Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge

Yankees outfielders Aaron Hicks, left, and Aaron Judge. (File photos)

TAMPA -- The Yankees won't just simply hand top prospect Aaron Judge right field despite Aaron Hicks' disappointing debut. If Judge struggles this spring like he did last year, the powerful 24-year-old may find himself back in the minors.



That's not lost on Hicks.



"Of course, I want to be the starter," Hicks said in the clubhouse at George M. Steinbrenner Field.



"I mean, the position's open. Whoever wants it is going to get it. It's all about having a great spring training."



Hicks hopes the offseason changes he made tips the fight in his favor.

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Last season, the Yankees were high on Hicks after acquiring him from the Twins for a backup catcher. It didn't go as they hoped.



Asked to be an impact fourth outfielder -- spelling the veterans in the field while providing right-handed pop vs. lefties -- the switch hitter fell flat. He hit .217 with eight homers and 31 RBI in 327 at-bats over 123 games.



"Of course it humbles you," he said. "In the offseason, that's kind of where you generate it back. You start it back up. You start hitting again. You start working on your swing."

When given consistent playing time, Hicks performed much better, general manager Brian Cashman has said. The problem: Consistent playing time rare, coming mostly when others were hurt.



So, Hicks made a couple changes.



"With my left-handed swing, I got shorter with my load and right-handed just getting the ball deeper and seeing it for a longer period of time and being able to drive it to all fields," the California native said.



While he hopes it works out, he's been comforted by the public support he's gotten from Cashman and manager Joe Girardi.



"It feels good," Hick said. "They have confidence in me. That's something you need, especially if you're going to take the next step to do better for next year. That's really what you need. "



He added,"I believe in my abilities. That's where you start out. You've got to believe in yourself. That's what I do. "

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.