Has Hill turned the corner?

[jjgman21]

 

I also think Rothschild and his philisophy of never trusting one's own stuff and getting everyone out with pitches outside of the zone is not condusive to a staff full of guys 27 and younger.

I agree that that would be a problematic philosophy for young pitchers, but I've never heard that Rothschild preaches never trusting one's own stuff and never getting batters out with pitches out of the zone. I'm not saying he doesn't. I just have never heard it. Where did you get that?

 

never perhaps was a strong word.

 

don't know that anyone has ever explicitly said that, but Stone used to beat around the bush to that affect. (ie. stay on the outside corner when the game is close and late; go high out of the zone with the fastball when ahead in the count, one more slider low and away should get him, etc.) I don't think anyone needs to explicitly say it.

 

I think its abundantly clear from watching this team the past several years that is what he preaches, leading the league year after year in both Ks and BBs. it's not a bad philosphy, if used in moderation, but when these things become as predictable as the tides, I'd just as soon have the pitcher throw the pitch over the middle and trust movement to get the batter out via contact.

[Sammy Sofa]

I'd just as soon have the pitcher throw the pitch over the middle and trust movement to get the batter out via contact.

 

I've given up keeping track how many times I end up yelling "JUST LET THEM HIT THE *BLANK* BALL!!!" at the TV screen.

[C.C.]

This was just on Rob Neyer chat on ESPN.COM:

 

Scott, Chicago: So then Rich Hill and his fantastic K rate in the minors should indicate some success in the majors?

 

SportsNation Rob Neyer: (1:01 PM ET ) Sure. And his stuff is nothing to sneeze at, either. If he's healthy he'll be real good.

[TruffleShuffle]

This was just on Rob Neyer chat on ESPN.COM:

 

Scott, Chicago: So then Rich Hill and his fantastic K rate in the minors should indicate some success in the majors?

 

SportsNation Rob Neyer: (1:01 PM ET ) Sure. And his stuff is nothing to sneeze at, either. If he's healthy he'll be real good.

 

Not surprised he feels this way. Neyer is a big numbers guy, and Hill's numbers have been outstanding since he "figured it out" last year.

[abuck1220]

perhaps my favorite thing about hill (besides his insane k rates) is his ability to (so far) stay remarkably healthy. hope i didn't just jinx him...

[C.C.]

perhaps my favorite thing about hill (besides his insane k rates) is his ability to (so far) stay remarkably healthy. hope i didn't just jinx him...

 

Oh man, now you did it! Shhh!

[TruffleShuffle]

perhaps my favorite thing about hill (besides his insane k rates) is his ability to (so far) stay remarkably healthy. hope i didn't just jinx him...

 

Oh man, now you did it! Shhh!

 

doesn't matter, he's a cub... he's bound to suffer some debilitating injury at some point

[C.C.]

perhaps my favorite thing about hill (besides his insane k rates) is his ability to (so far) stay remarkably healthy. hope i didn't just jinx him...

 

Oh man, now you did it! Shhh!

 

doesn't matter, he's a cub... he's bound to suffer some debilitating injury at some point

 

Unless he's traded, then of course there is a Cy Young in his future...

[goonys evil twin]

perhaps my favorite thing about hill (besides his insane k rates) is his ability to (so far) stay remarkably healthy. hope i didn't just jinx him...

 

Oh man, now you did it! Shhh!

 

doesn't matter, he's a cub... he's bound to suffer some debilitating injury at some point

 

Unless he's traded, then of course there is a Cy Young in his future...

 

Or they could provide him with solid coaching and attempt to lessen the risk for injury via cautious usage patterns and he could become a solid health pitcher for the Cubs.

[C.C.]

perhaps my favorite thing about hill (besides his insane k rates) is his ability to (so far) stay remarkably healthy. hope i didn't just jinx him...

 

Oh man, now you did it! Shhh!

 

doesn't matter, he's a cub... he's bound to suffer some debilitating injury at some point

 

Unless he's traded, then of course there is a Cy Young in his future...

 

Or they could provide him with solid coaching and attempt to lessen the risk for injury via cautious usage patterns and he could become a solid health pitcher for the Cubs.

 

Hmmm...Nahh! That would make too much sense...

[C.C.]

Another nice blurb for Hill via ESPN.COM chat with Jim Callis:

 

Charlie (Chicago): Jim, have you watched Rich Hill in his last 2 outings and do you buy into this? Or is he getting some help from the opposition?

 

SportsNation Jim Callis: (2:14 PM ET ) Hill's stuff is for real. He has one of the best lefty curveballs in the game to go with a solid fastball, and he has killed Triple-A hitters with it. I think his past problems were mental, and perhaps he has turned the corner.