim Thome or Carlos Delgado to hit in the middle of this lineup, I'm ready for Spring Training to begin.
Burto
You know, this is the first time I'm going to whole heartedly agree with Brummie. Rich Hill is a bum who has no clue. When you hear Matusz talk, he talks about trying to improve. You talk to Rich Hill, and he thinks he is owed a spot on a 40 man roster after posting an above 7 era. Didn't he say the same thing last year? Oh I'm healthy, my back is great blah blah blah. He still can't throw strikes!
Anyway, I would love him at triple A. But, he ain't getting that 40 man invitation that he wants.
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He never says he's owed a spot on a 40-man roster, just that he's waiting to see if he receives an offer. If not, he'll sign a minor league deal. - Roch
Fool me once Rich, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. He feels "fantastic" but if he goes out and performs badly we will hear how he "rushed" back to soon after the surgery. He should accept a minor league deal and "earn" his way back. No one should be foolish enough to give it to him (but someone will, and it won't be us). We already have Patton as a reclamation project.
Look, if the O's can get him back on a minor league deal, I see no reason why not. His talk about being 100% healthy and ready for a great year sound almost exactly what he said before last season as I drank the Kool-Aid wholeheartedly. I was just as disappointed as anyone when he hung that curve over the middle of the plate time after time, but I would not protest one bit if the O's gave him another chance. Why not have a few projects going? He sure has better upside than a Chris Waters or Dave Pauley.
I don't get the hate for this guy. He pitched three good games for the O's last year and was hurt. He has big league stuff, and, if he is healthy, is a lot better than many guys who end up on major league staffs every year. We would lose nothing signing the guy to a minor league deal. I'd much rather have him than someone like Chris Waters, Andy Mitchell or David Pauley.
I agree we shouldn't give him a major league deal and I bet no one will. Someone will sign him to a minor league deal, however, and, if he's healthy, I bet he's pitching in the majors at some point this year. I think the guy showed heart and I wish him well.
Come on Kyle, yeah he failed last year in the majors. But you wouldn't stash him at triple A? I mean we have such great pitching depth I wouldn't mind adding to it. The fact remains that lefty starters are a dime a dozen, and if he can rediscover something at triple A, we could add him in a package to get even more prospects, if we wanted to.
Roch,
It would be nice if guys like Hill and Adam Louwen felt some sort of loyalty when a team sticks with then during tough times. Unless somebody offers a major league deal (not likely) wouldn't you think he'd be better off with the O's?
Realistically, if he proves that he's healthy and can throw strikes and he doesn't make whatever team he goes to ST with, someone will sign him . . . after all he's a lefty who is not yet eligible for AARP . . .
Off topic but how can I pass up the hanging curve...
" Brummie_Oriole said:
Roch: On a serious note, do the ground crews at OPACY have to deal with the snow there? I imagine they can't leave it sitting on the grass until it melts. That wouuld kill the grass and saturate the field. "
So Brummie's a sodding expert now. His British associates I'm sure would agree. Perhaps he was raised on a sod farm.
Roch,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I like Rich Hill's potential but I think he's misguided thinking he's going to get a 40-man offer which isn't going to come.
Did he shed any light on the whole issue of him supposedly knowing he was pitching hurt last year but the O's NOT knowing he was hurt?
Thanks!
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I pretty much wrote everything I had. - Roch
I wonder whether his injury was related to his unorthodox delivery. In any event, I wish Rich Hill the best, but I'm not eager to see him again in an O's uniform. If we're gonna take a flyer on a rehab project, I'd rather it be Bedard.
There's no way he gets a MLB contract from anyone until he proves he can get an MLB hitter or two out. That said, best of luck to him, and if he comes back to the O's on a minor league deal, fine with me. I'm sure he didn't choose to stink.
Jeff T:
I see what you're getting at, but this guy was pretty terrible. There's something wrong in his head. The Cubs demoted this guy in 2008 after he was one of their best pitchers in 2007. Then they traded him for nothing. That should tell you something. He had no idea where his fastball was going last year...if your heater peaks at 90 mph you should probably know where it's going if you want to pitch in the majors.
Larry:
My take on Rich Hill's "injury"...could have been caused by the large quantities of curveballs he threw last year since he had no clue where his fastball would end up.
I hate throwing anyone under the bus but I don't believe Mr. Hill.
I think he would have to prove himself in the minors and earn his way onto my team. Given his track record he's gotta prove he can stay healthy. I wouldn't question Mac Phail for taking a chance on him, unless he's got a doctors degree and personally examined Rich prior to signing him.
I would question the team physician though.
Roch, Thanks for the info. If he'd be willing to take a minor league contract, we should sign him. I think we'd find out pretty quick whether he was back to his 2007 form.
And for the record everyone, I never agree with Brummie because I don't read his posts. Same for "Chris", so anyone with the same moniker should think of changing it. Instead of asking (or telling) Roch to ban people, just manage it yourself by skipping them.
Roch, I saw the nationals signed Jason Marquis. Did the O's show any interest in him? He seems like the kind of pitcher we would be looking for. Sinker ball pitchers seem to be very effective in Camden Yard.
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They talked briefly with his agent at the winter meetings. Nothing serious. The Millwood trade ended whatever interest they might have held. - Roch
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but we've heard this song and dance from Hill before. I'll believe it when I see it (but if I see it then I hope its in an O's uniform).
sign him to a minor league deal, which is all he warrants, and let him show his stuff during spring training.
There's nothing to lose with that scenario.
He would be foolish to take a job here. He will be severly blocked in very short order. Plus he never had great control even in the best of times, he needs to find an NL team low on pitching options with a big outfield. The Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Marlins and Nats are better options for him.
And..... the Yankees just got better. Crap.
This guy will never admit that he stinks
Nor would any other athlete who was ever good enough to play on any kind of serious level, let alone major league baseball. What do you want from him? "Yep, I stink. I'm giving up."
The guy won 17 games in a season in the big leagues. Obviously that looks like a flash in the pan now, but he was worth rolling the dice on. It didn't work, but it cost us nothing.
Actually, I don't think Brummie is off base on this one either. I didn't see much of Hill with the Cubs, but injured or not, he seemed to me to be too one dimensional. Curve and location are on, he is good. Their off, he gets lit up. He doesn't appear to be able to win with less than his best stuff, which a good pitcher has to do. At best, he could be used to bolster AAA staff or as insurance.
Roch, I just read the Yankees are close to acquiring Javier Vazquez from the Braves... Melky Cabrera is supposedly involved in the deal. I can't help but think they are gearing up to swoop in and sign Holliday just like they did with Teixeira last year.
Have you hear anything about more the O's interest in Holliday? Would Reimold really block this move? Last I heard the Cards offered 6 years $96 million. We all know the Yankees could/would beat this no problem.
OK, Brummie, on an equally serious note, I stare out at the field from my perch in the warehouse every day, and I assure you that the snow still covers the field as pristine as it was on the day it fell out of the sky.
Roch-
Great News. The Yanks just added Javier Vasquez as their 5th starter.
It's just awesome that they can take on $12 million in salary for their 5th starter. Competitive balance my arse.
What is really frustrating is, what are the O's doing at this point? I mean, are we done until we find out if Bedard is healthy? And if he isn't, then that's it? This is the 2010 Baltimore Orioles? great. Yeah, we stand a chance. We are so close offensively, that I don't get why we have to write off another season. How are we ever going to get to the forefront like this? It's so frustrating. Our payroll was $98 million in 1997. 13 seasons ago. We can't match that now?
Only-only-only b/c he has a ridiculous curve ball I would like to see him sign on w/ our AAA club. As I have said many times if he could develop one more pitch he COULD be something special. You cannot just have a #1 & a #2, you have to have something to offset the vast difference in velocity between his pitches.
One of the few times I'll agree w/ Brummie as well. He didn't cost us much to look at but clearly this guy in the anti-thesis of what Trembley wants on the mound in the sense that his command is extremely spotty and he is injury prone. Trembley seems to like the kids (Bergesen) who have good pace and pitch to contact. Hill wouldn't be bad to have a look at for a minor league deal for the O's.
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Dec 21, 2009 11:50 PM CST
Cubs willing to trade Big Z
The News
Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that the Cubs are willing to trade starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano.
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Enter Yankees and Red Sox...
I see no harm in signing him to a minor league deal just to see what kind of shape he is in after the surgery and then cut him loose if nothing has changed. But Brummie is right, he will never admit that he stinks just like Brummie and KPB will never admit that they have no idea what they're talking about half the time.
Hill is famous for saying he is healthy only to quickly go down or come up with excuses for his poor pitching performance.
Wrap it up Rich....your done!
But I guess you cant blame him for trying to milk ML teams for every million he can!
Good Riddens!
man..you guys are too hard on Rich Hill..He had great stuff in the past...maybe one day he will bounce back..i hope so...anyway..i don't think he will muster a 40 man spot..minor league triple A yes..how about everyone just kool thier jets.. Rich Hill was not the O's problem last season.
I seriously doubt any team is going to give this guy a spot on there roster (well maybe the Mariners). Has he seen the trouble guys like Bedard and Escabar are having finding a job. He'll be lucky to get a ST invite. I don't see the harm in signing him to a minor league deal and stashing him at Norfolk. But a spot on the roster, please.
I have to agree with G Hal, you would think these guys would feel some loyalty towards a team that stuck their neck out for them. AM took a lot of heat for bring this kid here. Then he pitches 6 games, stinks up the joint, and comes up lame. I guess the business side of baseball can get a little ugly some times.
like I said, I'd wouldn't mind bringing him back on a minor league deal. But if not, oh well, see ya Rich!
Bryan M:
So you admit we know what we're talking about sometimes?!
Chris said:
Good Riddens!
December 22, 2009 11:31 AM
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You prove that you are indeed Jack almost every day. Idiocy at it's finest.
Hill would be fine as minor league filler, I'd much rather move forward with the youth. We took a flyer on him and it didn't work out, oh well.
Like terpfan and a few others, I can't understand all the hate against Hill. The guy is trying to make a living as a professional ballplayer; of course he is optimistic about his chances. I don't see any reason not to sign him to a minor league contract, if he will take it. I wouldn't mind watching him pitch for the Tides, and, who knows, maybe he really will develop back into a big leaguer. If not, no loss in trying.
While I understand and share the skepticism that many of the commenters here have over Rich Hill's self proclaimed clean bill of health, I don't see how many of you can claim he faked the injury last year to buy himself some more rope. He ended up needing surgery to correct his shoulder, am I right? That must have meant something was seriously amiss in that shoulder.
Furthermore, there are numerous reclamation projects in the majors, especially in the ranks of pitchers. While many of these do fail, in this case we have a low-risk, high-reward scenario. I really don't see how any aspect of our trade for rich hill, or even signing him to a minor league deal now could be viewed as anything but low-risk, high-reward.
After aquiring Javy from Atlanta, expect NY to be that "surprise" team to land Bay or Holliday.
The ball came out of his hand easily...unfortunately the STRIKES did not come as easy.
Homer Simpson, "I've already forgotten his name."
I would hope they can sign Hill to a minor league contract. More inventory. May have large upside IF injuries are in the past. His pitching style does look like a back injury ready to happen, but if he regains what he once had.... He can try for a 40 man spot somewhere, but seems unlikely given his history. Don't understand why so many are on his case. He does have to prove he is capable, but would be good if he proved it with Norfolk.
Can we just get the Yankees 28th store bought World Series Trophy engraved and start working on getting some sort of serious competitive balance in this sport?
I talked to Rich last spring for a little while and asked him how he felt health-wise. He was maybe a bit too polite and accommodating to a fan who knew a little more about him than to just ask for his signature. He spent a good amount of time just trying to convince me that he was all better and looking forward to proving himself that season - exactly as it sounds he responded to Roch's questions. I got the impression that he wasn't all that confident in himself, and as the Greinke story unfolded, I couldn't help but think that Rich could possibly use some counseling himself. He's a pitcher that will always have to rely on that big curveball and when it's missing he looks absolutely lost against major league batters. I believe he does feel like he's owed a spot on a big league roster for his 2007 season alone, but he really could use an entire season at AAA, or even AA, and maybe some counseling to humble him and help him regain his confidence. For any team's sake, I hope they don't put him on their roster. That being said, I hope the O's could get him back and see if he could figure things out at Bowie and maybe graduate to the Tides by the end of the season. His curve is really really phenomenal and if he'd be able to harness it, using that alone, I think he could dominate any lineup he faces.
Now, on to the business of the Vasquez deal. With Halladay gone, we have little to worry about in Toronto, but now we're looking at 3 rotations in the AL East that are as dominating as they've ever been. The Rays boast a young rotation that aside from a late ROY contender (Niemann) and a preseason ROY candidate (Price) each held the O's to under a 3.30 ERA and .210 BAA, and they're only going to get better. As has been mentioned before, with Lackey, the Socks have three potential aces heading their 2010 rotation. And now, the Yanks. After resigning Pettitte, and this newest trade, the O's have this to look forward to for 4/5 of their 18 games in New York - Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte and Vasquez. We simply can't do enough in the offseason to compete with these guys. Nothing we can do about it now, but what sours me most is what the Yanks gave up for Vasquez and a lefty specialist in Boone Logan that would have looked so good in an O's uniform and completed our bullpen. They have to eat a contract bigger than Millwood's, but it otherwise, only cost them Melky Cabrera (Felix Pie) and a pathetic excuse for a lefty in Michael Dunn (Castillo). Why couldn't we have done this Roch?? I'm not talking about blocking the trade to keep the Yanks from acquiring another star, but to bolster our rotation. Why not give Tillman some extra seasoning at AAA and then let him pitch a bit from the bullpen? Some fans would have my head for suggesting another Millwood-esque type trade, but wouldn't Vasquez, Millwood, Guthrie, Bergesen and Matusz have looked so good? That would've earned us a .500 season. Both those guys would be tradebait at the deadline and their contracts would've been up in 2011. We could've offered the better of the two arbitration and earned some draft picks if we were denied it. Seriously, what's wrong with us that we wouldn't look to get another full-season starter??
Mr. Mac
Please sign Hendrickson as soon as we can open a roster spot. Then sign Bedard and assign him to extended spring training. Then sign Hill to a minor league contract. Last but not least make Castillo, Perez, etal.. Every left hander in our system know that if they show well in spring training they will be in the majors, here or in a trade, before the season is out. QUALITY left handers are not a dime a dozen, we are very fortunate to have two very good young ones in Matuz and Gonzales and also the other readily avaiable veterns I've mentioned.
Our minor league system is about to be as rich and rewarding as it ever has been thanks to you, make left handed pitching a strong point.
Kyle ProBoller,
In regards to MacPhail's lovefest with another cubbie? Uh, what did this move end up costing us? It didn't work out. I'm OK with that. Now we move on, unless the guy wants to prove himself in the minors. It kills me that you guys rip Andy for bringing in players he has some familiarity with. Yeah, like that never happens in Sports. Parcells name come to mind? Or maybe Tony LaRussa? It happens, yet you all trash Andy for this. Get real. Some of these moves work, some don't. Seems I recall Holmgren liking this backup QB in Greenbay named Hasselback, once he became head coach at Seattle, he brought the kid in.
Now if we could close a deal on Bay, that would play nicely for a RH power bat, allowing us to move Scott in a deal, and perhaps, add someone like a Pineiro.
Ken Rosenthal says we should give up.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/rosenthal-rest-of-al-east-should-give-up-122209?&alerted=false&new=false&screenname=issueless
Would everybody please stop knocking the O's for not having a larger payroll? Spending money on big free agents requires them to take it and come here. After a decade of mismanagement, no free agent worth having will take our money so we are stuck with guys like Wigginton and Atkins. It will change and it is already starting to. Millwood and Gonzales are quality players (not stars but quality players) who seem genuinely happy to be here. As the O's stock rises, bigger name free agents will be more willing to sign here. You can't just say, let's sign Beltre. I'm pretty sure it's a free country and he gets a say in the matter.
While I'm at it, I really don't want Holliday at his asking price either. We don't have any holes in the outfield but we have a rather large one at first base. You don't fill a round hole with a square peg!
I don't get all the Hill-hating here either. Seems way overboard. He gave it his best shot, he was hurt, it didn't work out.
I don't think the Orioles or any other team would or should give him a shot at the 40-man roster, but I'd like to see the O's sign him to a minor league deal. I agree with G Hal - if a team spends money on a player and it doesn't work out and there are only minor league offers out there the next year, I think it some loyalty towards that team should kick-in (assuming the O's even want to sign Hill to a minor league deal). Merry Christmas to all!
A 7.80 ERA isn't going to land on many ML rosters.
He's a great curve, but his fastball isn't that good. Good hitters simply wait for the curve that comes and blast it.
Good luck Rich, but I think the O's boat has sailed.
I have to agree that NOT giving this guy a major league contract was the right move...but, personally when he is on his game he is a fun pitcher to watch...he just freezes batters with that big breaking curve that starts out looking like its not going fast enough to stay airbourne and appears headed for the O's dugout then somehow eventually finds its way over the corner of the plate.
I hope he is healed, takes the AAA deal and shows up at ST and kicks butt...
Unlike others on here, I consider myself a Rich Hill fan. I like the way he attacks hitters and I think he has an incredible curveball. His windup, however, is atrocious, and it's going to give him horrendous control problems for the rest of his career unless he fixes it.
If Hill is smart, he'll sign a minor league deal with us, rebuild that delivery with our minor league instructors and come back to the bigs with the control necessary to make a lasting impact. Otherwise, that lights-out curveball will be all for naught.
Happy holidays, Roch.
Seems to me I recall a guy by the name of Cliff Lee who a couple of years ago was having some issues and was sent down to the minors. And the rest is history. Not suggesting that Rich Hill is the next coming of Cliff Lee, but if a successful minor league stay bred confidence (and control) why not take another flyer on the guy?
Rich Hill, when "on", has a curveball that is "devastating". If that isn't worth a look, then I know why I am so glad you are not an O's exec.
Does he deserve a ML contract? Probably not. Does he get one? Again, at this juncture, probably not. Does he deserve a look? Ya darn tootin'.
Go O's!
The O's lost nothing with Hill last year. They gave nothing and he gave .500 back. Sometimes his goody twoshoes style takes me aback but so what, its refreshing considering some of the other personalities in ML. I'd liked to see that curve ball in the ML. I'd still give him the benefit of the doubt since this all started with Pinella. Pinella and Co. tried to change Hill's delivery and something probably got strained. He lost his control and tried to comeback with an injury and was 3-3. But what a curve ball! He dazzled in at least one of those wins last year. No matter what happens his curve will be talked about for some time.