Rich Hill - Do or Die Time

Due to Rich Hill's early struggles, Lou Piniella sent him to the bullpen for a week to get things straightened out. Hill is scheduled to start against the Pirates this Friday and, although it hasn't actually been said, it stands to reason that if Hill doesn't show significant improvement, he will lose his rotation spot.

Basically, here's how it will probably work:
Bad start on Friday: Jon Lieber replaces Hill in the rotation.
OK start on Friday: He gets another start or two.
Good start on Friday: Gets at least another two or three starts.

As someone who adamantly recommended Hill before the season, I would really like to see him perform well. The main concern is the strikeout-to-walk ratio. Last year, Hill had a 2.9 ratio. In 9 innings pitched this year, Hill has struck out 7 (not bad), but walked 7 (bad). I'm sure that's what the Cubs organization will be looking at this Friday. If Hill can pitch something like 6 innings with at least 4 strikeouts and 2 walks or fewer, he should earn himself another start.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.