The Baltimore Orioles have officially announced that they have acquired Rich Hill in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.
From the Baltimore Sun: In a move to add another option to a crowded but unproven rotation, the Orioles acquired left-handed starter Rich Hill from the Chicago Cubs today for a player to be named later.
Hill, a 28-year-old lefty who just a year ago was considered one of the better young pitchers in baseball, has been in deep decline since the start of last season. He was sent to the minors after just five starts and his control problems followed him there, and then to the Venezuelan winter league this offseason.
To make room for Hill on their 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated left-hander Brian Burres for assignment.
Rich Hill has too much talent for the Orioles to have not made a move to get him. The Orioles will need pitching coach Rick Kranitz to help Hill fix his control issues and gain some confidence back on the mound.
If Kranitz — who worked with Hill while in the Cub organization — could help the hurler regain some of his success from his rookie season.
What was Chicago’s trash could become Baltimore’s treasure if Hill can just figure it out on the mound.
If he does not work out, the Orioles would given up very little. I guess we’ll see how Rich Hill does in a few weeks as Spring Training kicks off.
As for Burres, if he passes through waivers, he may rejoin the Orioles — albeit, in the minors. The southpaw has looked brilliant at times; however, he could not maintain any consistency whatsover during his Baltimore tenure.
When it comes down it, Burres is what he is — a soft-tossing lefty who may always remain on fringe between the major and minor leagues.
