The New York Yankees acquired a young and talented center
fielder by the name of Aaron Hicks this offseason in the trade that sent John
Ryan Murphy to the Minnesota Twins. Already we’ve heard rave reviews of Hicks
in regards to his defense, his speed and his up-and-coming back. Hicks credits
his turnaround season in 2015 to a phone call from one Hall of Fame player, Rod
Carew, and now the young switch-hitter may be able to look back and credit his
2016 season success to a discussion with a potential future Hall of Fame
player, Torii Hunter.
Hunter, a longtime Twins player, revealed this winter some
advice that he gave who he called an “immature” Hicks in hopes of helping him
for the remainder of his career. Hicks has played in the majors for three
seasons now and it is likely not a coincidence that his best and breakout
season came in 2015 with Hunter as a teammate.
Torii signed a one year deal with the Twins knowing that
2015 was his final season and opened himself up to any and all questions that
the young Minnesota players may have had. Hunter notes that no player was more
receptive to the advice and help than Hicks. Hunter took Hicks under his wing
and in an interview with the New York Post Twins manager Paul Molitor even
noted that Torri “took it personally to help Aaron.”
Hunter focused more on the mental side of the game rather
than the physical side with Hicks. The tools are there are Aaron, Hunter
thought the mental aspect needed some help. Hunter would tell Hicks to “be warm
before it was time to be warm” and “be loose before it was time to be loose” so
he could pay attention to who was pitching and look at the game with a “third
eye.”
Hicks is trying to be the 2016 version of both Nathan
Eovaldi and Didi Gregorius. With all the Yankees coaching staff, trainers,
staff and teammates by his side and the wisdom of a Torii Hunter and a Rod
Carew in his head how could he not succeed?
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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)