Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

[SPTO]

Aaron Hill has quickly become one of my favourite Blue Jays players this year. This kid has a great eye at the plate and a nice compact swing. He's been playing lights out since he got called up and like Alex Rios he has done so well that he won't be going back down anytime soon.

This does pose a problem for the Jays tho. How will they make room for Hill once Koskie comes back? I've heard that the Jays would try to trade Eric Hinske but his contract is too much for a .250 type of hitter who strikes out so much. Sadly the other big rumour is trading Orlando Hudson away. I'd hate to see that happen because the O-Dawg is easily the best 2B in Toronto since Roberto Alomar left town.

So what do you guys think of Aaron Hill? I'm pretty sure the power will come to him as time goes by and I see him being one of the premiere young stars in MLB. He has a great attitude and most of all a great bat. He's made some defensive gems as well so he's no liability. I know that he's a natural shortstop but he plays a mean 3B as well.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=613 border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class="textSm grey" colSpan=18>Hitting Stats:</TD><TD class="textSm grey" align=right colSpan=17>Next Stats >></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD colSpan=18></TD><TD class="textSm grey" align=right colSpan=17></TD></TR><TR><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>SEASON</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>TEAM</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>G</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>AB</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>R</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>H</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>2B</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>3B</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>HR</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>RBI</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>TB</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>BB</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>SO</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>SB</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>CS</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>OBP</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>SLG</TD><TD rowSpan=99></TD><TD class="text primary" noWrap align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>AVG</TD></TR><TR><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>2005</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=left>Toronto Blue Jays</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>32</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>111</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>18</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>42</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>8</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>3</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>1</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>21</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>59</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>11</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>7</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>1</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>0</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>.444</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>.532</TD><TD class=textSm noWrap align=middle>.378</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Stu]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

I honestly didn't even really notice him the first time around vs the Red Sox. I'll be sure to pay closer attention next weekend.

Whenever a player has more walks than strikeouts it's a good sign.

[Nivek]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

I'd try to ship Hinske...he's just not the player he was suppost to be here in Toronto. If Aaron Hill had a bit more pop in his bat, he would be a great all around hitter. He's still young tho...

[SPTO]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

Yep I think the power will come sooner rather then later. As I said earlier I just love watching this kid hit. He has the most poise out of any rookie i've seen in the Blue Jay system in a long time.

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

looks like the Jays may have another Rookie of the Year on their hands, let's hope for their sake his career is a little better than Hinske's.

[mjb2124]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

I knew Hill was playing well, but I never looked at the stats until now. Very impressive for a rookie.

His OBP is excellent. Typically I'd like to see a young player walk more than Hill is, but it's not hurting him. In fact, it might be helping him since his K total is so low. He's putting the ball in play which shows he's aggressive at the plate and isn't getting overpowered or intimidated.

His power numbers are low, but he's young. If he had decent power numbers in the minors then he'll probably come around in that department.

It'll be interesting to see what some of his numbers are at the end of the year.

[Vince]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

I think O-Dogg should be traded. I'm sorry, but this guy cannot seem to hit for at least 275-280, consistently. His defense is gold glove calibre, but is he gonna be just another Royce Clayton? I love Odogg cause he makes great plays, but he must produce at the plate.

I doubt anyone takes Koskie and Hinske is brutal right now. Hillenbrand has a lot of value now, but he's a bargain and a really solid hitter. I'd hate for him to go. I just know that hill has done more than enough to keep the starting job for a long while and I'm sure JP will do what he needs to do so he plays everyday...

The guy doing color yesterday was comparing his approch to that of Paul Molitor. That is very high praise for a rookie.

[CoRruPt-]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

I don't know... which team(s) would take Hudson? Like Vinceanity said, O-Dog is not the most notorious hitter out there. Unless these teams need some serious defensive help...

It'll be interesting to see what happens to the roster after Koskie gets off the DL and the trade deadline. Someone will have to go, either as trade bait or minors, that can be for sure. Personally, I think Hill should be a regular starter... but then the Jays pretty much have every slot filled - the Jays seem to want Russ Adams to play shortshop regularly, then you got all those other benched infielders like Macdonald, Menechino ... so it's quite a situation.

[Stu]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

I don't know... which team(s) would take Hudson? Like Vinceanity said, O-Dog is not the most notorious hitter out there. Unless these teams need some serious defensive help...

There's been some talk here in Boston that the Red Sox could have some interest in Hudson, given Mark Bellhorn's struggles. I'm not sure if Toronto would be willing to trade within the division though.

[SPTO]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

There's been some talk here in Boston that the Red Sox could have some interest in Hudson, given Mark Bellhorn's struggles. I'm not sure if Toronto would be willing to trade within the division though.

I doubt that happens. JP isn't going to make any salary dump moves or get rental players. The Jays will be bargaining for youngish players who can stick around with the team for 2-3 yrs.

I think that kinda limits them tho so we'll see what happens.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

I'm a little bit worried by Hill's lack of HR power so far. There's also been a decline in walks in AAA and in the majors. I've been suprised at how good his D has been at the hot corner. SS is his natural position.

One of Hill, Adams, and Hudson has to go by next season. I would ship away Adams but I have a bad feeling O-Dog will be a goner.

[Vince]

Re: Aaron Hill: Super Rookie!

The Koskie signing is starting to backfire already, IMO.