<b>ITEM</b><div>FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The starting center fielder competition is over for the
Twins.</div><div>
<p>Aaron Hicks, who has yet to play above Double-A New Britain, will be
Minnesota's center fielder and leadoff hitter come Opening Day on April 1
against the Tigers at Target Field, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire announced
Sunday.</p>
<p>Hicks, who went 4-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI against the Blue
Jays on Sunday, won the battle over Darin Mastroianni and Joe Benson.
Mastroianni is expected to be the club's fourth outfielder while Benson was
optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.</p><p><br></p><p><b>WINNER</b></p><p>Riptorns. Demotion of J.D. Martinez more than offset with news that AL's latest OF sensation Aaron Hicks has earned spotting spot as <b>RIPS EYE FIFTH PLACE FINISH.</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p><p><b>LOSER</b></p><p>K-9. Weak OF populated with likes of Rasmus, Francoeur and Mastroianni dooms this squad to <b>BOTTOM FEEDER STATUS.</b> </p></div>