Rich Hill... Physical not Mental?
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 21, 2008 9:39 AM CDT
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PrintAn interesting article about Rich Hill today in the Sun-Times.
His states that his problem this year has not been mental, but it's physical.
Left-hander Rich Hill continues to battle control problems at Class A Daytona, but he insists his problems aren't mental and says he doesn't feel forgotten after the Cubs traded for right-hander Rich Harden.
Hill told the Boston Globe his command problems have nothing to do with ''Steve Blass Disease,'' the mysterious and sudden inability to throw strikes.
''I don't even know what Steve Blass Disease is,'' said Hill, who was demoted to Class AAA Iowa in early May before being sent to the Cubs' training facility in Mesa, Ariz., in June when the problems persisted.
''I hurt my back. You can ask anyone who's ever played the game that when you suffer an injury, especially a pitcher, it throws your mechanics off. That's what happened to me. I don't have anything structurally wrong with my back, but I've had back spasms and I've had to do my rehab and stretching. I'm much better.''
What is your take on this? And was the back issue known in Spring Training and the beginning of the season when the started poorly?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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This quote came from the Boston Globe link I posted yesterday.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
If this whole thing is about back spasms
then why didn’t Rich AND the Cubs say that right off? I just don’t buy it-esp. since he’s had control problems before. Sad to say, I think Hill’s a headcase.
and since bluekoolaide played the game at a competitive level and is a diagnostic physician
from the virtual world he knows it all.
Whether he had control problems before is immaterial if the cause is or was an injury. As for the Cubs not being altogether honest or forthcoming with their injury reports on starting pitching this is a first and one can use that as a diagnostic assessment….oh it wasn’t a first….
Here is my take:
Hill is a tall man which when it comes to athletic mechanics very difficult to keep settled. Simple law pf physics the farther the path the more chance the path can become out of sort. My analogy is golf, tall players have a more difficult time honing their swing than shorter players.
Back injuries are maddening. They are big muscles which are more balance than strength and when they are hurt they hit you with pain making you adjust your movement.
Finally Hill is essentially not as coordinated an athlete as lets say, Maddux or Zambrano or even Marquis. So he when gets out of sort, it is really out of sort.
So any of you as a fan can buy anything and that includes ole MDBNIU below, the real story here is the lack of knowing and the prejudice against Hill who was a very good pitcher for the Cubs from 08/05 through 09/06 going what 16-9 through that stretch…..
I think he will get straight and come up in August replace Marshall who will have one good start, one poor start and one marginal start in a 3-start stint. Hill will finally solidify the rotation and possibly get 5 starts down the stretch.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Here's a tip Ivy;
the next time you decide to come off like a “know it all”, try getting your facts straight; Rich Hill was 6-9 for the Cubs during the ‘05-’06 seasons which is pretty far from “very good”.
Also, I think it’s hilariously hypocritical for you to decide to attack me for not being an “expert’ and then you decide to share your own “expertise” with all of us-as if your opinion has any more validity than anyone else’s. Oh, wait-I forgot; OF COURSE your opinion has more validity; after all, it’s YOURS.
Also, and this will probably be lost on you but there are ways to dispute what people post without being a jerk about it.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 21, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh let me respond.
First here is tip….make a big TIP your opinion which you are entitled to have right or wrong I have nothing against, but when you express it in such a cavalier attitude then you better stand and take it.
Your premise was….allow me to characterize was that you didn’t buy the back spasms whole thing because it was not mentioned in the press….ESPECIALLY (now isn’t that right especially meaning that this was the cornerstone of your logic) that he had control problems before THEREFORE…this confirmed for you that Rich Hill was a headcase…..
For one thing I am not, nor am have I ever been a KNOW IT ALL KNOTHEAD….that said I actually did compete at a level…collegiate level oh yes it was some three decades and two fake knees ago in another sport….and yes I actually played baseball at a high school level, something more than most of you have. My godbrother (yes there are some old Catholic families who like to inbreed or exchange godparents….) got as high as AA baseball in the Twin organization. My brother got as far as the junior tour, last day of the Q-School and my niece is an genuine Olympic Skating hopeful…...why is this important…..because I and many of my family know what is is to compete at a high level.
Injuries are not to be dismissed as head cases. The level of success or not at this level is unforgiving. A bad back and it can throw off every mechanic. I reveled at Tiger Woods winning the US Open with his injuries…..his concentration and execution was unbelievable.
The thing is you used as part of your opinion logic his previous control problems and acquainted them as being mental as well. Most control problems of players at this level are physical, mechanical down to the finger tips, and all the way back to the big muscles throughout the body.
Now getting my facts correct I was incorrect I should have looked up baseball reference and reacquainted how amazing his 2006 record was. He came up August 1st having been sent down again, 0-4…..and then went 6-3 making his record 6-7 that year. Last year he was 11-8 and thus 19-15 in the year and half in the bigs. sorry…
But this is what really gets me. Fans who acquaint so much to a player’s supposed attitude, or mental state (sanity) et cetera, when it is so much physical. IT is plain and utter ignorance and prejudice expressed. Sure you can have a prejudice but be prepared to be challenged for it…..
Take for example my niece who was competing last year in the US Nationals and finished out of the running. Some one came up to me and said she wasn’t trying…..she was hurt and shouldn’t have competed at all but gutted it out.
Hill is hurt…whether it was reported appropriately by the press or squelched by the Cubs initially or not is was hurt and it affected his performance. So now who is the headcase…..the fan or the competitor?
More in line example: Last year Soriano was not hitting HR’s until after August. People said he was reacting to his contract or this or that…..His wrists were hurt was the reality. When they healed he went off. But did anyone take back those attitude calls….no….
Edmonds was given up to for dead here and in SD. He was hurt….he didn’t have spring training and he had a mechanical flaw…..but so many were convinced it was mental and he was old. Now he has 11 HR’s and is a key component to this club…..
so be educated and think a bit before saying your opinion has some sanctity…...for as tips go….don’t discount injuries….and stop acquainted mental problems for every performance item…...
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
sorry about the stats
I meant 06-07 not 2005
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 21, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
boom
baby
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
What gets me is people like you who seem to get off on attacking people online
You don’t know ANYTHING about me and yet you want to start a fight right out of the gate. It’s people like you who take a lot of the fun out of what’s otherwise a great fan site.
I mean, if somebody says something that you don’t agree with in real life, do you immediately get all sarcastic and superior-if it is then you must be a very popular guy.
And, let’s just for argument’s sake say that you’re right and Rich Hill’s problems have all been physical; if this is true the Pinella, Rothschild and Hendry should be crucified for sending an injured guy out there over and over again and then withholding information about the injury. But why did it take Hill this long to inform us of this? Why didn’t he say right away that this was the problem? Back in late April, after two or three straight wild outings he was quoted as saying that he felt fine and everything was okay. So forgive me if I’m not exactly sure which Hill to believe.
Anyway, I’m though with this. I go on to this site to communicate with fellow Cubs fans-not to get into these pointless fights with people like you.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 21, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
maybe he didn't know?
is it possible? I don’t know.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Rich Hill is a mess
None of us knows the root cause. Like I’ve said before, it is extremely difficult to throw the curveball over the plate. When the curve is far and away a pitcher’s biggest pitch? Well then maybe the pressure to get it over the plate for strikes has taken a signficant mental toll on Hill.
I don’t buy the “back spasms” claim. Not as the complete explanation.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
I don't understand how you possess some inside knowledge as to the back pains of Rich Hill
and the degree of seriousness of them. Do you personally know Rich, or any Cub trainers? Oh, I forgot, you played college baseball.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 21, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
if you don't buy the claim
then you claim to know more of the root cause… than Rich Hill does.
College baseball indeed.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
If you don't "buy the 'back spasms' " and, think it was just a mental thing, MDBNIU....
you’ve never had back problems. You can say you are fine all day when you aren’t. Of course, I can see why you would not buy the back problem….as you are a little man with no spine. I have had a congenital thing that has cost a lot (just think of it as a little critter that eats soft tissue and shits bone spurs, that will keep it within your intellectual grasp) that by age 18, had cost me entrance into the Marines, then the Army and cost a contract as a LH pitcher with a major league franchise. SO, if you don’t buy the story, I am sure that Rich Hill and all of us that have had some life experience just really are saddened at your disbelief.
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 21, 2008 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Admitting to mental probs
How many people no matter what the job is going to come out and say that the reason is that they have problems that are some how mental?
I have no idea if he has back spasms but it might be about saving face.
"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 21, 2008 10:05 AM CDT reply actions
+1
I just don’t see Rich Hill helping us this year, even in September. Gut feeling.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 21, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
fully agreed
i’ve said so in other posts. There is going to be little to zero tolerance for easing a pitcher with a checkered past back into a rotation on a Chicago Cubs team in the hunt for the postseason. Ditto for a bench spot of an player named Pie. I personally would not want them on the bench taking room. Let them wait ‘til next year like WE have .. over and over ..
They’re young, they’re studs, and that’s part of the business. They need to deal with it. Neither of them are going to factor into things in the Cubs push unless they TODAY flip the switch in their heads, make the adjustments and start playing up the caliber they’re able to for the rest of the summer.
And I don’t see that happening.
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
by cubnational on Jul 21, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Even if they do flip that switch
I don’t see them being trusted before September 1 barring an emergency. Even after September 1—role players. (Pie as a PR/defensive replacement, Hill as mop-up relief)
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 21, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
Rich Hill is in saving face mode. I feel for the guy. What he needs is for the media and fans to leave him alone for awhile so he doesn’t need to get further depressed by going into rationalization mode about what happened to his pitching.
Rich Hill is done for 2008. Let him focus on rehabilitation both mentally and physically. And for the love of God please let him learn a desperately needed third pitch. Otherwise his major league career might be over.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
the guy was just fine
with 2 pitches last year
he can be an above average ML starter with just 2 pitches if he has command of them
plenty of pitchers can win with 2 pitches, your man-crush in fact is only throwing 2 pitches now (Fastball, Changeup) if your stuff is dominant and your command is strong you can be above average with 2
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jul 21, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Throwing the curveball as your main pitch is very tough duty
It was very tough duty in fact for Sandy Koufax and Bert Blyleven, two notable pitchers who also lived and died via the curveball. If Rich Hill can’t get the curveball over then he’s in real big trouble. His fastball isn’t remotely good enough by itself. Hill needs to regain the ability and confidence to get the curveball over the plate. And I shall continue to insist he has screaming need to come up with a quality 3rd pitch that he can mix and match.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
Koufax
His fastball was plenty good enough to rely on if he didn’t have his curveball working. To say he “lived and died via the curveball” isn’t quite accurate. I believe there were some games where his arm was hurting so bad that he couldn’t throw his curveball and he was still unhittable throwing nothing but his fastball.
I'd bet you never saw Koufax pitch, MDBNIU....
Did you ever see him? I know you won’t answer.
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 21, 2008 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
YOU. ARE. WRONG.
Did you even bother reading the article that Ben posted above? If not, let me help you. Here’s a quote from it:
When I had the back issues, I couldn’t throw my CHANGEUP where I wanted. Now I’m getting my rhythm back. [Emphasis mine.]
The man has a fastball. The man has a curve ball. And the man has a changeup. That’s THREE pitches. Sure, his changeup hasn’t been as effective as it needs to be to truly push him into the elite tier of pitchers we all hoped he’d join but, nonetheless, HE ALREADY HAS A THIRD PITCH.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Sorry, but you're wrong
Rich Hill’s changeup is barely indistinguishable from his pedestrian fastball. Hence the big dilemma he is faced with.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
amazing
ignorance in the face of evidence.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Sigh...nonetheless...
...he doesn’t need to “come up” with another pitch. He has one. As mentioned, I do agree that his changeup needs to get better.
But, in any case, it’s next to impossible for any of us to say which of Hill’s pitches is working at the moment, because very few if any of us has actually seen him pitch in months. His “pedestrian” fastball was working quite well at times last season and in late ‘06. If he can rise above his back problems and the accompanying mental/confidence issues, his fastball, curve ball and changeup could all surprise us with their effectiveness.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Sir, you are stupid. You know squat about baseball. College Baseball doesn't mean shit.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 21, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Congratulations!
Two violations in one line.
1) Insulting another poster
2) Using profanity
Whether or not I agree with you is immaterial. If you can’t post following the simple rules of this site, then don’t.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
And don't waste violations on MDBNIU...
good grief, prince!
Please...
Maybe that’s something that Larry has tried to get him to incorporate this year - as well he should - but his “changeup” is a bad joke that’s got no one laughing. Rich Hill is a two-pitch pitcher who lacks a level of command with his fastball, and an ability to repeat the delivery consistently with his curveball, for whatever reason. Especially after the Cubs starting modifying his delivery in Spring Training. I like the guy, and hope for great things from him, but let’s not be silly about this.
by Damen Jackson on Jul 21, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey, like I said...
...the changeup clearly needs to get better. I was merely disputing the fact that Hill needs to acquire a third pitch – he’s already got one, it’s just not very good (again, as far as we know). And I think it’s far too easy for us to focus on all of Rich’s failures – he has commanded his fastball and wielded his curve ball with a fair amount of success at the major league level, just not consistently (or recently).
Nanika Ga Okoru!
MDBNIU, you have been told SO many times here that Hill has more than two pitches...
You just think EVERYONE who has told you so is lying?
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 21, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Meh, I dunno...
...I can actually buy what Rich is saying. I had a couple bouts of back spasms myself a couple years ago, and I could barely walk for a day or so afterward, much less throw a baseball (or a wiffle ball, for that matter).
I think it’s entirely possible that this whole thing has gone down largely as he says: His back problems screwed up his mechanics, and he simply lost the ability to control his pitches.
Having said that, I would probably add the caveat that Rich is probably downplaying the mental aspect of what he’s gone through. Losing touch with his mechanics more than likely did mess with him mentally. Add to that the fact that his manager was pulling him from games at the slighest sign of trouble and he’s been bounced around the Cubs minor league system like a superball, and it’s not difficult to imagine him spiralling into a morass of lost confidence and physical pain.
To sum up, the root cause of Hill’s downfall may very well NOT be any significant mental problem. Rather, he simply suffered a physical injury that has since been complicated by a loss of confidence and period of intense career chaos. I wish him well and hope to see him back in the bigs soon. I have a hard time, however, seeing that happening any time this season before September, if at all.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by daver on Jul 21, 2008 10:18 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
+1 ....well said
"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08
+1
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
+1 and apologies for being a tremendous dick a couple weeks ago.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 21, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Apology accepted, and let me just say...
...that I must have misinterpeted the fanpost you put up that day. When I saw it (and your user name), I assumed you were a Brewers fan trolling here to make fun of the Cubs.
As you could probably tell, I was in a pretty crappy mood as it was, so I gave in to the temptation to tell you off. But I’ve since realized you are a Cubs fan, so I obviously missed the point of whatever it was you were trying to say and shouldn’t have used profanity anyway.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
No, I was just posting some lame Cubs related jokes I found. Probably wasn't diary worthy anyway.
Either way, I had no right to post that picture. Thanks for understanding though.
by princefieldersdiet on Jul 21, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
should'nt that be...
+2 and +3?
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 21, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I will too
But I still think it’s not all a physical problem, it’s physical AND mental.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 21, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
+5
couldn’t have flapped my gums any better … good post. I think that’s exactly where he is. He’s a gifted, talented young man who needs to take the time now to regroup and refocus .. and heal and rehab if needed.
It is a bittersweet joy of mine to have been at a game in which he made his last decent start, the game after the Cubs clinched in Cincy. It was a party atmosphere in the stands, we were all giddy (and probably half the place was hungover), and with a team of utility and bench men (Murton, Pie, Cedeno, Fotenot, Theriot and Soto among them), it was Rich Hill who blew away the Reds.
Sad to see him come to this. So very sad. I hope he can pull it together ..
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
Here is an inciteful prediction
Hill will continue to get better and go a little deeper in his next rehab start be it Daytona or West TN. By early August he will be reactivated by Iowa and start there. At the same time Marquis will be traded in the PM hours of 07/31 and Hendry will say that one of the considerations was the improving health of Hill and him getting his command back.
In the meantime the Cubs will either recall Hart or Samardzija for long relief/swing as Marshall will get the next 3 starts in the rotation.
In mid -August with Hill putting together 3 solid starts in AAA he will be recalled and Hart or Samardzija will be optioned and Marshall put back in the bullpen as Hill will get the final two starts in August.
Hill finishes with 5 starts down the stretch going 3-1 and finishing the year 4-1.
And like the naysayers regarding Edmonds many of you will then say you were wrong again.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
LOL - a bold prediction, my friend!
And if this does come to pass, I will gladly bow to your prognosticative prowess.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
It could be inciteful, depending.
:)
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Ha...
and who exactly do the Cubs get in return when Marquis is traded in the PM hours of 07/31?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 21, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
the one on the right
looks a little shifty…
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah remember all the Arod speculation
That wouldve been awesome
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
If Rich Hill gets 5 starts down the stretch...
.....this team is in some deep doo doo.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 21, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe...
or maybe it will be that he’s found his form from late-2006 when he had an ERA of 2.93, WHIP of 1.05 and 79 K in 80 IP. If that’s the case, then I certainly wouldn’t say we’re in deep doo doo. Heck, even if he only got back to last year’s performance, that’d be an upgrade over our current #5 starter (and the performance of our #4 starter, for that matter).
I certainly hope it is physical, because physical problems can potentially be corrected. Mental/psychological problems would be much more difficult to fix.
But....
..he has shown nothing this summer to think that he’s going to return on this supposed white horse people want him to. Nothing.
Maybe Marquis will turn around to his 1st half of 2007. Maybe Ted Lilly will return to his strong stretch of 2007. Lots of maybe’s, but I just can’t believe that this guy is going to turn a switch and be a contributor to this team this year.
More power to those that think he’s actually going to come back and contribute, I just don’t see it based on what we’ve seen this summer.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 21, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
As I said... maybe...
you’re the one that said that the team will be in “deep doo doo” if Hill is back in the majors this year. The reality is that you have no idea (and neither do I, or anyone else on this board). I simply presented an alternative possibility.
Remember, this isn’t necessarily something that will take time. If he gets healthy/right, he’s clearly better than minor league hitting. The return to form would likely be instantaneous, not a slow progression. It’s not like spring training for a pitcher to build up his arm strength and pitch count.
It may not happen for Hill this year, but it may happen just as well. And I certainly hope it does, as he has as much talent as Lilly and more than Marquis. At the very worst, having him back to his old form of last year gives us flexibility for the future in terms of trades.
agreed...
....I think everyone’s hoping there’s a quick return to form. I, personally, think the goal should be 2009. But I get what you’re saying.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 21, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions
the fact
that he’s throwing strikes again doesn’t mean anything to you?
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
3 walks in 4.1 innings in an A ball game....
..doesn’t exactly show me he’s mastered his pinpoint control. But your mileage may vary.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 21, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
less than a walk per inning
is a hell of a lot better than before. And two of those walks were in the .1 part, right? I’m not trying to exclude that part of the record, but I think it’s relevant when the walks happen as much as that they happen.
"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08
by drewishdrewid on Jul 21, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Better? Maybe. Where he needs to be? No way.
Considering the fact that he threw a walk every THREE innings in the majors last year.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 21, 2008 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Let me assure you...Rich Hill has NO CHANGEUP!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 21, 2008 12:20 PM CDT reply actions
This is yet another example of your brilliancy
Many imitators, but there is only one santoswoodenlegs.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
LOL love it
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 21, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
THAT was brilliant .. brilliant
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
Pretty heated in this thread
I still believe they didnt really give him a shot, they sent him down way too early, it was what only the first week of May? I mean come on
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Well, he clearly had no clue as to what he was doing at the ML level...
... so they had no choice.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Right...
and on top of that, he hasn’t exactly proven them wrong since then, struggling in AAA and then in Mesa and Daytona.
He had three months (between spring and the beginning of the regular season) to show he could throw strikes. If it was mental, he wasn’t showing he could turn it around. If it was physical, then he shouldn’t have been trying to fix it on the fly. Either way, I wouldn’t argue that he was sent down too quickly.
I just hope that it was/is due to back problems. If that’s the case, there’s a chance he can help down the stretch. If it’s mental/psychological, that’s not so good.
Many of Lou's decisions
In the first half pointed to his strong sense of urgency for winning, to not waste any games, probably knowing we would need each and every one of them. I know this sounds like every team’s goals for the first half but something just always made me feel like Lou pulled all the stops even if they didn’t always work out in our favor or make sense. So the short leash on Hill is to me another indication of that, not willing to risk a few more L’s for the sake of letting him “work it out”.
Go ahead, Z me.
Lou was right about Rich Hill, just like he was right about Felix Pie
In fact, there’s nothing really to debate on either.
Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!
It doesn't matter...
you’re not allowed to debate it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 21, 2008 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow, MDBNIU, are you the New York Times now?
They don’t allow debate either…...
The poem fails when it strays too far from the song, and the song fails when it strays too far from the dance ~ Ezra Pound
by crazymountain on Jul 21, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Urgency? What is this Urgency you speak of ..?
Oh, sorry, I was in Lovable Losers mode ..
Frankly, Lou can be as urgent as he wants to, light a fire under every derriere in the club house, and go Dibble all over anyone there if he needs to.
I’m tired of seeing lackadaisical Cub play and am glad to see Lou show an obvious passion to make the Cubs a winning franchise. When Hill is ready, I’m sure Lou will give him a look lonnnng before anyone else in the farms .. except Jeff S.
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
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