I have thought since last fall that what is best for Hicks' development is at least six weeks in Rochester to reacquire his swing and gain confidence. I thought Presley would be a good stopgap and then become the fourth outfielder when Hicks was recalled, but he lost a job that he had with a really poor showing in the spring.

Hicks is just about where he was last year--a couple more hits and a few more walks--but still well below the Mendoza line and looking overmatched at the plate. Being optioned to Rochester still might be the best move, no matter that Sam Fuld shouldn't be a starting center fielder.

I have thought since last fall that what is best for Hicks' development is at least six weeks in Rochester to reacquire his swing and gain confidence. I thought Presley would be a good stopgap and then become the fourth outfielder when Hicks was recalled' date=' but he lost a job that he had with a really poor showing in the spring.

 

Hicks is just about where he was last year--a couple more hits and a few more walks--but still well below the Mendoza line and looking overmatched at the plate. Being optioned to Rochester still might be the best move, no matter that Sam Fuld shouldn't be a starting center fielder.[/quote'] if this were the plan, wouldn't the Twins have optioned Hicks to AAA rather than DFA Mastroianni? To me this says a lot about the organization's view of Hicks as a prospect. If the team wanted to develop Hicks further, ahead of team accomplishment, he would have been sent to AAA a couple weeks ago. I don't think this team views Hicks' longer term future as anything more than 4th outfielder once Buxton is ready. If TR/RA saw Hicks as a corner outfielder in 2015/2016, there would be more emphasis on developing Hicks' hitting in the minors.