Aaron Hill Or Ian Kinsler?

After a recent series between the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays, in which Toronto won two of three (one rain out) in Texas, I was led to question who is the better second basemen: the under-appreciated Aaron Hill, or the superstar who everyone knows, Ian Kinsler?

I think we can all agree that before this season, there was no argument that Kinsler was the clear choice for the league's top second basemen. But so far this season, Aaron Hill has been spectacular.

Hill is second in the majors in hits (one behind Ichiro and Miguel Tejada) with 86. Hill is third among second basemen, with 14 home runs; Kinsler and Utley have 15. Hill has a .313 batting average, first among second basemen in the AL, whereas Kinsler only has a .260 batting average. And both Kinsler and Hill have 44 RBI's. 

So who is better?

The stats between the two are almost in sync, with a few notable differences.

Hill has 86 hits; Kinsler has 65. A big difference, and so far Hill's got the edge

Hill has two stolen bags compared with Kinsler's 11. A notable difference, but not overly important. (I'd rather have 21 more hits than nine more stolen bases).

Defensively the two are identical. Hill has 108 putouts; Kinsler has 110. Hill has 43 double plays turned; Kinsler has 44. Hill has six errors; Kinsler has five. Hill has a .980 fielding percentage; Kinsler has .984. 

Statistically, Kinsler is slightly better defensively, but Hill has an edge on offense.

So who is better?

There is one major difference: hits.

Hill's 86 to Kinsler's 65. Every other stat is unbelievably similar. So, being from Toronto and with a slight bias, I have to give the edge to Hill.

Hill has led the Blue Jays to an above average start, and seems to always come through when they need it most.