-Dexter Sports
12:41 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

For one Atlanta Braves shortstop, the game is a battle of being consistent. It's hitting two homers in one game for the first time. And then following that up the next day with a five strikeout performance against the same team. In his first pro season, he fan a total of 96 times in only 262 at bats. But, Brandon Hicks still put up 14 long balls and 21 doubles.

Coming out of San Jacinto Junior College in Texas, the six foot shortstop was only known as a defensive wizard. But he has began to prove people wrong. It has helped add more depth in the infield of an organization that is top heavy in outfield and pitching depth. People have labeled him the hardest worker in the organization. Imagine David Eckstein type grit with a projectable frame and major league ready defense and you have Hicks. Once he makes the right adjustments, Brent Lillibridge could lose the title as best shortstop in the organization.

So far, coming into this season, after hitting .188 for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League, Hicks has stretched out his stance to help him pick up on pitches better. So far, it hasn't improved him much. Hicks has struck out 106 times in 292 ABs. But the power is still there. In a tough park to hit the ball in the air, Hicks has gone deep 15 times and drove in 48 runs. After going undrafted in high school and junior college, Hicks is really showing that he could someday be a major leaguer.

I believe he will be in the majors by 2011 at shortstop. Though he has a big stature for the position and hits for so much power, I believe his defensive ability is going to be be the factor that keeps him there. I believe he will finish the rest of the season at HiA Myrtle Beach. Next season, we will see him suited up at the AA level.

You have to root for this guy. He is an underdog. Plus, He shares the same birthday as me