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Yankees Five Reasons To Start Aaron Hicks Over Aaron Judge

By Cory Claus

Aug 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Hicks (31) reacts at the end of the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Tampa Bay Rays won 12-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Hicks (31) reacts at the end of the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The Tampa Bay Rays won 12-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason Number Four: Payback for the Yankees Winning the 2009 ALDS.

Back in 2009, the Minnesota Twins had a real good team. They won 87 games and the American League Central. Their pitching was just okay but they slugged their way to success. 1st baseman Justin Morneau and catcher Joe Mauer combined to hit 58 home runs, with Mauer even playing at an MVP level (.365/.444/.587).

All they had to do was get past the Yankees. And the Twinkies outplayed the Yankees in that series, for the most part. But, in a short series, one player can carry his team and shift the balance of power; in 2009, that was Alex Rodriguez. He hit two timely home runs and collected 6 RBI’s in the three-game sweep.

The torture A-Rod inflicted on the entire organization can be seen on the face of Ron Gardenhire as one home run after another leaves the park. That tends to leave a mark.

I think the Twins have been stewing about this for some time. And I believe they know the Klingon proverb that teaches us revenge is a dish best served cold. When the Yankees and Brian Cashman called to talk about trading for Hicks, the Twins knew it was time to strike.

Or Were These Text Messages?

I can almost hear their conversation now:

Cashman: Hey, we are thinking of trading one of our prized young catchers who has already had some success at the big league level: John Ryan Murphy. We need a good young outfielder…

Rob Antony (Twins asst. GM): Before you say another word, you need to know we are desperate for a catcher but the one player you can not have is Aaron Hicks!

Cashman: Well, his numbers are just okay, and he has been up and down between the minors and the bigs quite a bit. Why is he untradeable?

Antony: I don’t mind telling you because we will never trade him, although I have been told to acquire an experienced catcher or I will be fired. Everyone believes he is about to explode. The talent has been there and his private off-season workouts reflect a young Barry Bonds type of season ahead. And that is why we will never trade him.

Cashman: In that case, I will only accept Hicks for Ryan!

Antony: Oh, Brian Cashman, you are too good for me. Fine, I will give you Hicks but know that I am a beaten man (hee hee).

We all saw that magical 2009 ride through the postseason, which started by tearing the heart out of the Twins. The Yankees went on to win the World Series, and Ron Gardenhire probably started what would be years of therapy. The Twins organization never did win a WS with that group and had to start a major rebuild.

After seeing Hicks play last year, I think this makes us even.

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