According to John Gambadoro of 620 KTAR in Phoenix, the Diamondbacks will not pick up the $8 million option on Aaron Hill's contract for next season. It's not clear if they have made an official decision, but it shouldn't come as a big surprise. However, there is mutual interest in working out a new deal, likely at a lesser annual salary. The 29-year-old second baseman enjoyed success after being acquired by the Diamondbacks in August, batting .315/.386/.492 with two homers, 16 RBI and an .878 OPS over 142 plate appearances.

ESPN's Jim Bowden thinks the Diamondbacks first priority this offseason should be to extend manager Kirk Gibson. "The bold move Arizona should make is to sign manager Kirk Gibson to a five-year extension," Bowden said. "Gibson is the front runner for the NL manager of the year award, and in his first season demonstrated that he has the potential to become one of the game's best managers. There are several potential jobs that will open up in the next few seasons, and many of those teams are going to have Gibson at or near the top of their lists. Arizona should reduce the possibility of Gibson leaving by taking care of him now." In addition to locking-up Gibson, GM Kevin Towers and his staff will have to decide on whether or not to pick up the option on second baseman Aaron Hill for $8 million, and how to supplement the bullpen.

Aaron Hill went 3-for-3 with two walks Sunday against the Brewers. Hill was actually denied a double in his first at-bat on a ball that was ruled foul but that replays showed was fair. He came back with a single anyway and still had a terrific game in a losing cause.

Aaron Hill went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Sunday's win over the Padres. It's Hill's first big game as a Diamondback since coming over from the Blue Jays last Tuesday. He certainly got a boost in value just by moving to hitter-friendly Chase Field and showed it today. Even though Hill only has seven jacks on the season, don't forget that he hit 26 in 2010 and 36 in 2009. There's something to be said for a change of scenery.

Diamondbacks acquired 2B Aaron Hill and SS John McDonald from the Blue Jays for 2B Kelly Johnson. Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors was the first to link the two teams. Hill has struggled mightily at the plate this season, but he slugged 26 home runs in 2010 and 36 home runs in 2009. The Diamondbacks will hope that he puts some of that power potential on display down the stretch as they look to capture the NL West crown.

Aaron Hill has spent the past week working on his mechanics at the plate. "The last week we've been tinkering with freeing up the hands a little bit," said Hill, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and a season-high four RBI on Tuesday night. "Tonight they were just a little quicker. The results were there, but what I'm looking for is the feel at the plate. It felt great, it felt like things just happened instead of forcing them." Hill, 29, is still batting just .229/.276/.321 with six homers, 45 RBI and a .597 OPS over 413 plate appearances this season. The early results leave room for optimism, but he needs to have a lengthier stretch of success before being mixed-league worthy again.

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos said he still views Aaron Hill as the team's everyday second baseman. Anthopoulos mentioned J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart when talking about being patient with Hill, who is batting a measly .226/.275/.312 this season. The Jays have $8 million options on Hill for the next two seasons and a $10 million option on him for 2014. They seem unlikely to pick any of them up, but it's possible a lower salary could be negotiated.

Aaron Hill went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in Tuesday's loss to the Orioles. It's about time Hill showed something, as the second baseman entered the night with a .181/.250/.236 batting line in July. He's hitting just .229 with five homers and 38 RBI in 323 at-bats this season in what's been a second straight disappointing year.

Aaron Hill went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Sunday against the Rangers. Just when it looked like it couldn't get much worse, Hill has gone and hit .181 through 19 games this month. It doesn't seem all too likely that anyone is going to be make a big offer for his services at the trade deadline.

Aaron Hill hit a solo home run in Toronto's loss to the Reds on Sunday. Hill's third home run of the season was his second in six games. After batting .242 through April and May, Hill is hitting a slightly better .254 in June.