D-backs would like to keep Aaron Hill around for a while

Aaron Hill was not a good baseball player when he was traded to the Diamondbacks last season. He was hitting .225 with just six home runs in late August, looking nothing like the former All-Star who hit 36 home runs as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009.

Since joining the Diamondbacks Hill has found new life in his bat and is currently having the best season of his career.

Hill has hit for the cycle twice this year, the first time that’s been accomplished since 1931, and was just one swing away from making history Tuesday night. He ended just a triple shy of his third cycle of the season.

Diamondbacks’ General Manager Kevin Towers told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf that he considers Hill one of the finest players he’s seen on and off the field.

“He makes great defensive plays, he can steal a base, he’s got power, he hits with runners in scoring position and he’s great in the clubhouse,” said Towers. “He’s the first one there and the last one to leave. I’ve not been around too many Aaron Hills in the game but those are the kind of kids you’re happy to have, and I think he’s great for guys like [Ryan] Wheeler and [Jake] Elmore and some of the younger to watch how he approaches the game and plays the game. He’s a great role model.”

Hill will become a free agent after the 2013 season and Towers hopes to lock up the second baseman lock term, but will not discuss a contract extension until the offseason.

“We just need to find out if there’s interest in staying with the diamondbacks. I think he’s enjoyed his time here,” said Towers. “I’d like to have him here for a long time but it takes two to tango in making a deal and it’s probably more offseason discussion than it is in season.”

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