04_rich_hill   (4/25)

Rich Hill is an enigma, a word favored by sportswriters who mean, "has bad outings seemingly at random". Drafted in the 36th round in 1999 by the Reds, the southpaw's signature pitch is a "knockout" curveball; weak control of his fastball has kept him out of the show. He blew an opportunity with the Cubs last season, but the Cubs hope that a new cut fastball and an improved changeup, along with the better fastball control he exhibited at Iowa, will settle him into a starting role. At 26, the clock is ticking; his 13.50 ERA in spring training probably won't earn him the promotion he's waited so long to get.