Diamondbacks Player Spotlight: 2B Aaron Hill
By Blake Benard
There aren’t enough second basemen like Aaron Hill in the game anymore. Gritty and grizzled veterans who put their best foot forward every single night whether or not they will play. Ballplayers that seem to have an intense love for the game that transcends money, contracts or playing time.
Aaron Hill has been around the Desert for a while. Originally, Hill was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays during the Diamondbacks playoff run in 2011. Boy did he help that run and from 2011 to 2014 he was one of the best second basemen in the game.
More from Heat Waved
- Arizona Coyotes: Slumping Strome Shipped to Chicago
- Arizona Cardinals Paid Sam Bradford $6.75 Million Per TD Pass
- Former Arizona Basketball Star Allonzo Trier Remarkably Efficient Lately
- Arizona Coyotes: How Coach Rick Tocchet Sparked His Offense
- Arizona State Basketball Has Two Transfers Ready to Compete
Coming into 2015, everyone knew his role could be reduced. And after Nick Ahmed made the Opening Day roster, it was inevitable that Hill wouldn’t get as much time as he had seen in years past. With Ahmed as shortstop, Owings was moved over to second base which left Hill to deal with more of a veteran role to help teach and grow the youngsters that had taken his spot.
Hill took to his role with professionalism. Through 54 games he’s hitting .236 with 3 HR and 16 RBI’s. He’s moved from their everyday second baseman to a a rotational starter whenever Owings or Lamb needs a day off.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: the future of Hill with the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks have already made two salary dump trades: Mark Trumbo to the Mariners and just recently sending Bronson Arroyo to the Braves. Aaron Hill will be next.
All season we have seen the youth moment that the Diamondback are embarking upon and Hill isn’t a part of that future. He’s owed 12 million for the next two years. Based upon the results that Owings and Ahmed are giving there’s no way the Diamondbacks can afford to keep Hill around at that price.
There’s a very realistic situation that could see Hill head over to the Yankees who are surprisingly in their division race. Stephen Drew has 11 home runs, but is hitting only .188 and for a playoff run Hill has shown in the past that he can provide a spark. Most importantly team that would be willing to pay at least part of his contract. But let’s see how the season plays out. The Diamondbacks may decide to keep Hill here as that veteran present in this very young team. But the contract still would remain, staring the front office in the face.
Whether with the Dioamondbacks or another team, Hill plays the game filled with professionalism and passion. Wherever he ends up that team will be glad to have him.