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Cubs: Hill's problems are mental

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The mysterious case of Rich Hill and his vanishing control surfaced again Tuesday in Mesa, Ariz. Pitching against rookie leaguers in an Arizona League game, Hill lasted only one-third of an inning, allowing five runs on one hit with three walks and a hit batter. "It wasn't good," manager Lou Piniella said in an understatement. Hill had been sent to Arizona to work on his control problems after losing command with the Cubs and then at Triple-A Iowa. But obviously it hasn't improved much, and the Cubs are running out of answers. One idea the organization is considering seriously is shutting Hill down for an unspecified period so he can get his head together. The Cubs believe his problems are mental, not physical.

Chicago Tribune

Lou Piniella, AP Lou Piniella, AP
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July 2, 2008  08:54 AM ET

It is a good thing the Cubs don't need a good starting pitcher at this point in the season or anything...uggh.

July 2, 2008  09:15 AM ET

I wonder if he can hit? He could be the next Rick Ankiel

July 2, 2008  09:31 AM ET

Yeah, he could solve their on-going CF problem.......

July 2, 2008  09:47 AM ET

so are mine.

July 2, 2008  10:27 AM ET

The Cubs have thrown this guy under a bus, it seems. He'll be elsewhere next year.

July 2, 2008  10:28 AM ET

Ankeil anyone?

July 2, 2008  10:45 AM ET

So wait, this guy is a psychopath? NIIIICE!

July 2, 2008  10:46 AM ET

I know the term "...under the bus" is popular these days, but I don't think it applies. They gave Hill every opportunity to succeed and it's clear he doesn't have the mental makeup to play for the Cubs. It's not like he's a 22 year old.
He'll probably end up continuing his epic 2006(?) campaign when he was about 15-1 in AAA.

July 2, 2008  10:55 AM ET

Yeah, no Cubs have ever had physical arm problems. Well, at least until they go on the disabled list before they have surgery.

July 2, 2008  12:09 PM ET

A baseball player with mental problems!!!!! mmmmmm and so the story is what?

July 2, 2008  12:10 PM ET

The comparisons to Aniel don't work, simply because Rich Hill isn't a cheater and has never used HGH. Unlike Ankiel, who is a cheater and plays for the Cardinals. Albert Pujols also plays for the Cardinals. Just throwing that out there.

Go Cubbies.

July 2, 2008  12:16 PM ET

The comparisons to Aniel don't work, simply because Rich Hill isn't a cheater and has never used HGH. Unlike Ankiel, who is a cheater and plays for the Cardinals. Albert Pujols also plays for the Cardinals. Just throwing that out there.

Go Cubbies.
SpaldingSmails | 07/02/08, 12:10 PM
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Pujol's plays for the Cardinals? What is this madness?

July 2, 2008  12:45 PM ET

The comparisons to Aniel don't work, simply because Rich Hill isn't a cheater and has never used HGH. Unlike Ankiel, who is a cheater and plays for the Cardinals. Albert Pujols also plays for the Cardinals. Just throwing that out there.

Go Cubbies.

SpaldingSmails | 07/02/08, 12:10 PM
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you should change your name to UltimateDumbAss b/c that is one stupid remark. I assume that you have the complete list of HGH and Steroid users...

I'm not condoning the use, but pls don't think for a minute that the names that have been named represent the complete list of users. There are 100s of other guys out there who's name never got released.

July 2, 2008  02:55 PM ET

Hey man I didnt even say it I was making a joke take it easy.

July 2, 2008  03:15 PM ET

sorry ultimate cub...I was referring to the other guy and realized that I used the wrong name....anyway, he could still use the name ultimatedumbass....

July 2, 2008  04:05 PM ET

Sigh....... okay Cub fans, one more time. Ankiel's HGH use was a prescription from a doctor following surgery. There was one shipment of HGH to Ankiel, and it was prescribed.

Oh, and I agree, Me DUM DUM.......Spalding could definitely use that name and it would be appropriate.

July 2, 2008  05:48 PM ET

lmo Agreed

July 2, 2008  10:04 PM ET

The "Rick Ankiel Hitting School" is accepting applications for fall enrollment.

 
July 2, 2008  11:56 PM ET

Maybe they can trade him now while he still has value? Brian Roberts threads to be back. Film at 11pm

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