This spring, trapped by news-people in Dunedin Stadium's flavourless dugout, Cito Gaston was practically apologetic in his insistence that Aaron Hill hit second. "It's not a glamorous, stat-building position," said the Blue Jays' skipper, though it seems Hill thinks otherwise.
We're a calendar month in to the baseball season, and Hill has been the year's offensive surprise. At the time of this post, his numbers (.357, 6-HR, 24-RBI) befit those of a yearly All-Star, not a man just hoping to get through the season without a headache.
The Blue Jays will play a quick series here in Los Angeles, and then make their way north to Oakland. There, Hill will toe the very grass that nearly marked the end of his career.
The Coliseum was the scene last May 29. Though the Jays were blowing out the Athletics, Hill was at maximum effort on an infield pop-up. He collided with shortstop David Eckstein, and the force of Eckstein's forearm jarred Hill's head violently. That night, while dining with his wife near Anaheim, Hill felt a rush of light-headedness that would, for a time, call his career in to question.
Months later, as the Blue Jays' played out the remainder of the season, I spoke with Hill around the batting cage in Toronto. He was predictable on many fronts; he missed the game fiercely, had grown frustrated with the inactivity associated with recovery, and felt detached from his teammates.
Yet, the one thing that bothered Hill the most was an admission rarely heard from a high-paid athlete. Hill was troubled by the sheer notion that his absence did not justify his salary. Prior to the 2008 season, he'd signed a 4-year, $12-million contract, a deal that marked his first tap-dance with major money.
My words of consolation - that injury was part of the profession's risk, one assumed by the player and franchise - had no impact. Hill was so full of regret, you'd have almost thought he felt the concussion was his fault.
The first time I ever met Aaron Hill, I knew he'd been raised right. It was at the 2004 Futures Game in Houston, the intriguing prospect showcase that compliments the All-Star festivities.
I was there to interview Jeff Francis, but thought it might be wise to sit down with a future Blue Jay too. Hill was engaging, polite, and gracious. In what now seems like a foretelling twist, he won the game's Most Valuable Player award and was added to the roster after another Blue Jay prospect - Russ Adams - was forced out by injury.
Now look at Hill. He is among baseball's elite second basemen. Best of all, he's headache-free.
As always, your thoughts on Aaron's early-season performance are encouraged.
