Cubs’ starting pitcher Rich Hill has been optioned to AAA Iowa, and veteran Jon Lieber will take his place in the rotation for the time being. Hill has been unable to locate the plate, walking 18 batters in 19 2/3 innings thus far in 2008. Lou Piniella has been frustrated with the youngster, so this move was inevitable.

Hill was coming off a very strong 2007 season. He went 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA while striking out 183 batters. We’ll call it a sophomore slump for the time being. The Cubs were hoping Hill could emerge this season and fall into the # 2 slot behind Carlos Zambrano, but that has not happened.

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