Twins general manager Terry Ryan indicated on Friday that the arbitration clock of prospect outfielder Aaron Hicks would not dictate his arrival in the major leagues. Hicks has made an extremely strong impression this spring, hitting .407/.393/.926 with four homers and 12 RBI in just 27 at-bats. As it stands, there's a good chance he opens the regular season as the Twins starting center fielder, and immediately holds value in mixed leagues. While the power is unlikely to carry over, he's a legitimate threat to steal 30 bases.

Aaron Hicks homered three times and drove in six runs Thursday as a Twins split-squad beat the Phillies 10-6. Hicks had a shot at hitting a fourth homer in the eighth, but settled for a two-run single. Hicks has hit five homers in his last three games, though the second of those five didn't count in the spring stats (it came against Puerto Rico). He's well on his way to being named the Twins' center fielder, and while it's doubtful he'll show this kind of power during the regular season (two of his homers today were reportedly wind-aided), he might have some value in mixed leagues anyway.

Aaron Hicks went 2-for-2 with a homer and a walk Wednesday in an exhibition against Puerto Rico. Today's homer won't go into the official spring stats, but it was his second in two games. He's now established as the clear favorite to start in center field and lead off for the Twins in Opening Day.

Aaron Hicks went 2-for-5 and hit a two-run homer off Jason Motte as part of the Twins' 7-0 win over the Cardinals on Monday. It's becoming more obvious by the day that the Twins want Hicks in center field, and since he's off to a 7-for-22 start at the plate, he's done nothing to hurt his chances. His fantasy value will hinge on his basestealing; he's unlikely to hit for a strong average or slug many homers as the Twins' probable leadoff man.

Aaron Hicks went 2-for-4 with a double as the Twins beat the Blue Jays 8-4 on Tuesday. All three of the Twins' center field candidates started today, but Hicks was the one who actually played center field. He also hit leadoff, which is where the Twins want their center fielder to hit. All indications are that the Twins would prefer Hicks win the job over Darin Mastroianni and Joe Benson. For what it's worth, Mastroianni went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a caught stealing today, while Benson had a two-run homer, a walk and three strikeouts.

Phil Mackey of 1500 ESPN writes that Aaron Hicks "has been given a clear path" to take over as the Twins' starting center fielder. Hicks had a breakout season at the Double-A level in 2012, hitting .286/.384/.460 with 13 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 129 games. The Twins traded both Denard Span and Ben Revere this offseason, so the 23-year-old will enter spring training with a legitimate chance to earn the starting job in centerfield. He'll face competition from Darin Mastroianni, Brandon Boggs, and Joe Benson.

Twins purchased the contract of OF Aaron Hicks from Double-A New Britain. Hicks posted a .286/.384/.460 batting line with 13 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 129 games this past season at the Double-A level. The 23-year-old outfielder is now protected from next month's Rule 5 Draft.