Kirk Nieuwenhuis quickly became a fan favorite in 2012. He showed a flare for a few late game heroics. The fans wanted him to play but as the years have shown, his numbers don't transfer to a starting outfielder. He is best used as a fourth outfielder. His glove is pretty good to have off the bench as well as his pop, from the left side, off the bench. Kirk can play all three outfield positions. He seems to be another one of those guys that either strikes out or hits a dramatic game-tying or game-winning homer when put up there in a pinch hitting opportunity. I will admit that was on the band wagon for Kirk to get a chance to play on a daily back in 2012 but that was more because there wasn't much competition. Plus he was exciting in 2012 when not much else was exciting.
He was someone that you could watch and he would make a diving catch but then would strikeout three times in a game. He might be able to make the team as a fourth/fifth outfielder. It will probably come down to him and Matt den Dekker as that fourth or fifth outfielder. John Mayberry Jr. is also going to make this team and will probably get more at-bats but I think the two aforementioned outfielders are better defensively.
I hope it's a nice competition during spring training for these two and maybe it will allow for both Kirk and Dekker to make the team. Kirk has more power while Dekker probably has the better glove. These two guys are in for probably a lot of plane tickets to and from AAA to the MLB. The only question which one makes the team out of spring training? Or do they both? There are a few ways they can compile the roster that might allow for both of them to make the team.
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