Diamondbacks Ink Aaron Hill

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed their third player this offseason by coming to terms with 2B Aaron Hill. Hill has been up and down since having a stellar season in 2009 where he hit 36HR and drove in 108, winning his first Silver Slugger award. He seemed to bounce back in 2012 for the Braves, winning his second Silver Slugger, but injuries plagued his final season in Atlanta where he only played in 87 games.

Can Arizona fans expect 2012 Hill, or a 2013 disappointment?

The second base market this year was poor at best with Hill clearly headlining the group. Players like Mark Ellis (Orioles), Blake DeWitt (Royals), Ronnie Cedeno (Padres), and Clint Barmes (resigned with Padres) received little interest and signed quickly. The only players who received much interest outside of Hill were Omar Infante (Two years $9 million to Cleveland) and Emilio Bonifaco (Two years $7.2 million to the Giants), so Hill was in an excellent position to get the most out of free agency. Hill received interest from the Marlins, Rangers, and Braves, but in the end Atlanta dropped out and Hill agreed to a two-year $13.6 million deal. Hill had previously signed with Atlanta in 2011 for three years and $23.1 million, so Arizona may have landed a bargain.

Diamondbacks management was very happy to add Hill's bat to their lineup "at a position of concern" with DJ LeMahieu and rookie Grant Green currently manning 2B.

Can Green live up to his potential?

"We are excited to have Aaron join our organization, and we believe he has the potential to win a third Silver Slugger her in Phoenix. It's also a great opportunity for some of our younger players to learn under a veteran."

Hill's move to Chase Field should help him recover his award winning form as it has consistently outperformed Turner Field as a hitter's park (MLB Park Factor), especially in HRs.