Rich Hill - Sleeper?

[jcde7ago]

This guy was one of the better left-handers in 2007, going 11-8 with 183 K's, 1.19 WHIP, .235 BAA...but then a year later he suffered a loss of velocity/control, and had injury issues.

Per Rotowire:

Hill gave up just two hits over six innings with seven strikeouts in a start for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Recommendation: Hill could be activated from the DL and return to the rotation next weekend, but it's not clear who he'd replace.
(Rotowire.com)

Anyone taking a chance on him? He's still only 29, and I think his confidence was just absolutely destroyed by Lou Pinella...he's always had the skill-set but just wasn't able to mentally re-establish himself in 2008, and I don't think the Cubs really gave him a chance to get back to form. Hopefully the change of scenery helps (even if it is the AL East), but he's looked solid in his last few rehab/minor league starts.

[fezzik]

I have a league with 3DL spots, so I added him last week to fill one of them...figured it really couldn't hurt. I'm not expecting too much, but you never know...

[IVIisfits138]

I just don't like that a good portion of his starts are going to be against the AL East.

[knapplc]

I don't have a team with room for Rich Hill.

[Neato Torpedo]

a year later he suffered a loss of velocity/control

Understatement of the year.

[mblax10]

9 BB in 13.1 IP in AAA. Lack of control was what put him Pinella's doghouse. Looks like it's still a problem.

[B-Chad]

I have him stashed on my DL in a Yahoo! league. Because of the loophole of being able to keep guys there after activation from the DL, I'll likely set my lineup ahead in advance and leave him there for at least his first start, and if I'm lucky and don't need to make any moves, two. I view him as a low risk potenially high reward guy. I'm "counting" on him being a 6th-7th starter on my team, just to give you an idea of the level of "risk" I'm willing to take. I am a bit concerned by the walk totals in his second AAA start. But his other two starts were solid, opposing batters simply weren't getting hits against him. His k-rate is really promising, and the fact his pitching coach from his successful 2007 season is in the fold with the O's, gives me some reason for optimism. I'd love to know what kind of velocity he's throwing with, because if he's throwing low 90's to offset his filthy curve ball, he could be a good source of k's. I'd expect some bumps in the road along the way, the key for me will be how he rebounds (or perhaps doesn't...). In a way, having a rough 5 walk start in AAA and coming back to throw very well is a baby step in the right direction in my eyes.

[Zito is God]

This guy has a sick curveball... he also has major confidence problems and control issues. I doubt he'll ever be valuable minus an occassional good start.

[Mr. Wiggles]

Hill helped me a lot two years ago, but I don't think he has much value pitching in a division with the Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Jays.

[YerInUrine]

Rich Hill is reportedly starting Saturday

Rich Hill is scheduled to start Saturday against the Royals.
It'll be his Orioles debut. Hill tossed six scoreless innings in his last start for Triple-A Norfolk and could be a nice add for AL-only leaguers. He won't be added to the roster until Saturday morning.