“As Frankie says, Minnesota leans to the high school/tools end of the spectrum, frequently goes off-the-board, and usually does well in the draft. Brett Lawrie is definitely in play here, and I would think is the pick if he’s available. In my scenario he isn’t, and Collier is a distinct possibility, but may be too raw at the plate for Minnesota’s liking. Casey Kelly fits great here if the Twins would go over slot, but that’s unlikely. I wouldn’t be suprised if Brett Wallace, Tim Melville, Aaron Hicks, or Ethan Martin were the pick, either. I’ll go with Aaron Hicks here, and say the Twins chase the upside, and believe they’ve got a faster version of Torii Hunter with an 80 arm that could play on the mound. They may even draft him as a pitcher rather than a center fielder, as Hicks reportedly is more open to signing as a pitcher”

That’s from sabr scouting. I haven’t read many concerns about Hicks not signing.

He’s got better upside as a hitter (obviously), and a pitcher. I’d draft him as a hitter, but even if they don’t think he can hit he is STILL the better pick.

This is all assuming the Cardinal scouts don’t think he can hit, and he very well could, who knows.

I have never read that or heard that implied…..I am about drafted’d out and have read so many articles that I might go blind soon.

But I have gathered from all the reports that he is holding pretty strong that he wants to be an OF’er and has softened his stance a bit.

What does that mean? Does it now mean he has to be bought out of college now?

I dont know…but its a quite a leap to suggest he is open to pitching.

AZ, only problem there is a lot of people don’t have the patience for that. I personally don’t mind it, but people want a player now.

I have no idea what the 2009 draft looks like but if the Cardinals gambled in a situation like that and lost, I think there’s a defensible argument that they could come out ahead in that scenario.

“I’m pitching for my team, but I feel my future is as an outfielder because I have tools others don’t have,” he said”

This was said today.

“Aaron Hicks, who has first-round talent as both a center fielder and as a pitcher. Teams prefer him on the mound, and of late he’s seemingly softened on his stance that he’d like to begin his career as an everyday player”

What is known for sure he is prefers to be an OF’er…now will he hold out for more and end up going to USC if someone wants him as a pitcher only?

I have yet to find anywhere that says Hicks will sign if drafted as a pitcher.

If that was known..then ya I would welcome his selection at #13…in fact if you look at his scouting video he is w/o a doubt one of the best, if not best, HS arms in this draft.

When local scouts give you a Doc Gooden comp…your doing something.

Where did you see this? I’m pretty sure he’ll do whatever that will make him successful. He does it in HS for free, and he won’t do it if someone paid him millions of dollars. Just doesn’t seem right. Although I’ve heard others say they won’t sign for that same reason, really it’s just stupid on the players part.