As of this writing, the Toronto Blue Jays boast the best record in the American League.

The return of Cito Gaston and his coaching staff has energized a team that is leading the American League in runs scored (211), hits (381), RBI’s (201), and team batting average (.291).

In past seasons, the Blue Jays relied heavily on outstanding pitching to make up for their weak offensive numbers. This season has seen a change in philosophy, with a more aggressive hitting approach from Gaston, and hitting coach Gene Tenace. This has benefited all the Blue Jay players as they are more aggressive on first pitch fastballs, and when in “hitter’s counts”.

In this writer’s opinion, the hitter who has benefited from this the most is that of Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill. 

The scrappy young second baseman goes into today leading the Major Leagues in hits with 56. He is also the major league leader amongst second baseman in batting average (.352), RBI’s (30) & ranks 2nd behind Chase Utley in HR (9).

The season is early, but these are AL MVP numbers, by a long shot.

Let us look at the numbers of last year’s AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, as a comparison.

Pedroia’s final line for the 2008 season was .326, 17HR, 80RBI w/ 213 hits, and 118 runs scored in 653 AB’s. If Hill were to keep up his current pace and get 653 AB’s, his final line will look similar to this: .284, 36HR, 123 RBI’s, w/ 230 hits, and 110 runs scored in 653 AB’s.

Hill’s numbers would trump Pedroia’s by a wide margin in numerous categories, such as home runs, runs batted in, and hits. That is an amazing feat for a second baseman.

Now there is a point to this article.

This writer wanted to give baseball fans a background look at this year’s possible “American League Most Valuable Player” and the Toronto Blue Jays current Most Valuable Player Aaron Hill.

Aaron Walter Hill was born March 21st 1982 in Visalia, California and was originally drafted by the Anaheim Angels, in the seventh round of 2000 MLB draft.

Hill turned down the offer, electing to attend Louisiana State University, where he posted a collegiate career .335 batting average, with 23 home runs, and 150 runs batted in.

Hill was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st round, 13th overall, in the 2003 MLB Draft, as a shortstop.

Hill’s baseball career was almost non-existent, as at the young age of 15 years, Hill and friends were participating in a soccer tournament in Park City, Utah. While on their way to a round of golf, a drunk driver narrowly missed Hill’s car, and slammed into his mother’s car following behind him. His mother was killed as a result. It took a while to overcome this tragic event, but Hill was consoled by family and friends who encouraged him to stay with the game of baseball.

Hill made his Major League debut on May 20th 2005 as an injury replacement for than Blue Jays third baseman Corey Koskie. Although he was brought up as a shortstop, Hill appeared as a third baseman, designated hitter, and second baseman during the course of the season. He finished the 2005 season with a .274 batting average, .348 OBP, and 25 doubles in 361 at-bats.

After the trade of than second baseman Orlando Hudson to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Hill became the starting second baseman for the Blue Jays in 2006, but was moved back to shortstop mid-season after the demotion of Russ Adams. After experiencing defensive struggles at shortstop, he was then moved back to second base, with John McDonald taking over at shortstop.

On April 4, 2008 the second baseman agreed to a four-year, $12 million contract deal that included a club option, that could run through the 2014 season. The contract could be worth as much as $38 million, if Toronto keeps Hill in the fold for all seven years of the deal, which took effect immediately.

On May 29, 2008 a collision with teammate David Eckstein in Oakland ended his season very early. The collision looked harmless, but while out at dinner following the game Hill became very dizzy, and light headed. He was immediately seen by doctors. Hill suffered a Grade II concussion and would not return until spring training 2009.

The 2009 season is speaking for itself.

This writer’s respect for Aaron Hill has been there since he first heard of Hill’s tragic loss of his mother. Most people would have quit right there, but Hill used his ambition and “never quit” attitude to accomplish his dream of playing in the Major Leagues . Perhaps now with his MVP calibre season amongst us more fans will learn about this player, who is the best second baseman Toronto has seen since the days of Roberto Alomar.

Aaron Hill, his article is dedicated to you, and this writer hopes to see you raising the MVP trophy, giving Toronto sports fans someone to look up to, and to bring an award back to Toronto that we have not seen since George Bell won the award in 1987.