The Cubs recalled Rich Hill from AAA today, sending David Aardsma down. Hill will be taking the spot in the rotation of Glendon Rusch, whose fate was sealed on Saturday by the Brewers. Hill led the minor leagues in strikeouts last year and has generally racked up obscene K rates throughout his career. He's a bit old, but pitchers peak at much more varied times than hitters, and Hill has a ridiculous curveball and appears to be harnessing some of the wildness that plagued him earlier in his career: 1.94 BB/9 in AAA last year and 2.52 so far this year (note, however, that when he was called up last year he managed an astounding 6.46 BB/9 in 23.2 innings).
Together with Sean Marshall, who pitched another outstanding game today, Hill will make an excellent complement to Carlos Zambrano and Greg Maddux, with a healthy Kerry Wood or (and is wishful thinking at this point) Mark Prior rounding out what would be a fearsome rotation for Brewers fans. Hill will make his first start on Thursday and I'll be watching with much interest; another weapon in the Cubs rotation is the last thing the Brewers need.
Tags: Chicago Cubs, Rich Hill, David Aardsma, Glendon Rusch, Sean Marshall, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano, Greg Maddux