1. Aaron Hicks, OF, 20 years old

2009 stats: .251/.353/.382, 297 PA, 4 HR, 55/40 K/BB at Beloit (A-)
Last year’s rank: 1
Acquired: 1^st round selection of the Minnesota Twins in the 2008 draft

Aaron Hicks could very well be the most athletic prospect in the Twins’ minor league organization. Taken as a hitter in the ’08 Draft, Hicks was also considered as a pitcher; his 94-97 mph fastball impressed several teams. The Twins drafted the young switch-hitter out of high school as a hitter, though, and haven’t looked back.

Hicks was blessed with an incredible set of athletic abilities available to him. He was a successful golfer before he chose to pursue baseball as a career, and his speed is also extremely good. Assuming there are no set backs in his development, Hicks should be able to swipe 30 bases a season once he reaches the major leagues.

In the batter’s box, Hicks stands almost unrivaled in terms of raw power and tools. He has a quick swing that will most likely translate to a solid batting average in the major leagues, as well as superior arm strength, which could lead to around 30 home runs per season once he has fully developed.

The arm strength of Hicks has never been questioned. Both at the plate and in the field, power is not a problem for the young outfielder. Hicks is a well above-average defensive outfielder, but still has plenty of room for improvement. In center field, Hicks has drawn comparisons to Torii Hunter.

Perhaps the biggest downside to Hicks is his occasional lack of focus. Scouts say that because the game comes so easy for Hicks, he simply loses focus and stops paying complete attention. Once he advances to tougher leagues, though, this will surely change.

While the 20-year-old Hicks is far from a sure thing, it is difficult to over-state his ceiling. Hicks has the potential to become a perennial All-Star and hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases at a position that requires immense defensive skill. The biggest thing the Twins are focusing on with Hicks is his lack of experience. This upcoming season in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League should do wonders for Hicks’ development and the realization of his potential.

Ideal scenario: Hicks will spend the ’10 season in Fort Myers, and will steadily advance a level at a time as he fills out and becomes more confident with his abilities and refines his game.

Path to the majors: A prospect like Aaron Hicks doesn’t just fall in your lap; when Hicks is ready, the Twins will make room in their outfield.

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