Aaron Hicks-2015

[curt1965]

The black hole that is the Twins CF position might just have a familiar solution. Aaron Hicks, the beleaguered outfielder out of Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California is trying to resurrect his career in 2015 in Rochester.

The 25 year old(10-2-89), 6'2" 210 pound switch hitter was drafted in the first round (14th overall) in the June 2008 Amateur Draft.

He began his career in the GCL. Hicks spent 2009 and 2010 in Beloit, 2011 in Fort Meyers, and 2012 in New Britain.

He was a career .272 minor league hitter.

After an outstanding spring training in 2013, he jump all the way from AA to the big leagues and debuted in April 1, 2013

(Unfortunately against Justin Verlander!). After struggling mightily for most of the early part of the season, he was sent down to Rochester where his struggles continued. Much to his dismay, his lackluster performance did not earn him a return trip in September. In 2014, he again earned the starting CF position, but continued to have problems. In a possible attempt to get his attention, the Twins sent him all the way back to AA in New Britian. He was later promoted to Rochester, and this time was a part of the September call ups.

The Twins have always loved the fact that Aaron was a switch hitter, but when his problems from the left side continued in 2014, the frustrated Hicks temporarily gave up hitting left handed. He quickly abanded this idea, and went back to his switch hitting ways. He has a career .201 average, with 19 doubles, 3 triples, 9 home runs and 13 stolen bases.

Aaron Hicks has developed into an enigma in the Twins organization. He has talent: in 2012 he was ranked the #72 prospect by MLB. He was ranked the 4th best prospect, best defensive outfielder, and best outfield arm in the Twins system by Baseball America following the 2011 season. The question remains if he has the desire and the makeup to be an everyday player in the majors.

He is off to a decent start this year hitting .294 with a double, triple, home run and one stolen base through April 13.

In addition, Hicks has always been a good defensive player with a plus arm. If Schaffer and Robinson continue to struggle, you may see his familiar face soon at Target Field!

[curt1965]

Aaron Hicks continued his torrid stretch of terrific hitting by going 3-5 tonight with a double and triple in Rochester's 15-10 win. His hot streak brought his season's average to a high of .318, with 6 doubles, 4 triples, 2 HR's, 15 runs scored, and a team leading 13 RBI's. Hope the Twins are noticing!

[ashbury]

Any news or inferences regarding his defense in Rochester?