MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Next in line to start in center field for Minnesota is Aaron Hicks.

After trading both Denard Span and Ben Revere this offseason, the rebuilding Twins have an opening at one of the most important positions in the lineup. Hicks will have the first crack at it.

Manager Ron Gardenhire told general manager Terry Ryan he hopes Hicks wins the job, despite the fact that the 23-year-old California native has not played above the Double-A level.

Hicks was drafted in the first round in 2008, the 14th overall selection from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach. There were some tough seasons in the minors, but last year Hicks hit .286 with 13 homers, 11 triples, 61 RBIs and 32 steals in 472 at-bats in the Eastern League for New Britain.

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