PawSox' Hill has options to consider

May 30, 2014

Pawtucket Red Sox left-handed reliever Rich Hill has already seen one opt-out date in his contract come and go. Theres another one on tap next month, which could result in the Massachusetts native having to make a decision between staying with his hometown team or seeking what could be a better opportunity with another ballclub.

PAWTUCKET As a 34-year-old with 181 games of pitching experience at the major-league level under his belt, Rich Hill is well aware theres a whole other realm to keep in mind while recording outs on the mound.

I think over the course of your career, wherever you are, this is a business first and foremost. When I was younger, that was something I didnt read too much into, Hill said while standing in front of his PawSox locker earlier this week. Now that I have a good amount of time in the big leagues and in professional baseball, you see your side as a player and from the end of baseball operations. Thats totally understandable.

Hills complete knowledge of the bigger picture comes at a time when the lefty reliever has a contractual opt-out clause thats due to pop sooner rather than later. Hes unsure of the exact date either June 15 or June 30 though the fact Hill has options on the table figures to make the coming weeks interesting.

A native of Milton, Mass., Hill actually had an opt-out provision on May 15. This season marks his second stint with the Red Sox after pitching for his hometown club during parts of three consecutive seasons (2010-12).

He signed a minor-league deal with Boston in February following a 2013 season in which he went to spring training with Cleveland as a non-roster invitee, then went on to post a 6.28 ERA in 63 games for the Indians.

That wasnt a lateral out for the big leagues, which is one of the reasons for not leaving, he explained about the May 15 opt-out, one that came and went with little fanfare. Hopefully, the opportunity will show itself here. Obviously, I would love to stay and pitch in Boston, but if that doesnt happen, theres no 100 percent bias to go elsewhere.

Its your career, and ultimately you want what is best for yourself and obviously for everyone else. At the same time, you have to look out for yourself.

Without specifically referencing the terrible tragedy of having his infant son, Brooks, pass away shortly after his birth the day after last Christmas, Hill noted this marks the first time in his career that he has in-season contingency plans to carefully weigh.

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PawSox' Hill has options to consider