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I think I know why the Cubs gave up on Hill so soon.
After a very good season in 2007, the Cubs shipped him back to the minors in 2008 after a few starts.
Then he was plagued by minor nagging injuries the rest of the year. Lou Piniella does not have much patience with guys who can't or won't throw the ball over the plate.
Rich has a delivery that doesn't allow him to consistently throw strikes. He can be very good at times, and he does have a very good curveball.
But, if you cannot throw strikes with your fastball, big league hitters will wait you out. They won't swing at the curve unless they have to.
So far, Rich has had two games where everything has clicked for him. But in the others, he has struggled with his command of the strike zone.
I am sure the Orioles are going to be patient with Rich. But, there will come a time when some of the young Oriole prospects will push their way onto the roster.
At that point, if Rich Hill hasn't found a way to be more consistent, he will be replaced. He has a chance to very good. But then again, so do a lot of guys who get drafted. Unfortunately, most don't end up that way.
