Sports360AZIt’s safe to say two of the Diamondbacks everyday starters didn’t imagine their season following this script.
Second baseman Aaron Hill was traded, along with shortstop John McDonald, from struggling Toronto to the D-backs in late August for Kelly Johnson.
His partner on the right side of the infield, power-hitting first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, was called up from Double-A Mobile earlier that same month.
Both now find themselves eight wins away from playing in the World Series as Arizona prepares for their National League Division Series Saturday in Milwaukee against the Brewers.
For Hill, the trade to the desert was everything he hoped for.
“We couldn’t have come into a better situation or a better clubhouse,” Hill explained to Brad Cesmat Thursday on “Big Guy on Sports.”
“This is an unbelievable opportunity right now and we’re going to take it and run with it. It’s been an absolute blast getting to know these guys and watching them play on a day-to-day basis.”
Goldschmidt, the pride of Wilmington, Delaware, still has a hard time believing the Diamondbacks Cinderella ride through to a National League West title and into the post-season.
“I wouldn’t have believed you two months ago,” Goldschmidt told Cesmat. “It’s awesome to have the support of the fans out here. It’s been a blessing to be able to share this moment with so many people.”
The Brewers clinched home field for the series beating the Pirates Wednesday night.
D-backs 21-game winner Ian Kennedy will be opposed by Yovani Gallardo (17-10) in Game 1, first pitch at 11:07 a.m.
The Brewers had an MLB-best 57-24 home record this season, but Arizona did win two of three in Milwaukee in July, joining the Mets and Phillies as the only teams to post winning records at Miller Park this season.
