Around the Horn: NL Central Roundup
-Dexter Sports
The Cubs have finally had enough of Rich Hill's slow start. The Cubs optioned him down to AAA Iowa in an attempt to give top prospect Sean Gallagher a chance at the big league level. Gallagher will go to the pen and Jon Lieber will take Hill's spot in the rotation. Though this doesn't surprise me, I would be shocked if we don't see hill back after a few starts in Iowa. This is just a chance for Hill to gain back some of his command. I like the move, but why not bring up a true reliever, like youngster Jose Ascanio, who has done well or lefty Neal Cotts? I guess Piniella just wants a look at some fresh talent.
Anyways, beyond that, here is some other news around the NL Central:
The Cubs have finally had enough of Rich Hill's slow start. The Cubs optioned him down to AAA Iowa in an attempt to give top prospect Sean Gallagher a chance at the big league level. Gallagher will go to the pen and Jon Lieber will take Hill's spot in the rotation. Though this doesn't surprise me, I would be shocked if we don't see hill back after a few starts in Iowa. This is just a chance for Hill to gain back some of his command. I like the move, but why not bring up a true reliever, like youngster Jose Ascanio, who has done well or lefty Neal Cotts? I guess Piniella just wants a look at some fresh talent.
Anyways, beyond that, here is some other news around the NL Central:
- Did you know Astros' ace Roy Oswalt holds hitters to an impressive .151 average with the bases loaded? He has only allowed one grand slam in his career. That says a lot about how Oswalt pitches a lot more carefully with runners on. Micheal Bourn has moved back into the lead off spot for Houston. Kaz Matsui will give him a bit more freedom to swing away. This could be the best producing offense in the NL if both cna get on base.
- The Brewers extended their Extra Base Hit Streak today to 49 games when Rickie Weeks went deep. It is an impressive stretch that reaches back to last year. Speaking of the Brewers, young pitchers seem to be the story of the week. First, Yovani Gallardo goes down to injury, then the Brewers saw two starts where both Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva pitched well early, with great command, but fell apart in the middle innings. Hopefully they can get that straightened out. I expect that Dave Bush also has a short leash, after being called up to fill in for Gallardo. Jeff Weaver will wait for his opportunity in AAA Nashville.
- The Reds moved slugger Ken Griffey Jr. into the 2 slot to try and generate some offense today. With slugger Adam Dunn in the sixth slot and Joey Votto hitting clean up, the offense was still weak, but was able to break a 21 inning scoreless streak. Homer Bailey has also impressed for the Louisville Bats(AAA). He could get the call anytime and replace Mark Belisle or Jeremy Affeldt in the Rotation.
- The Cardinals have a tough decision to make when veteran pitcher Mark Mulder returns from injury in mid may. Though Tony LaRussa continues to say the best pitchers will be in the rotation, you have to think Mulder, who will be making 6.5 million is a lock when he is healthy. In a minor league start with the Memphis Redbirds (AAA) on Wednesday, Mulder gave up 11 runs. The St. Louis Post Dispatch believes that one of the former relievers converted to starters Todd Wellemeyer and Braden Looper will be the odd men out.
- After releasing Matt Morris, the Pirates have made another good move adding reliever Sean Burnett to their bullpen from AAA Indianapolis. He has been dominant in both minor league play, and this spring training. The Pirates will also sit Tom Gorzelanny a start due to an injured back. The Pirates are 12-18. Also, the Bucs let go of often troubled minor leaugue prospect Olivio Astacio after an altercation with another teammate.
