Southpaw Hill might be Cubs' next Kid K
June 15, 2005

The Cubs are expected to announce in the next couple of days that left-hander Rich Hill will be recalled from Class AAA Iowa. They are looking for pitching help after allowing 17 runs in consecutive losses Sunday and Monday.

But beyond a short-term fix, Hill's arrival might mark the second coming of Kid K after Kerry Wood laid claim to that moniker in 1998. The Cubs expect the media will be making a mountain out of the 6-5 Hill before he's done.

Hill, 25, has struck out 119 batters in 761/3 innings this season, which he began at Class AA West Tenn before being promoted to Iowa. In three games at Iowa, he is 1-1 with a 4.34 ERA, 29 strikeouts and nine walks in 182/3 innings. In 2004, Baseball America rated Hill as having the best curveball in the organization.

Left-hander John Koronka likely will return to Iowa to make room for Hill, who could be used in relief or as a starter. Koronka is 1-2 in three starts for the Cubs, losing his last two games.


Sweetness. Sounds much better then Kornoka. I think he can be succesful if he can strike guys out like that. I hope we get him some chances soon and let him find a spot in the pen or start if need be.