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The most pertinent story for the Twins in Fort Myers is the looming decision on Kirilloff. Will he start with the team on opening day in Milwaukee? Will he join them a few weeks later? No matter the call, he’ll be an instrumental part of this lineup for at least the next six seasons.
THE PLAYER
Kirilloff’s incredibly smooth stroke allowed him to hit a massive .317/.365/.498 in 279 minor league games. His 2018 season was historically good, furthering the belief that he’ll be a special player at the highest level.
The 23-year-old is a middle-of-the-order mix of contact and power. He’s an immediate infusion of offensive prowess. He showed the Twins Thursday just how ready he is, with an absolute nuke shot to center field off one of the better left-handers in baseball, Eduardo Rodríguez.
https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1370079829354237956?s=20
Kirilloff led the minors with 296 total bases in 2018. He accumulated 71 extra-base hits in 130 games. He struck out just 15% of the time with a comparably small 7% walk rate. For Twins fans who’ve clamored for more players to put the ball in play, Kirilloff is part of your solution.
He’s not a typical patient power hitter. He’s a grip-and-rip maestro with the bat. He ropes line drives into gaps and projects as a high-average weapon. His power numbers will ultimately determine whether he’s an above-average regular or a perennial All-Star, but AK is ready to contribute now with oodles of hits.
THE PERSON
In his two years as manager, Rocco Baldelli has preached the steady hand. He never gets too high or low, prioritizing a flatline through the six month, 162 game grind. Baldelli’s mantra was tested when games meant 2.7 times more in 2020. The Twins felt increased heat during a six game losing streak in August. Baldelli anchored the group under the same idea: one day at a time.
The Twins have built a team and staff that can survive and thrive through adversity over 162 games. Baldelli will continue to rest his players, to keep a loose clubhouse, and focus on one day at a time.
One would be hard-pressed to find a more calming presence than Kirilloff. He speaks with a soft tone, rarely inflects his voice and exudes an insane amount of poise.
Called up as the first player to make their MLB debut in the postseason, Kirilloff couldn’t have been more cool and collected. He had a nice game, serenly ripping a single to right and making a smooth diving catch in right field.
The AK era is here and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Twins need to remain steady this summer with an 18-game postseason losing streak hanging above them. You gotta make October to win in October. Kirilloff is going to help with that in many varying but equally valuable ways.
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