I am a Rich Hill fan… I think he can be a useful part of a staff (bullpen if not rotation) at a reasonable price for several years.
Another poor start by Hill does not change my overall impression of him…. which is he has a devestating 12/6 curve, and needs to use his fastball and change-up more. Based on what he did in 2007, you do not cut Hill, especially when you can make a move with Hendrickson.
That said, 9 starts was a significant opportunity, and I would have no problem with the O’s cutting Hendrickson, moving Hill to the pen, and promoting a starter.
In those 9 games, Hill’s era now stands at 7.08. In 40.2 innings, he has allowed 46 hits, 27 walks, with 37 k’s.
Hill pitched 26 innings in June, with 30 hits allowed, 22 k’s, and 18 walks. His fastball has increased to more of the 89-91 range vs. the 87-88 range he was showing initially. His hits and K’s per IP are very solid, but that goes for naught if he can not throw strikes.
Aside from promoting a legitimate prospect, or waiting for Uehara to return from the DL; the other options that would exist would be switching roles with Brian Bass, or promoting a David Pauley.
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