7/25 Giants (Schmidt) vs. Cubs (Hill) 7:05 PM CSN

[Outshined_One]

Hill as a prospect has always had a much higher ceiling than almost all of the pitching prospects in the Cubs' system. He had pretty much fully developed with regards to his body and mound presence and his fastball had pretty much topped out. Everyone knew that curveball was the filthiest pitch ni the system; it was just a matter of if he could ever control is properly. He also needed a third pitch, which has come along decently to my understanding.

 

What is that third pitch that he throws?

 

I was under the impression it was a change, but according to some of the people in the Q&A session with Hill, it was a cutter. We'll see come game time.

[CubsWin]

This move makes sense to me, imo. Mitre should be down in AAA starting, not rotting in the BP. But, when it comes to personal preference, Hill should get the nod over Mitre for this one.

Starting Hill makes sense to me, as well. Mitre's numbers as a starter this season are hit and miss. Overall he is 2-3, 5.19 in 7 starts striking out 19 and walking 14 in 43.1 innings pitched.

 

But Hill's minor league numbers are eye-popping. In 18 games, he has gone 8-4 with a 3.62 ERA. He leads all minor leaguers with 164 strikeouts against just 32 walks in 109.1 innings. In 7 starts at AAA, he is 3-1, 4.53, striking out 62 while walking 11 in 43.2 innings.

 

If the Cubs want to win this game, I believe the numbers show that starting Rich Hill over Mitre or Rusch is their best option.

[Jon]

Not sure if everyone saw it, but the Cubs/Mets game on August 7th was picked up by ESPN. That means the folks who don't mute their TVs will get three doses of Morgan in just 21 games. And depending on Fox's decision, that could equal the number of times you have to put up with McCarver.

 

I guess the moral of this is to enjoy this weekend.

[Flames24Rulz]

Not sure if everyone saw it, but the Cubs/Mets game on August 7th was picked up by ESPN. That means the folks who don't mute their TVs will get three doses of Morgan in just 21 games. And depending on Fox's decision, that could equal the number of times you have to put up with McCarver.

 

I guess the moral of this is to enjoy this weekend.

 

ESPN is also so delayed compared to the radio too..the radio was a good 5 seconds ahead of the TV yesterday on my end.

 

looks like i'll be muting the Bonds lovers for an additional time this season..

[slicknickshady]

I'll take what Koronka gave his first start at LA or even his 2nd start at wrigley.

 

5 ip 3 Er

 

5 ip 4 Er

[chicubs]

 

I was under the impression it was a change, but according to some of the people in the Q&A session with Hill, it was a cutter. We'll see come game time.

 

Yah, I remember reading in a another thread that he was working on a cutter.

 

Wasnt Hill only a decent pitcher in a sub-par conference if I remember correctly? I think its kinda of arrogant to say everyone knew he was going to be great when thats not really reality.

[Outshined_One]

Yah, I remember reading in a another thread that he was working on a cutter.

 

Wasnt Hill only a decent pitcher in a sub-par conference if I remember correctly? I think its kinda of arrogant to say everyone knew he was going to be great when thats not really reality.

 

He was in the Big 10. Most scouts thought he could at the least be a good left handed reliever if he could ever get his control under wraps, given that curveball.

 

He's not going to be an ace if he reaches his ceiling (in all likelihood), but a #2/#3 is definitely not out of the question.

[Outshined_One]

Seeing Len & Bob wear matching jerseys is kinda creepy.

[Mizzou]

Wow, Wood to the bullpen when he returns. In what role will he be used, I wonder.

[ZZ Thorn]

Deborah Gibson was apparently nothing to write home about w/the national anthem. Hard to believe I know....

[Coach C]

Wow, Wood to the bullpen when he returns. In what role will he be used, I wonder.

 

It'll depend on how Hill will do tonight. If he does well, then I think Wood could go as a long reliever, and hopefully, they'll send down Mitre into AAA, or use him as trade bait.

 

There are still alot of options left though. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[Blueheart05]

Positive vibes for Rich. A nice 5 or 6 inning start would be gold.

 

I'd be happy to see Hill succeeding in the rotation, with Williams working in the pen and Mitre getting some work in AAA.

 

I don't see that happening. Williams have pretty much solidifed his position in the starting rotation, either poeple like it or not IMHO.

 

Maybe Hill will become a fixture in the rotation (pending his performance). Considering the Cubs have announced that Kerry will work out of the bullpen when he is reactivated from the DL.

 

Lets play ball.

[Outshined_One]

First out as a starter. Yay!

[Jazz]

alright 1 down

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Hill's working 90-92 with his fastball. Last night, the Busch radar gun had Prior at 93-94.

[Outshined_One]

Wow, Hill works off the extreme 3B side of the rubber. Never noticed that before.

 

Watch out backstop!

[XZero771679666304]

When Hill is missing, is he missing with the curve or the fastball (I can't see the game)

[Outshined_One]

When Hill is missing, is he missing with the curve or the fastball (I can't see the game)

 

Seems to be missing way up with the fastball when he's missing. His curve has been up and away to right handed hitters.

[Flames24Rulz]

2 outs :D

[Coach C]

Sweet. 2 outs.

[Jon]

When Hill is missing, is he missing with the curve or the fastball (I can't see the game)

Both. Mostly up and away.

 

And yeah, Hill is way over to the side of the rubber.

[Flames24Rulz]

1-2-3 inning in his first game as a sterter :)

[Outshined_One]

Cutter seems to be at 87 that goes down and in to righties.

 

1-2-3. Didn't like the full counts and the minor control issues, but he got the job done.

[Jon]

All 3 outs came with the fastball, I believe.

[Coach C]

1-2-3! :D