LOCALS IN THE PROS: Nick Hill gets invite to Seattle's spring training camp

Nick Hill throws off a bullpen mound for a Seattle Mariners' affiliate during a minor league game.

By Tim Hayes
Published: February 09, 2010

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Nick Hill has certainly made a name for himself the last few months.

The former Sullivan East High School star has emerged as one of the Seattle Mariners’ top pitching prospects and some are predicting the left-hander could land in the Major
Leagues at some point during the 2010 season.

The latest good news for Hill is that he will be a non-roster invitee to Seattle’s spring training camp later this month, when pitchers and catchers report.

It’s been a whirlwind of activity for the East alum.

“It’s been unbelievable. Just the opportunity in itself, it’s been great.” Hill said. “I’ve been fortunate to have a little bit of success and to get this opportunity. I hope to make the best of
it. Hopefully, I can go and put up a good showing.”

Hill certainly did that in 2009.

He began the season at Class AA West Tennessee and by season’s end, was the club’s top starter. He made a brief cameo for Class AAA Tacoma at the end of the season and
took a step closer to the big leagues.

After the season, he was invited to the Arizona Fall League, an annual showcase for baseball’s top prospects. Hill was 0-2 with a 10.50 ERA in seven starts for the Peoria Javelinas, who won the league title.

“It was a great experience,” Hill said. “I was fortunate to be on a really good team. The best thing was meeting guys from other organizations and then on the field, learning more
about myself and what I needed to do to be more successful. You can learn just as much in defeat as you can in victory.”

Hill’s baseball activity wasn’t done, however. He’s been in Arizona this past week taking part in a mini-camp for some of the Mariners’ best youngsters.

One of Hill’s upsides is that he’s excelled as both a reliever and starter in the minors. That versatility is a plus.

“Whatever they want me to do is what I’m going to do, ultimately, to help the team out,” Hill said.

Hill is sure to have some butterflies when he and his fellow pitchers check-in to big league camp on Feb. 17. He’ll get to share a clubhouse with the likes of Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro
Suzuki and Cliff Lee and also attempt to attain his ultimate goal.

“I plan to just take it in every day and enjoy it,” Hill said. “It’s an unbelievable opportunity. I’ve got a chance to learn a lot and go in and make myself better and learn the steps it
takes to get to the next level. I just plan on working to get better every day and at the same time, enjoying it every day.”

Calicutt cut loose
Former East Tennessee State University pitcher Steven Calicutt has been released by the San Francisco Giants’ organization.
Calicutt was 12-10 with a 3.67 ERA in 80 games (29 starts) over the course of four seasons in San Francisco’s system. He battled an arm injury in 2008 and got as high as Class AA this past season.

Barker still battling
Virginia High graduate Kevin Barker is currently playing for the Dominican Republic’s entry in the Caribbean Winter Series. Barker, who appeared in 29 games this past season for the Cincinnati Reds, clubbed a home run on Tuesday in a 7-3 win over Puerto Rico.