Hicks to get an early start on his rehab starting tomorrow....at....where???

[jokin]

Mike Berardino @MikeBerardino · 43m

Hicks to start rehab at New Britain Wednesday

 

 

Maybe it means nothing, maybe it means everything. But it sure seems to have implications for the Rochester Red Wings, who are currently tied for 1st place in their division in the IL pennant hunt- and apparently Hicks isn't needed, even though the Wings are without a legitimate CF on the roster.

 

Meanwhile, New Britian is not in a pennant hunt, but they do have another guy that could very well project as a late-season major league promotion in the same position as Hicks, Eddie Rosario. Is Rosario moving up (seems too soon for that)? Or is Hicks just with the Rock Cats to work on his timing and shoulder a bit....before a promotion to....wait a minute....a promotion to Rochester? Or back to Minnesota?

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Promotion back to Minnesota, I hope.

 

I will continue to take the minority view on this issue, and say that Hicks is our best option in CF this year.

[jokin]

Promotion back to Minnesota, I hope.

 

I will continue to take the minority view on this issue, and say that Hicks is our best option in CF this year.

 

I think you're right, but he sure seems to have driven the braintrust crazy with all that has gone down this season. I must admit I was a bit surprised that New Britain was his first assignment. Is the move to New Britain for Hicks sending a message to him to get his act together....right now!? But then, Sam Fuld also rehabbed in New Britain, so maybe Gene Glynn is happy with what he has in the OF in Rochester and preferred not messing with his current rotation while in a pennant race.

 

Whatever the case, the curious case of "AAron" Hicks takes yet another interesting new turn.

[jokin]

They rehabbed Fuld at NB, too.

 

Yup, in my post:

 

But then, Sam Fuld also rehabbed in New Britain, so maybe Gene Glynn is happy with what he has in the OF in Rochester and preferred not messing with his current rotation while in a pennant race.

[JB_Iowa]

Yup, in my post:

 

I caught it -- which is why I deleted but you were really quick on the quote.

[HansGruber]

Promotion back to Minnesota, I hope.

 

I will continue to take the minority view on this issue, and say that Hicks is our best option in CF this year.

 

Cannot disagree. Neither Fuld or Hicks will hit for much but at least Hicks has shown he can get on base. Also I want to see Hicks get as much opportunity to develop in the big leagues as possible, the potential is still there. With his on-base ability if he can become even a marginal hitter he could be a valuable asset. If he still cannot show more promise after a full season the team can move on with little regret.

[jokin]

Cannot disagree. Neither Fuld or Hicks will hit for much but at least Hicks has shown he can get on base. Also I want to see Hicks get as much opportunity to develop in the big leagues as possible, the potential is still there. With his on-base ability if he can become even a marginal hitter he could be a valuable asset. If he still cannot show more promise after a full season the team can move on with little regret.

 

Maybe reading too much into the move to New Britain, but perhaps the braintrust sees an opportunity here for Hicks to make a brief return to the place where he had his last big success in 2012....to find that success again quickly and then quickly reignite his big league career?

[HansGruber]

Maybe reading too much into the move to New Britain, but perhaps the braintrust sees an opportunity here for Hicks to make a brief return to the place where he had his last big success in 2012....to find that success again quickly and then quickly reignite his big league career?

 

A good a theory as any, though my guess is there is not a lot of thought put into it by the front office. It could just be that it is a good place to get regular at-bats without disrupting other players. I'd certainly be happy if New Britain did spark something in Hicks.

[TRex]

It also seems to me that it would be easier to learn how to bat right handed (as a RH hitter) against AA 'prospects' than AAA junkballers.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

He's also supposed to be working in both corner OF spots. Ominous, but expected

[jokin]

He's also supposed to be working in both corner OF spots. Ominous, but expected

 

Ominous, indeed. Will he be in a corner spot tomorrow night, in favor of Rosario once again in CF? Stay tuned, the drama continues.

[Mave]

But it sure seems to have implications for the Rochester Red Wings, who are currently tied for 1st place in their division in the IL pennant hunt- and apparently Hicks isn't needed, even though the Wings are without a legitimate CF on the roster.

 

I get your point, that it would make sense for the Wings to get a player that fills a need (a player with big league experience, nonetheless) while they are chasing first place, but then again, we have to think of the purpose of the minor leagues, or even AAA for that matter-- it's a place for players to develop, and a holding tank for players who may be needed to plug a hole in a pinch (the Doug Bernier-ish types).

 

Winning a AAA championship seems like a nice bonus if they are fulfilling the purpose of developing talent, but shouldn't be an organization's main focus at the expense of development...

Hicks needs some success after saying his confidence was shot-- leading to his new approach. Why not use AA to serve the purpose of development-- let him mash down there using the new approach, then promote him accordingly?

[70charger]

He's also supposed to be working in both corner OF spots. Ominous, but expected

 

Or not ominous if it's part of easing him back in for rehab purposes...

[jorgenswest]

I don't think there is anything to read into going to New Britain or playing a corner. He may be needed to play on a corner later this season. I think Chad Allen is in New Britain. Spending some time with him working in LF and RF would be worthwhile.

[jokin]

Or not ominous if it's part of easing him back in for rehab purposes...

 

Rob Antony appears to be leaning more towards the ominous direction (as a possible change in roles with the Twins and/or maximizing value as a future trading chip):

 

Etc.

• Aaron Hicks will report to Class AA New Britain on Wednesday to begin a rehab stint for his sore shoulder. He’ll also play right field part of the time, Antony said, to increase his versatility.

 

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/263578461.html

[Vzltwins]

New Britain was in the Boston area so maybe it was convenient for him to just jump on the bus....

[Major League Ready]

Hicks needs to learn to hit RH against RH pitching in the minors for the rest of the year. I would think Rosario has a better chance of being our CF next year. Maybe they move Rosario to AAA for 40 games and then up to the MLB club yet this year. While I would hope Hicks gets it together and becomes a trade chip as a CF, I think Hick's ends up being the Twins 4th outfielder. He might even be platooned with Arcia.

[Badsmerf]

Hicks needs minor league time to work on his game. I don't think he belongs in the majors until he shows sustained success down there.

 

Rosario is the best option in CF IMO. What it does for his development remains to be seen, but I could see him handling the transition smoothly.

[nicksaviking]

I'd think the move to NB instead of Rochester has something to do with the RH conversion. Perhaps someone down there is better equipped to handle or has experience with this kind of situation.

 

Or as someone above said, perhaps they don't want him to learn against a bunch of 28-year old junkballers who will never give him a good look.

[TheLeviathan]

"Increasing versatility" is pretty much one step short of saying "probably not a full-time starter" as you get.

[Mike Sixel]

Right field, not left? I get he has an arm ,but they have a RF.......that part seems odd to me. But, ya, they pretty much just said he is a fourth OF.