MLB Preview 2017: Top 100 Players in the Game Today
By David Hill
99. Rich Hill – Los Angeles Dodgers
It has been a remarkable transformation for Rich Hill. He has gone from being a journeyman pitcher, on the fringes of the Majors, to being in the Independent Leagues, to an ace caliber pitcher. His sidearm delivery, and sweeping curve, made him a devastating start in a four game stint with the Red Sox in 2015.
The Oakland A’s took a chance that Hill’s run of success was legitimate, inking him to a one year contract. He started out well, posting a 9-3 record with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.095 WHiP, striking out 90 batters in 76 innings. He was traded to the Dodgers, and was even better, with a 1.83 ERA and a 0.786 WHiP. Hill, at 36 years old, had become an ace.
However, as great as he was last year, Hill had problems staying on the mound. He had groin issues and blister problems, missing over two months of the season. Hill was a force of nature when he pitched, but the key was getting him out on the mound enough to make a difference.
Those same questions continue into 2017. The Dodgers invested $48 Million over three years on his left arm, hoping for improved health and continued dominance. The stuff is certainly there, and if the health follows, then he could rank much higher on this list heading into the 2018 season.
Rich Hill has been an impressive story of overcoming adversity and becoming an ace at 36 years old. Can he keep that up for the coming year?