Hicks is a 6'5" 250 lb junior out of Central Florida. His size is indicative of his expected talents. He is an all-or-nothing hitter who, if he makes it to the majors, may very well turn out to be a true three outcome hitter. He is only suited to play 1B as he is slower than Adam Dunn with his leg caught in a bear trap, but he does possess great power potential; the quality most clubs seek in a firstbaseman.
Hicks was named the C-USA preseseason player of the year. Last season he had 14 HR and lead his league in RBI with 72. He has a predictably high strikeout rate but also has a very strong walk rate. Out of high school he was drafted by the Giants in the 46th round. He went to college instead, but he was included on the Maxpreps 2008 All-American team with the likes of Danny Hultzman, Garrit Cole, Kyle Skipworth, Eric Hosmer, Tim Beckham, Casey Kelly, Zach Hood, Matt Hobgood and fellow Twins BJ Hermson and Aaron Hicks. Very strong company by any evaluation.
Hicks has been assigened to Elizabethbton and will get regular playing time at 1B. As his contact rate and defense are not expected to be his strengths, look for him to be promoted based almost entirely on his run producing numbers. As one of the highest drafted college bats picked by the Twins, look for him to get a shot at A ball before others that may seem more deserving.