Aaron Hicks – Minnesota Twins OF

H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 10/2/89

The Twins' 1st round pick had an immensely successful debut with Minnesota's GCL affiliate hitting .318 with 4 HR 27 RBI 12 SB and 32 runs scored in just 45 games. Hicks has incredible athleticism and tools galore with above average power potential from both sides of the plate, top rate speed, and an arm that fired mid-90's fastballs as a high school pitcher. To the surprise of many MLB scouts, Hicks demonstrated advanced skills in plate discipline (28 BB/32 K) and base stealing savvy (12 SB in 14 attempts), once thought to be weaknesses in his game. Hicks has the ability to run down any ball in the OF gaps, though he still needs to work on taking more precise routes. The Twins couldn't be happier with the early returns from Hicks and the biggest challenge for him will be to replicate these numbers over a full season.

2009 Projection: Aaron has certainly earned a trip to full season Low-A Beloit. Watch to see if Hicks can continue to put up sterling BB/K ratios while increasing his power output. With Ben Revere excelling as the Twins' future CF, it will be important for Hicks to boost his power production to an acceptable level to be a RF. Of course, there is always the possibility the Minnesota would develop Hicks as their future CF, moving Revere over to LF. Either way, Hicks has the projectible strength and athleticism to hit 15-20 HR with a high average at the MLB level. Twins fans rejoice!