Mar
24
2012

Collins Seriously Considering Den Dekker

An article by Former Writers

While speaking with reporters following the Mets loss against the Braves this afternoon, Terry Collins said that prospect Matt Den Dekker is a “legitimate consideration” for making the opening day roster.

Den Dekker is just 3-for-19 (.158) so far in spring, although two of his hits (double, triple) have gone for extra bases. He does have three walks already, however, he also has six strikeouts which is a major concern of his.

The fact that Terry is saying there is a legitimate chance Den Dekker makes the club confirms my suspicions that the Mets are almost exclusively looking for defense out of their center fielder because of the problems they will have defensively at the corner positions. That is also why I do not think Kirk Nieuwenhuis would even be a legitimate option if he was not hurt at the moment, even though he makes much more sense than Den Dekker of a couple different levels. I felt that Torres’s defense was a major motivation for the Angel Pagan trade and Den Dekker is the next best defensive option we have so I do understand why Terry would make the comment from that perspective, but…

Let’s be honest, there is no real reason for Den Dekker to be in this conversation. I like him as a prospect, but with a subpar half-season at Double-A and poor spring under his belt, it is pretty clear he is not ready to handle major league pitching. He does not make enough contact right now and needs some more seasoning in the minors to work out those kinks.

It also makes no sense since he is not currently on the 40-man roster. It is not that I would object to releasing a say D.J. Carrasco to make room for him, but it just doesn’t seem like a move the Mets would make.

The only thing he has on his side is his defense. He is head and shoulders above the other players competing in spring (Mike Baxter, Adam Loewen, Jordany Valdespin) and considerably better than Jason Bay and Scott Hairston. There is no doubt he would be able to help out Lucas Duda defensively, but I’m not sure that could make up for how much he could wind up crippling them offensively.

About the Author: Former Writers

8 Comments + Add Comment

Hodges14 March 24, 2012 at 8:19 am

The fact we’re considering him means Alderson like Minaya will rush prospects to fill holes on the team. Nothing ever changes. This team has the worst depth I’ve ever seen.
any March 24, 2012 at 8:47 am

first of all, Terry said it. Not Alderson. And Terry does not get to decide. Managers always want what catches their eye, but the job of the GM is to make the logical decisions for the team (right now and the future. Managers only care about right now).

If they want an all glove/no bat guy, there are usually journeyman/AAAA guys available, especially at the end of ST. That is how they got Pridie last year. No real need to rush a prospect, not even on the 40 man roster, that has not shown at all that he is close to being ready.
srt March 24, 2012 at 8:57 am

I’m reading Torres is progressing and quite possibly will be ready for opening day. Let’s hope this is the case. Maybe Hairston will be ready soon after and the discussion of who plays CF will be moot.

Always a chance that we pick up another utility guy too last week of ST as teams release veterans with minor league contracts rather than pay them $100,000 to go to the minors. Although I think the odds of this are low. Would have to take someone off the 40 man to make room and might have one too many utility guys then when Torres and Hairston are ready to go soon after.

Den Dekker seems like a long shot to me. He’s not ready to make this leap.
Florida Met Fan Rich March 24, 2012 at 9:10 am

I don’t believe that B.S. for one minute!
Bayonne Mets Fan March 24, 2012 at 10:42 am

If they feel Denn Dekker can play with the big club than bring him up. None of us here sitting in front of our computers be it NYC, NJ, CT. or wherever cannot possibly tell if the is ready or not. But they are down there and have worked with him in person. So if they feel he can handle it and they need the help then bring him up.

Each minor leaguer is his own individual and should be treated as such. Last year we had at least a few individuals crying for Tejada and Duda to not even see major league activity for the entire 2011 season! Look what happened.

I also see Harvey up by September and since it’s March and we are here and not there if Harvey is mowing down hitters by June or July you’ll see him up before Sept. If he’s not doing anything special then fine, leave him down there. Like I said, each person is different and has to be treated on his own merits.
Metsie March 24, 2012 at 12:14 pm

Is he TRULY a consideration or is Collins just doing what he does best and and pumping up a player’s confidence?

This sounds more to me Like he likes some of what he is seeing from DenDecker and is merely giving the kid a pump up to keep trying and working hard because he is getting noticed for doing that!
Richard March 24, 2012 at 12:25 pm

I think ultimately,either Bay or Loewen get the job. Alderson won’t allow Den Dekker to start the season because it’s against his beliefs… I really hope Captain Kirk gets healthy and has a good first half of AAA-ball,so by the All-Star break he can come take the job.
- Metsie March 24, 2012 at 12:32 pm
  
  Whoever gets the job is only getting it temporarily until Kirk shows he is healthy and ready to resume his career!
  
  It’s the only reason to have gotten Torres as your main option at CF in the first place!
  We are just biding time to see if kirk can make it through the season.
  And I suspect if he stays healthy and still hitting when July rolls around he will be brought up and start his MLB career!
  
  What we really need to hope happens is Bay start hitting homers like they are going out of style before July comes around!
  If he does then we can trade him and maybe keep Wright!

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