Channeling Rich Hill
New pitcher Rich Hill was in the clubhouse today and clarified some things in a short conversation with Jeff Zrebiec. He insists that he spun out of control last year because of a back problem and not because of any issue involving his mindset or mechanics.
"Last year was a season lost to injury,'' Hill said. "My back the whole season was never really healed. I never really gave it a chance to let it settle down. It was always go, go, go, go, but getting home and working with some of the trainers, we were able to figure out what the problem is and get it right.
"I don't think there is anything that needs tinkering with my mechanics. I was changing my mechanics because I didn't feel right with my shoulder or whatever it was bothering me. Now that I'm healthy, it allows me to get back to the way I was throwing the ball."
Associated Press photo
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Comments
If he's not just blowing smoke--and at this point, there's really no reason for him to--this could be great news for the O's. We saw what happened when Aubrey Huff figured out what was wrong with him physically (when he had the sports hernia surgery), going from career lows to career highs. If Hill's control issues really were the side effects of a now-healed health concern, then in a few months all the doubters that have been cropping up may be back on the A-Mac bandwagon.
Posted by: Ron | February 14, 2009 1:33 PM
Pete,
Will the Orioles reveal the PTBNL in the Hill deal before Opening day against the Yankees.
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Pete's reply: I don't think so. I think it depends on how he does this year.
Posted by: Cecil | February 14, 2009 4:25 PM
Wow, encouraging post! Maybe 14 wins this year!
Posted by: Timothy MorrisT | February 14, 2009 4:33 PM
I am not optimistic about Cubs reject Rich Hill. I don't think he has the guts and brains to succeed with the Orioles. Prove me wrong, Hill!
Posted by: Attila the Hon | February 14, 2009 6:26 PM
I like the Hill and Pie acquistions.
However
MEMO TO MACFAIL: There are players like this in every organization, so that begs the question is Andy just trying to prove himself right--- since he was the one who acquired them originally?
Posted by: jason c in south florida | February 15, 2009 12:30 PM
Pete:
Let's see here. He had back trouble which made him change his motion. Hmmm. If he had back trouble with the Cubs, they would have had to put him on the DL. He could not be sent down due to injury. I guess his back still hurt in the minors and through the Venezuelan league, where he seemed to perfect his work on this "Wild Thing" imitation. Now he's all better? Yeah, except for the case of terminal yips. "Major League" was an amusing movie, but Hill and Pie are real and are beloved of our GM. I don't think it will be amusing come April when he pushes his favorites onto the roster, even if they perform as I fear they will in the Spring (meanwhile, Wieters could hit .750 and still be sent down).
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Pete's reply: Except when Wieters is sent down, it's not a demotion. It's part of his developmental blueprint. You may disagree with it, but there is logic to it.
Posted by: Carl Mogensen | February 15, 2009 1:13 PM