Rich Hill Blames All His Problems On Injuries
Here's his claim as to why he was so bad last year (scroll to bottom of page):
"It's been incredibly frustrating. It just seems like I had all of my injuries all at once and there were little things. There were no tears or problems that required back surgery but just little things that messed with my delivery and my mechanics. I've also made some adjustments."
We'll see.
about 3 years ago
Al Yellon
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So I guess
that injuries also consist of mental??
Rich, I wish you all the best, but , Please step away from the crack pipe
Well if they mess up his mechanics, and the injuries are small
hes gonna think he can work through it, but when he finds he cant, its bound to weigh on his mind, thus distracting him
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.
I actually find this more interesting
9. Orlando Hudson, 2B, free agent: It’s amazing that a player of this caliber remains unsigned, but lining up are the Cubs, White Sox, and Dodgers. A few Cubs organizational people really want Hudson, but the impending transfer of ownership from the Chicago Tribune to Tom Ricketts may hinder GM Jim Hendry’s ability to do anything until it’s complete.
Go get him, Jim!
That is very intriguing....
I guess that means Little Babe Ruth would resume the same role as 08 and Miles will be the utility guy? However, I think getting Hudson would definitely help make up for the loss of Derosa’s production. If the Cubs do get Hudson, then I say the Cubs are a slightly better team (both offensively and defensively) than last year.
Nonetheless, the sale is really hindering Hendry’s plans and I hope the Rickett family can give Hendry the green light to get Hudson.
Why is everyone so sold on Hudson?
Yes, he’s a good player. But he will cost quite a bit of money, and I think a Fontenot/Miles platoon could give the Cubs as much production for far less dollars.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Well ,thats assuming his contract demand drops...
At this point of the offseason, he might have no choice but to accept whatever the team has to offer. I’m quite confident he will not get the contract that he desires.
I'm not really
sold on him being any better than Fontenot. Maybe defensively, but what if he was to be @ SS instead? Would that notbe an upgrade?
Hudson could very be in line for a career year....
I wouldn’t be surprised if he posts Derosa like numbers if he played for the Cubs. Like Derosa, Hudson is capable of putting up 2 yrs of solid Dero-like numbers…
Explain why he'd have a career year....
… after basically being league-average his entire 7-year career. He is what he is.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Well, he is entering into his prime
And like Derosa, Hudson has posted a similar OPS to Derosa for the past 3 years. Also, Derosa didn’t even start producing decently till 2006. Hudson on the other hand has produced decently before the 2006 season. Therefore, why can’t it be possible for Hudson to put up numbers like Derosa.
Entering into his prime?
He’s 31. I would argue that his prime is over.
When Hudson’s career is over, you will look back and see his best year was 2006.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
If we were looking for Derosa type numbers...
Then we should have kept Derosa. He would have been a good bit cheaper than Hudson. I don’t see this happening.
Orlando Hudson has played zero major league games at SS.
So explain why that would be an “upgrade”.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
He is
very good defensively, so I would assume that he would be good @ SS, however, thats the reason I was phrasing that as a question. Theriot is average defensively, but would Hudson play at short, and would he be better.
Honestly, I’m really starting to see that he may not really fit, unless he can play at short or pitch like Peavy.
And he can do neither...
… so I think we should move on.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I recall that Theriot played 2B before he was a SS
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
And Theriot isn't a very good SS.
So you’re saying we should take ANOTHER second baseman and make him a bad SS? No thanks.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
can Hudson
double-clutch like Theriot? Cause, you know, that’s a requirement.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Feb 9, 2009 2:25 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe...
signing hudson would allow the cubs to dangle fontenot as a trading chip…..Im sure there would be interest in him from other teams
I'd rather have Fontenot.
Better production, less cost.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
LBR
may get some time at 3B during ST I read on cubs.com
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
ugh
I don’t understand why people (not you) sell this notion that he’s a dominant defensive 2nd baseman at this stage of his career. Solid? Yes, but even if he comes at a steep discount, I don’t see the point of Orlando Hudson. He’s not a leadoff hitter and we can find solid defense at 2nd base. Add in the loss of a first round pick? Ugh.
by toonsterwu on Feb 8, 2009 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
also...
… every time Hudson’s name has been mentioned on XM, they mention health concerns. I’m not all that familiar with Hudson but there is some conern that he can play a full slate of games.
Both toonster and dmlichte are right here
but I think most Cub fans have a sense that we are too thin up the middle and will have to add someone in-season. A bargain on Hudson now may end up being a lot better than what’s available mid-season. In an off-season when we’re talking about whether Nomar can still play SS, Orlando Hudson should be brushed away completely.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Feb 8, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions
I'm just not worried about 2nd base
Every year, there’s a decent 2nd baseman or two out there to be found. It might cost us assets in the end, but I’d rather save up for say, one big move early in the year from an asset perspective. I mean, the Yankees could shop Robinson Cano at midseason (it’s a thought that has to be out there, as Jeter likely has to move to another position on his next deal). The Mariners could shop Jose Lopez. If the Blue Jays struggle, a guy like Aaron Hill could be shopped. If Gordon Beckham moves fast, the White Sox could move some MI options. There’s other possibilities. In saying all that, I think Fontenot/Miles should be alright. Put it this way – if we struggle, I doubt that it is due to 2nd base.
If we’re talking about shortstop or CF, I’d be all for looking for other pieces now. Not 2nd.
I’d also like to keep 2nd base fairly clear from long term commitments, as it is one of the spots in the system where we have assets worth following, but that’s beside the point as we are in a win-now mode.
I agree.
It’s much more SS/CF that are worrisome than 2B.
Speaking of easy-to-get 2B – would you rather have Ray Durham right now than Aaron Miles?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Feb 8, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions
I'm guessing that you prefer Durham?
For me … I’d rather save the money than have either guy, but since that’s not an option … I’m okay with Miles over Durham in this regard – Durham is just a 2nd baseman, and he’s not an everyday 2nd baseman anymore. He can’t play anywhere else. Durham was a bit lucky offensively last year, and I expect he’s a high .700 OPS guy, with an outside shot of low .800. I think Fontenot can put up similar production, so I’d rather have Miles versatility.
Not sure who I'd rather prefer.
I’m not a big fan of Miles. The market has just been fascinating this off-season, though.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Feb 9, 2009 7:01 AM CST up reply actions
I'd love to see Hudson in a Cubs uniform.
Gold glove caliber defense and an underrated bat.
As much as I like Fontenot, I’m very skeptical about how he’d hold up over a full season. Miles is more of a supersub utility guy. Hudon is the everyday player the Cubs could really use.
As for Rich Hill-he’s been whining about injuries since he was first sent down last year.
Unfortunately, the only person who seems to be aware of these inhuries, is Rich himself.
I keep coming back to the Hendry quote a few weeks ago, “Rich had his shot and he blew it”. I just can’t see Hendry saying something so blunt if there was any question that Hill’s struggles could be legitimately injury related.
I think Hudson is overpriced (unless he lowers his contract demands).
Remember, Fontenot hit well last year in what amounted to a platoon role. He’ll be in the same role this year.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
+1
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
Rich Hill continues in excuse-making mode
All I know is the Cubs would not have discarded him if they felt good about his chances for a revival.
No kidding...
That interview read like he was trying to see how many times he could squeeze the word injury in there.
Q: So Rich, what’s your favorite movie right now?
A: Well, since my back injury kept me from being able to sit comfortably for very long, I haven’t been out to the movies in a while. But now I have no more injuries, so barring any further injury to my back I might go this weekend. I gotta be careful I don’t injure anything though, so we’ll see…
"They say we live and learn. Often what we learn is what damn fools we have been." ~Thomas Sowell
That's part of what soured me on Hill last year
It seemed like whenever you’d read a quote from him, he was either A) acting as if he was oblivious to the fact that he had pretty much completely lost the ability to throw strikes or B) blaming it on the “injury of the day”.
Orlando Hudson would count as a major addition
Guy is an excellent defensive 2nd baseman and gets big kudos for his leadership and presence. Trouble is I don’t see the Cubs having either the salary space or the inclination to go get him.
I guess I’m in the minority around here when I say Jim Hendry has been told he can’t spend any more money. Tom Ricketts is financing $500 million to buy the Cubs, meaning a debt load of over $30 million a season. Add to this the fact that Ricketts will need to finance major renovations to Wrigley, and I think we are looking at a payroll that is currently at its absolute peak. In fact, don’t be surprised if Hendry isn’t soon under orders to lower payroll anyway possible.
one more in minority
I agree with your theory on Ricketts and spending. If this deal goes through he may indeed be forced to lower payroll and renovations won’t happen anytime soon.
I don’t care to see Hudson replace Fontenot because Fontenot will likely be better both defensively and at the plate. Hudson’s ability to stay healthy hasn’t been the greatest either.
I would rather see us try and offer a one year deal to Orlando Cabrera to play short. I think he would be an upgrade over scrap-tastic Theriot in just about every imaginable way. If they could pick him up at a discount, he would be a great addition.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Feb 8, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions
The $$$ thing.
You may end up right on this. It’s certainly possible and you make a reasonable argument. However, we continue to read rumors of Hendry waiting to see if he can add X or Y. So, we’re going to keep being hopeful.
One thought – it is possible that Hendry will have more money this year, but less overall if he’s put on a 3 year budget like they have in AZ.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Feb 8, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions
Let it go, Al
Hill disappointed us, and the Cubs don’t have the roster space (or options) to allow him to figure it out again. It’s not like his so-called ‘mental problems’ couldn’t be caused by this injurty, and it’s not like he decided to stop throwing strikes just to spite you.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
I don't see an agenda here
But maybe I’ve missed a few posts.
I agree with the people that have weighed in on this so far. Hill’s problems are psychological, not physical.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 8, 2009 3:06 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe it is physical.
Doubt anybody here has any real info otherwise. Funny how speculation becomes fact. He’s gone- it’s done. Hope he has a great career. Why would anyone hope anything different?
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
Hill has always been a headcase
even when he pitched good in 2007 he was a bit of a headcase. He would mope around the mound after giving up a hit or a walk and then follow it up by giving up a big inning. He has all the talent in the world, but doesn’t have a head on his shoulders.
Anyone
hear of an injury he had prior to (hearing it) now that would have caused an entire season to be so horrible?
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
just the stiff back
I have heard of nothing else prior to this. not sure if he is saying the injury was more than that or not
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
It sounds like it.
But what it really sounds like is an excuse.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I think it's a calculated excuse
In a way, props to Hill for not complaining about the Cubs.
or is it
like Prior. We always heard the down playing of his injury status, and it kept being much worse.
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
it's starting to sound like a Dontrelle Willis case
and boy is that guy going to need some work .. how the mighty are fallen
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
meh
he’s an Oriole now. Continuing to rag on his mental state seems unnecessary and borders on poor taste.
by Cubinator on Feb 8, 2009 4:25 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
I don't think the AL East
is the place for a struggling lefty to get his confidence back.
true
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
What's with the judgmental attitude here?
Do we have some information about Hill’s situation that he doesn’t?
Giving him the benefit of the doubt here isn’t an option?
We’ll see.
Will we? It’s possible we’ll never know what happened to him. In any event I wish him luck, he was an extremely nice guy and has a ton of talent.
Also
what else do you expect him say?
“I struggle with the mental aspect of the game?”
“Lou/Chicago/pressure made me suck?”
He’s being asked about his troubles, but he’s never going to say either of those things, even if they were true.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
Agree.
He’s not going to say, “Well, I’ll be honest, when I get out on the mound, the strike zone seems about the size of a matchbook and, whenever I close my eyes, I see Lou Piniella staring at me with a frown on his face.” I was actually on Hill’s side for a while, but his ghastly performance in Venezuelan Winter Ball kinda tipped me the other way.
I mean, if he’s that badly hurt, why is he pitching in the first place? And if he’s well enough to pitch, why can’t he hit the strike zone? I think Al’s “We’ll see” pretty much sums it up. I’ll believe Hill can still pitch effectively when I see it – and not a moment sooner. Until then, I’m glad he’s no longer the Cubs’ problem.
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
Although, he could say
“I had some things that I needed to work through, and I feel like I’m ready to contribute.”
Or something like that.
Anyway, while I wish him well, if I had to bet, he won’t be successful.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 9, 2009 10:48 AM CST up reply actions
These are all good points
As much as I don’t buy the injury excuses for a second, I can see where Hill’s kind of backed into a corner as far as what he can say.
I’m just glad he’s somebody else’s problem now.
So he should just lie?
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
You admit that you’re a headcase to your family and your doctor, not to a reporter, or your boss.
You blame your employer/work environment to yourself, or maybe your co-workers, but not to a reporter.
Unless you don’t mind changing professions.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
He's not fooling me
Do you honestly think the Cubs would trade a great prospect for virtually nothing if he had minor back problems? If that was the case, his control issues would have been fine during Winter League. He hasn’t gotten any better and he isn’t going to. I don’t buy it
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
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