The Twins Should Make Alex Kirilloff the Opening Day Left Fielder

[Shaitan]

 

Darius, you nailed it. Couldn't have said it better.

 

Add in that we let Rosario go - it's not like there's an established 30 HR 100+ RBI guy currently playing in RF. We're talking Cave/Arraez here.

 

While I've made the same "he started in the playoffs means they think he's ready" argument, sadly I don't even buy it myself.

 

I think he started in the playoffs because they were desperate and hoped to catch lightning in a bottle. And it depresses me. It's very off-topic, but I want the team to play playoff baseball the same way they play in the season. Don't get cute and overthink every single decision. Do what has worked.

 

I think starting Kirilloff was along the same lines as using all 3 catchers in game 1 and pulling Maeda so early: making moves for the sake of making moves.

[jkcarew]

I would like Kirilloff to be the opening day left fielder. But I understand why that might not happen from a business standpoint. I have no issues with the FO taking advantage of rule that was collectively bargained with the players. Still, it’s probably fair to say there is risk with either side of that decision for the FO.

[nicksaviking]

I might get behind Kirilloff if Rooker wasn't also an option. Rooker is more advanced, has been just as impressive in the minors and most importantly bats right handed. Kirilloff has the pedigree and the prospect rankings on his side, but I think Rooker is the right option at the moment. 

 

 

[Channing1964]

I can make it brutally simple for everybody. If he beats out Cave, Larnach, Rooker, and Celestino then pencil him in at lf batting 6th and extend his ass until 2027. If not, send him down and tell him what to keep working on.

[Twins33]

 

I might get behind Kirilloff if Rooker wasn't also an option. Rooker is more advanced, has been just as impressive in the minors and most importantly bats right handed. Kirilloff has the pedigree and the prospect rankings on his side, but I think Rooker is the right option at the moment. 

These are my thoughts too and I’m glad I wasn’t the only one thinking it. Rooker has absolutely nothing to prove in the minors anymore. It is my belief that Kirilloff wouldn’t have been called up if Rooker never got injured. He needs to be with the Twins or traded because his bat is ready and he’s already 26. 
 

I really like Kirilloff, he’s my number one prospect but I think he could use more time in the minors. I don’t think he needs a whole year down there but half a year wouldn’t be too bad. He “struggled” a bit a few years ago because of a wrist injury and I’d like to see him go back to killing it.

 

And this has nothing to do with service time for me. I would pick Rooker over Kirilloff right now service time or not. That extra year is just a bonus on top. Unless Rooker looks completely clueless in ST, he deserves the job. Kirilloff can be very close by in St Paul if injury strikes or someone is playing bad.