It probably will not be for a pennant contender, but another left-hander may be the next product of the Atlantic League to return to major league stature.  At least that seems to be a good guess with Rich Hill not only superb in two starts with the Long Island Ducks and also a shut-down hurler in his first outing after Boston acquired the 35-year-old's contract.

It stands to reason the parent Red Sox would like to see Hill in person down the stretch since the 10-year major league vet, who has been used almost exclusively in relief in both the majors and minors in recent seasons, has been sterling in three consecutive starts.

Hill had a five-inning no-hit effort the first time out for Long Island, then tied a franchise record with 14 strikeouts and six more scoreless innings (two hits) before the Red Sox signed him.  He fanned 21 in all in the 11 innings he worked for the Ducks.  The 6-foot-4 Boston native, who has lifetime 24-22 major league record, gave up only four hits in 6.1 scoreless innings against Lehigh Valley in his debut for Pawtucket and is scheduled to start at home against Philadelphia's top minor leaguers again on Friday.

Kazmir a Happy Man

As for Scott Kazmir, he is drawing praise from various corners and leaves no doubt he is happy to be with Houston.

"He kind of took (Oakland standout) Sonny (Gray) under his wing,'' Athletics Manager Bob Melvin told The Contra Costa (CA) Times recently.  Gray currently leads the American League with a nifty 2.04 ERA.

"For a guy who was only here for two years, it seemed like he was here a lot longer than that," Melvin added.  "He made a big impact, not only on the field.  He was a great resource to me.  I can't say enough good things about Scott Kazmir.''

The pitcher, who has led the American League in earned run average at times this season and currently ranks fourth at 2.43, told the same newspaper:  "So I've gone from pitching for the Skeeters (in 2012) to having another chance to go to the postseason.  The trade made that possible.  And I'm at home, able to sleep in my own bed.  It's worked out all right.''

Previously the chief spokesman for Commissioners Bowie Kuhn and Peter Ueberroth, Bob Wirz has been writing extensively about the Atlantic League and Independent Baseball since 2003.  He is a frequent contributor to this site as well as writing his blog, www.IndyBaseballChatter.com