SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Having proven to the Giants that he can perform a multitude of tasks defensively, Aaron Hill reminded them on Monday that he can perform the most essential of skills: hit.
Batting .200 (9-for-45) this spring, including the exhibition game against Puerto Rico, Hill staged an offensive outburst in San Francisco's 14-2 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds. The 12-year veteran went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, including a run-scoring single in the first inning and a two-run double in the fourth.
"Obviously, it was just one day, but it's always nice when you feel certain things that you're working on," said Hill, the 12-year veteran who joined the Giants as a non-roster invitee shortly after Spring Training began.
Whether or not Hill's performance was enough to improve his chances of making the Opening Day roster won't become clear for a few days. Or maybe he already has shown the Giants enough to deem him worthy of a utility man's role. For now, the composition of San Francisco's bench remains uncertain.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy didn't drop any hints regarding Hill, except to say, "He can fill in anywhere. That's how comfortable I am with him."
Hill, 35, has tried to remain calm as he and other non-roster candidates such as James Rollins, Justin Ruggiano and Chris Marrero await their fate.
"It's human nature to put pressure on yourself, but when I feel that, you have to take a step back and go play," Hill said. "It's a challenge, and I like challenges. To think of it that way, I'm competing with myself."