Aaron Hicks Belts Three Homers in Twins Win; Led by Stefen Romero's 7 RBI, Seattle Stops KC

Players of the Day for Thursday, March 7, 2013

Grapefruit League

Hicks: 3 HR, 6 RBI

One usually wouldn't expect much power from the leadoff spot, but Minnesota's Aaron Hicks - a rookie with no major league experience - launched three rocket shots in the Twins' 10-6 victory over the Phillies.

Getting an extended look in center field, Hicks put balls out of play in the first, fifth and seventh innings. With a shot at four homers in the eighth, he laced a single to center, driving in two runs, completing a 4-for-5 day with six RBI and four runs, a stat line that would equate to a good week for most players.

With Ben Revere traded away in the off-season, center field could be there for the taking if Hicks continues his impressive play. He's batting .411 with four dingers and 12 ribbies.

Cactus League

Romero: 2 HR, 7 RBI

After winning their first 11 games, Kansas City finally got beat, and the team that stopped their winning streak was the one which has been nearly as hot, the 11-3 Seattle Mariners, who got seven RBI from the bottom hitter in the lineup, second base prospect Stefen Romero, who went 4-for-5 with a pair of homers, a single, double, four runs and those seven RBI.

Romero's effort helped Seattle cruise to a 12-2 victory.

All of Romero's RBI were produced with two swings of the bat. He socked a grand slam in the fourth and a three-run blast in the eighth.

Romero was a Topps AA All-Star last season, batting .347 with 12 homers and 50 RBI in 56 games for Jackson in the Southern League.

His effort was in support the first Spring start of 2010 Cy Young winner, Felix Hernandez, who allowed two hits and one run over two innings, fanning a pair. Hernandez inked a $175 million, seven year deal with the Mariners last month, making his the highest-paid pitcher ever in the majors.