by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/22/2013) Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said prior to Wednesday's game at Atlanta he was tempted to move Aaron Hicks up in the lineup, but opted against it because he said Hicks was comfortable batting lower in the lineup. Although the Twins lost 8-3, Gardenhire's decision to keep Hicks batting seventh paid off.
Hicks homered and had a career-high three hits against Atlanta. It was just the second multi-hit game of his career, with the other coming May 13 when he hit two home runs against the White Sox. Hicks is batting .206 (13 for 63) with one triple, two doubles, four home runs and eight RBI in 18 May games.
Aaron Hicks to remain low in batting order
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/22/2013) Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Wednesday he considered moving rookie Aaron Hicks back up in the lineup, but he decided to leave him batting seventh because it's "where he's comfortable," according to the Pioneer Press.
Hicks is batting .125 (2 for 16) with one double and two RBI in five games batting seventh. His best numbers come from the eighth spot in the lineup, where Hicks is batting .197 (14 for 71) with a .310 on-base percentage, three home runs and 10 RBI in 23 games.
Aaron Hicks unable to maintain momentum
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/15/2013) Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was hoping that Aaron Hicks could build off Monday's breakout game and get on a roll. But Hicks, who homered twice and made a spectacular catch that robbed a potential game-tying homer on Monday, went 0 for 3 Tuesday night against the White Sox.
Hicks is hitting .148 with three homers this season.
Aaron Hicks not worth adding just yet
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/14/2013) Long-term, I like Aaron Hicks. I like that even though he's slumping to begin his career, he still has managed to walk at a decent rate, compiling a .347 on-base percentage compared to just a .226 batting average over his last 21 games. I like that his power is already translating to the majors, as evidenced by his .519 slugging percentage over his last 16 games. I like that he seems to be getting more comfortable in his role, batting .300 over his last six games.
I like that he can run. I like that he can field. I like that the Twins don't have anyone else to man his position.
But I'm not rushing to pick him up after his multi-homer game Monday. Maybe I would if it wasn't also his first multi-hit game, but since it was, I need to see more. I have my eye on him, but right now, I'd rather devote my bench space to players in higher demand.
Aaron Hicks homers twice in return
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks had a powerful return to the lineup Monday against the White Sox after dealing with an elbow injury over the weekend. He went 2 for 3 with two home runs. Hicks also walked once and scored three times in a 10-3 win.
The 23-year-old led off the fourth inning with a solo homer off starter Hector Santiago before victimizing the left-hander for another solo shot in the sixth.
Hicks has gone 7 for 27 (.259) with three home runs and seven RBI in his last eight games.
Aaron Hicks returns from elbow injury
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks returned to the starting lineup Monday against the White Sox after missing two games with a sore elbow. Hicks is batting .194 (6 for 31) with one triple, one home run, two doubles and five RBI in nine May games.
Aaron Hicks remains sidelined with sore elbow
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks is out Sunday for the second straight game with a sore elbow, Fox Sports North reports.
Hicks is on a three-game hitting streak, but his line remains dreadful at .137/.239/.216. He is expected to return soon and get a chance to extend the streak.
Aaron Hicks has minor elbow issue
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks was given Saturday night against the Orioles off after extending a hitting streak to three games on Friday during a loss. He is dealing with a slight right elbow issue, MLB.com reports.
Hicks, who is available off the bench, went 1 for 4 with a single Friday and is batting .137 on the year. He's only slightly picked things up a bit in May with a .194 batting average for the month thus far over nine games with five RBI and his first career homer.
Hicks said he doesn't expect the elbow issue to be a problem, though it did feel a little sore Saturday.
Aaron Hicks returns to Twins lineup
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks is back in the lineup Wednesday against Boston, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Hicks did not start Tuesday and appeared to anger manager Ron Gardenhire with a nonchalant play in the field after he entered as a defensive replacement. It appears any worries were blown out of proportion, however, as Hicks will start Wednesday in center and bat eighth against Boston and starter Allen Webster.
Aaron Hicks not in Tuesday's lineup
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/7/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks is not in the club's lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox.
Hicks has really struggled to open the year, hitting just .124/.233/.202 in 89 at-bats. He will be replaced by Wilkin Ramirez, who will bat eighth.
Aaron Hicks could reward patient Fantasy owners
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) I think this is a great time for Fantasy owners to buy into Twins rookie outfielder Aaron Hicks, who is owned in just 19 percent of leagues. Hicks was one of the preseason's hottest pickups after having a torrid spring and became one of the most-dropped players after a horrid start, but to me that screams an ideal buy-low candidate.
I'm not saying Hicks is going to go on a breakout run that is going to make every Fantasy owner that dropped him regret it. I just feel if you are in need of outfield help and can be patient, then Hicks could be a good fit for your team.
As my colleague Scott White pointed out, Hicks is becoming a more patient hitter. He has a .367 on-base percentage in his last 14 games, so it seems the game is starting to slow down for the rookie. His strikeout rate has also greatly improved. He struck out 20 times in his first 10 games and has just nine strikeouts in his last 14 games. Hicks is also starting to make more contact. He's batting .242 in his last 11 games, raising his average from .042 to .123.
If the Twins didn't give up on Hicks when he was making as much contact as a little leaguer, then I don't see it happening now, especially since Hicks' turnaround at the plate has begun. The kid is batting .123. There has to be more upside than downside in his case.
Aaron Hicks swats first homer
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks crushed his first home run in the majors during Minnesota's 7-3 loss at Cleveland on Saturday. Hicks finished 1 for 3 with a walk and went deep off Indians starter Scott Kazmir in the fifth inning to give him three extra-base hits over his past six games.
The 23-year-old also whiffed once and has struck out at least once in each of his past six games. Despite the high strikeout total, Hicks leads all American League rookies with 13 walks.
Aaron Hicks at least seeing the ball better
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/24/2013) Plate discipline was a big part of Aaron Hicks' game in the minors, but he wasn't getting on base in any capacity over the first two weeks of the season. That seems to have changed since the Twins moved him out of the leadoff spot. Over his last six games, he has eight walks compared to only two strikeouts.
Of course, he has only two hits during that same period, but he'll only get out of this slump by getting back to the basics: taking the pitches out of the strike zone and swinging at the ones in it.
Hicks has one of the longest leashes of any .073 hitter in baseball with Darin Mastroianni on the DL, so baby steps are enough to keep me intrigued. Now, if he could only start driving the pitches he's swinging at.
Aaron Hicks gets a reprieve
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/17/2013) Well, now we know why Aaron Hicks hasn't lost his job to Darin Mastroianni yet. Turns out Mastroianni still can't play a full game -- or much at all, really.
With him on the DL, Hicks will continue to have a long leash even with his sub-.050 batting average. Fellow prospect Oswaldo Arcia, who takes Mastroianni's place on the roster, played minimal center field in the minors and likely isn't a viable replacement at the position. Between the two, I'd rather own Arcia, but continue to keep an eye on Hicks, who could still turn it around.
Darin Mastroianni-Aaron Hicks switcheroo in works?
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/16/2013) Long-awaited prospect Aaron Hicks may have beaten out unheralded speedster Darin Mastroianni with a spirited performance this spring, but the Twins didn't promise him the job forever. With Hicks beginning the year 2 for 43 and Mastroianni more or less recovered from a bruised left ankle, we could see the competition begin anew.
Or perhaps end before it starts, with the Twins opting to send Hicks to Triple-A for more seasoning.
The team hasn't announced anything, but it stands to reason. Mastroianni couldn't play a full game before. Now he can. Hicks is one of the few players the Twins have been willing to promote straight from Double-A in recent years, so for that reason alone, you have to think he's on a short leash.
Even if Mastroianni can work his way into a timeshare with Hicks, he's worth a flier in deeper Rotisserie leagues. He stole 21 bases in only 163 at-bats last year.
Aaron Hicks out of lineup Monday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Twins rookie outfielder Aaron Hicks wasn't in the starting lineup Monday against the Angels for just the second time in 12 games. Darin Mastroianni replaced Hicks in the lineup.
Hicks entered play Monday batting .047 (2 for 43) with three RBI and 20 strikeouts in 10 games.
Twins teammates support slumping rookie
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Twins outfielder Josh Willingham expressed support for rookie outfielder Aaron Hicks, who is mired in a 2-for-43 slump to begin his MLB career.
"He's trying -- probably too hard," Willingham said, per the Pioneer Press. "Nobody wants him to do well more than he does. He knows we're behind him. He's got all the support in the world, but that doesn't make it any better."
Willingham realizes Hicks' success as a leadoff hitter is imperative for the team.
"We want him to do well because if he does well, we do well as a team," Willingham said. "Obviously, he'll be a big part of our team this year. There's no doubt in my mind. It's just something he's got to battle through."
While the coaching staff is trying to help Hicks work through his offensive slump, Willingham offered up his opinion on the matter.
"He's got to figure it out on his own," Willingham said. "He's had a lot of people tell him stuff. It's just going to come from experience. He's a good player. He's got ability. He'll get himself out of it."
Time to jump off Aaron Hicks' bandwagon?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) If there was an award for two-week bust, I'm pretty sure Twins rookie outfielder Aaron Hicks would be a finalist. Talk about a complete 180.
After a stellar spring, Hicks is off to a horrific start, batting .047 with 20 strikeouts in 10 games. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire can blame the weather all he wants, but you have to wonder if the Twins put too much stock in Hicks' spring numbers and would have been better off letting him get some Triple-A at-bats before bringing him to the majors.
Sure, this is all hindsight bias, but Fantasy owners have to figure out what to do with Hicks. Personally, I've held onto the 23-year-old outfielder because I know what he is capable of and don't want to regret cutting him in case he does turn it around. Sure, it's a risk, but I will give Hicks at least a few more weeks before I potentially jump off the bandwagon.
Twins sticking with Aaron Hicks
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013) If a hot spring is supposed to build momentum for the regular season, Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks' rookie season has not gone according to plan.
Hicks batted .370 with 18 RBI and 18 runs scored in the spring, earning a spot atop the Twins' lineup, but he has been unable to carry that over. Hicks has just two hits in his first 35 at bats, while striking out 16 times entering Friday's game.
Despite the slow start -- and earning manager Ron Gardenhire's ire for his lack of hustle Wednesday -- the team expects Hicks to get going, and will keep him in the leadoff spot to help him along.
"We want to do what's best for our baseball team, and that would be to take off and get some hits and run with it. But we want to protect him, too," manager Ron Gardenhire told FoxSports.com before Friday's game against the Mets. "It's only 30-plus at-bats against some really good teams. The weather's not been conducive for anything. We're going to give him a chance here to right himself. He's a good player, had a heck of a spring. Hopefully he'll come up with a couple hits, get some confidence going and take off from there."
Hicks has appeared as the leadoff hitter in eight of the team's first nine games this season, and is not the only player struggling on a team that is batting .232 overall.
Gardenhire not happy with Hicks' effort
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/11/2013) Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was not happy with rookie Aaron Hicks' hustle Wednesday night against the Royals, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Hicks, who has started his career in a 2-for-35 slump, hit a pop fly in the seventh inning and jogged around first as Lorenzo Cain dropped the ball. The speedster probably could have made it to third but had to stop at second base and Gardenhire was furious.
"I can’t handle that. I haven’t talked to him about it, because I always have to calm down before I talk to people," Gardenhire said after the Royals completed their first sweep of Minnesota since 2011. "Not finishing running that ball out, hesitating, kind of slowing down, that bothers me an awful lot.
"I don’t care what you do on a baseball field, it takes no talent whatsoever to hustle, and he didn’t run it out. We finish balls off. We always run. That’s probably part of [Hicks’] frustration factor, but I can’t live with that. So I’ll have my conversation” with him."
Night off doesn't work for Aaron Hicks
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Twins rookie outfielder Aaron Hicks was back in the lineup Wednesday in Kansas City after sitting out Tuesday's game. Manager Ron Gardenhire wanted to get him back in there to work through his early-season struggles, MLB.com reports.
Unfortunately for Hicks, it didn't work. The youngster went 0 for 5 atop the order in a 3-0 loss. He struck out three times. He started the night hitting .067 with two hits over 30 at-bats and he's now at .057.
Gardenhire said he'd hoped the night off would help him get his swing back, but it didn't work.
"It was a chance to freshen his mind, relax a little bit," Gardenhire said. "We'll see how it goes. He has faced a lot of really good pitching here, and I'm sure he has put a little pressure on himself. He did a little extra work [Tuesday] on the field. Now, it's just getting back out there and getting a good pitch to hit. He'll be fine. This kid is a very talented young man."
Aaron Hicks gets a night off
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/9/2013) Slumping rookie outfielder Aaron Hicks wasn't in the Twins' starting lineup Tuesday at Kansas City for the first time this season. After starting the first seven games, manager Ron Gardenhire replaced Hicks with Darin Mastroianni.
Following a torrid spring, Hicks has struggled through the first week of his MLB career. He's batting .067 (2 for 30) with 13 strikeouts. He does have three RBI.
Aaron Hicks with more RBI than hits
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks only had one hit in Sunday's series finale against the Orioles but it came in a big moment.
After going 0 for 3 in his first three at-bats, the 23-year-old came up in the seventh inning with one on and the game tied. Hicks came through with an RBI single which propelled Minnesota to a 4-3 win.
"It felt good not only to get a hit, but to drive a run in," Hicks told MLB.com. "It was the go-ahead run and the game-winning run, so it was good. I've been trying to get a hit the entire time. I'm feeling good at the plate even though the results aren't showing it."
Hicks, is hitting .077 (2 for 26) with three RBI through six games.
Aaron Hicks doesn't deserve undying loyalty
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/5/2013) When it seemed pretty obvious he would win the starting center field job for the Twins, I didn't shy away from attaching the sleeper label to Aaron Hicks. He was cheap, and he has upside. That's pretty much all it takes.
But to attach specifics to it, I was never thinking more than 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases for him. If that's the best-case scenario, then you shouldn't feel obligated to stick with him during this miserable start, especially if players with comparable upside -- such as Lucas Duda, Yonder Alonso or Jackie Bradley -- are available on waivers.
I'm not saying Hicks is a must-drop -- ultimately, it depends on what else is out there -- but I'll admit I've dropped him in a couple leagues myself.
Aaron Hicks records first hit
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks recorded the first hit of his major-league career Thursday against the Tigers.
Hicks singled in two runs in the bottom of the eighth. Hicks' strong spring won him a spot on the team this season. He made the jump from Double-A to the majors.
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks made his major-league debut Monday as he started in center fieldand atop the order against the Tigers in front of the home crowd.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a success for the youngster.
Hicks struck out against Justin Verlander in his first three at-bats before grounding out and then finally drawing a walk to reach base for the first time.
Twins like 'ambush' approach atop lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said prior to Monday's season opener against the Tigers he likes the dynamic of having Aaron Hicks, Joe Mauer and Josh Willingham atop the team's lineup since it forces the opposing pitcher to face all three batters in the first inning.
"As Bruno (hitting coach Tom Brunansky) and I talked, we talked about 'ambush,'" Gardenhire said, per the Pioneer Press. "So we're going to ambush 'em at the top with all these hitters and go from there. At least for today. We can always adjust as we go along."
Brian Dozier, who spent most of the spring batting second, was moved to eighth in the lineup Monday.
Aaron Hicks hits leadoff in MLB debut
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Twins manager Ron Gardenhire elected to hit rookie outfielder Aaron Hicks in the leadoff spot in Hicks' MLB debut Monday against the Tigers. Hicks won the starting job in center field after a torrid spring.
Hicks hit .370 (27 for 73) with one triple, four homers, six doubles, 18 runs and 18 RBI in 22 spring games.
Roll with Aaron Hicks Week 1
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) I think it's worth the gamble for Fantasy owners to start Twins rookie Aaron Hicks Week 1 (March 31-April 7). Looking at the pitchers he will face this week, the only one that might pose a serious problem is Justin Verlander on opening day. Otherwise, the Twins are set to face Anibal Sanchez, Rick Porcello, Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel and a yet-to-be-announced Orioles starter, so I see the potential for Hicks to carry over his torrid spring into the start of the season.
GM says Aaron Hicks 'earned' job
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Twins general manager Terry Ryan was didn't mince words Monday when talking about prospect Aaron Hicks, who was named the team's starting center fielder Sunday.
"I find it almost humorous that guys are talking service time and starting the clock. The guy has earned it," Ryan said, per MLB.com.
Hicks, who is considered a Top 100 prospect by Baseball America (No. 72) and MLB.com (No. 98), is batting .350 (21 for 60) with four homers, six doubles, 16 runs, 16 RBI and three stolen bases in 18 spring games.
Aaron Hicks officially takes center stage
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) In one of the worst-kept secrets of the spring, the Twins announced Sunday that Aaron Hicks will serve as the starting center fielder for the beginning of the season. Hicks was battling for the job with Darin Mastroianni during the early part of camp before distancing himself in the competition recently. The 23-year-old Hicks, who has not appeared in a game above the Double-A level, improved his batting average to .350 this spring following his 4-for-4 performance against Toronto Sunday.
Aaron Hicks even more of a sleeper now
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/22/2013) If Aaron Hicks wasn't already on your radar, he should be now. CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman just reported that the Twins are going with him over Darin Mastroianni as their starting center fielder.
It's not earth-shattering news, really. Since Hicks homered three times in a game back on March 7, most suspected he would win the job. Still, now that we have confirmation, he's sure to move up on the draft boards.
I recently moved him up in my rankings to 68th among outfielders in Head-to-Head leagues, but if you're looking for upside in the late rounds, you might reach for him earlier than that. For more on what he brings to the table, check out my sleepers column.
Aaron Hicks to be named Twins starting center fielder
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013) The Twins will name Aaron Hicks their starting center fielder, CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reported Friday.
Hicks, 23, is the Twins' No. 6 prospect according to Baseball America. The switch-hitter made a big step forward in Double-A last season, as he hit .286/.384/.460 with 13 home runs, 11 triples and 21 doubles.
Hicks hits for significantly better power as a right-handed batter (.522 slugging percentage) but he showed great patience as a lefty (.394 on-base percentage) in 2012 and developed more of a line-drive stroke as the season wore on. In addition, Hicks is considered to be a top-tier glove in center field, something the Twins needed to replace the recently-traded Ben Revere.
Hicks helps cause with 3 HRs
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/7/2013) Twins outfield prospect Aaron Hicks, who is fighting for the starting center field job this spring, further distanced himself from the competition by hitting three home runs, including one off Cliff Lee, Thursday at the Phillies. He did have the wind working in his favor, though. "Wow, what do you say? Play the elements," Twins manager Rod Gardenhire said. "Wind's blowing out, and he hit `em out where the wind's blowing. Pretty fun day. You don't see that too many times." Hicks finished the day 4 for 5 with six RBI and four runs scored.
Hicks shows some power
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/4/2013) Twins outfield prospect Aaron Hicks, who is competing with Darin Mastroianni and Joe Benson for the starting center field job this spring, continued his hot start with his first home run -- a two-run shot -- Monday at the Cardinals. He finished the game 2 for 5 with two runs scored and is now batting .318 (7 for 22) this spring.
Hicks continues hot hitting
(2/27/2013) Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks, in a battle for the starting job in center this spring, went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored against the Phillies. He raised his average to .400 with the performance. His main competitors, Darin Mastroianni and Joe Benson, did not play.
Hicks the favorite for CF job?
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/1/2013)Aaron Hicks hasn't played a game above Double-A in his five-year career. But the AP reported on Thursday that Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told GM Terry Ryan that he wants Hicks to win the starting center field job. The spot is open after the team traded away Denard Span and Ben Revere this offseason, but there is competition for the spot; namely Darin Matroianni and Joe Benson. "Aaron Hicks is very capable. It's just a matter of whether or not he's ready," Ryan told the AP. "He hasn't had an at-bat at Triple-A, but that isn't going to sidetrack our opinion that he might be able to jump over Triple-A."
Hicks readies for CF competition
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (1/27/2013) Twins prospect Aaron Hicks is excited about the chance to potentially emerge as the team's opening day center fielder. "For me, I'm going to try to go there and just work hard, try to get it," Hicks said, per FSN North. "That's been my plan for a while, since I found out about the trades (Denard Span, Ben Revere). That's what I'm trying to do." The Twins will have Hicks compete with Darin Mastroianni and Joe Benson this spring. The team was pleased with Hicks' development in 2012, but the 23-year-old prospect hasn't progressed past Double-A in his career. "There's a pressure out there that I can't control, and that's him trying to make this baseball team," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I can control how he handles himself, and I can try to keep him as relaxed as I possibly can with the rest of our staff and try not to put too much pressure on him. He knows what's at stake. Now it's going to be how he handles it."
