Nov
20
2012

MMO Mailbag: Is Kirk The Answer In CF?

An article by Sean Kenny

BTF asks…

Maybe you could clear something up for me. Can somebody please tell me what the heck we are doing about the outfield now that Bay is gone? Is Kirk Nieuwenhuis really the answer at center field? What can we expect from him? Is Den Dekker even in the team photo anymore?

Sean replies…

The 2013 Mets outfield is more of a mystery now that Bay has “parted ways” with the Mets. But it will probably be comprised of some inexpensive pieces that can hit for some power or at least play respectable defense. Lucas Duda will not be the answer defensively, but shifting him to left field will hide his lead glove, and give the team hope for a .270 – 20 – 75 season makes him a decent option in the Mets eyes.

In regards to Kirk – his fielding, instincts or arm have never been the question. The biggest problem with Kirk was after bursting out of the gate offensively, the concerns over his weak plate discipline resurfaced. He was striking out in over 33% of his at-bats. If Kirk can curb the strikeouts, he has shown he can make positive contact and might be the best all-around option the Mets have that is MLB ready.

Matt Den Dekker is the best defensive option in the Mets upper minors. But after a strong season in Binghamton, he really struggled in 317 AB’s at Buffalo. Den Dekker has a bit more pop than Kirk, but until he can show an ability to hit AAA pitching, he won’t be seeing Flushing anytime soon. It doesn’t help his case that he is also a lefty, and every outfielder the Mets have hits from the left side.

As far as right field goes, it looks like it will be shared between Jordany Valdespin and Mike Baxter unless the Mets add a better option this Winter. At this point, the front office needs to sign or trade for at least one, if not two productive and reliable outfielders to the mix, otherwise it could be a very long summer.

About the Author: Sean Kenny

Sean Kenny is a student/writer currently attending school at the City College of New York. For more Mets news, notes and thoughts follow him on twitter @TheSeanKenny

18 Comments + Add Comment

srt November 20, 2012 at 9:17 am

IMO, Kirk isn’t the answer. But likely he’s going to be the default.
- TX November 20, 2012 at 10:44 am
  
  THAT!!!!
  
  Anywho, I think you are right about being it by default. Unless some major dominoes fall (trade wise), I’m not sure who they would be bringing in that would supplant the Kapt.
MetsWatchman November 20, 2012 at 9:32 am

“At this point, the front office needs to sign or trade for at least one, if not two productive and reliable outfielders to the mix, otherwise it could be a very long summer.”

THIS^^^^^
Larry Smith November 20, 2012 at 9:34 am

You can’t platoon Baxter and Valdespin. They’re both lefty batters and neither one is particularly good against lefty pitching.
- JetsMets13 November 20, 2012 at 9:41 am
  
  Every Mets outfielder is a lefty batter even the ones in AAA. This may be unprecedented. lol
- Sean Kenny November 20, 2012 at 8:01 pm
  
  You actually can platoon them, because Valdespin hasn’t been god-awful against them, while Baxter has been god-awful. Spin is hitting .240 against them, with Baxter hitting .053. No RH option will do that to a team.
  
  I do wish they someone resign Hairston or make a solid trade, because if someone in RF could be reliable, Kirk in CF could be tolerable.
alan November 20, 2012 at 10:06 am

Until he signs elsewhere as a Free Agent, Scott Hairston is more than a viable option as an outfielder for the Mets. As the outfield situation stands now…Scott is likely to get lots of playing time here in NY and playing time is what he wants. He made a little over a million which was a bargain so even if he asks for 3 million he’ d be well worth it.

Kirk will no doubt get a chance to be the starting center fielder and the team will live with Duda’s weak glove if he hits .270 with 20 plus homers and 75 RBI. Mike Baxter will get his time and pinch hit….

Valdespin? Speed? Yes but not a good base runner. Showed pop initially but completely undisciplined at the plate after the pitchers figured him out.and nothing going on above the neck! Send him packing as part of a multi player deal for a catcher!
Metstheory22 November 20, 2012 at 10:12 am

I know the Mets are NOT going to go after someone with high money coming to them. They should look at Jason Bourgeois to platoon with Kirk. He hits lefties better, good glove for CF and CAN steal a base.
Met Maniac November 20, 2012 at 10:16 am

If instead of Nieuwenhuis, if the name on the jersey read Francoeur, there would be a shit storm over giving him an everyday job. But in fact they are one in the same except for their handedness and that Francoeur had more power. Plus at Kirk’s age, Frenchy already had six years in the majors.
- Heybatter November 20, 2012 at 11:14 am
  
  Your right about the storm, and although a better option than anything available in the system, comes with 1 yr. and about $6 mil left on his contract. As a corner outfielder he would be an upgrade and strikes out at a far less rate than Capt. Kirk. Didn’t leave under happy circumstances.
Mr North Jersey November 20, 2012 at 10:49 am

I believe in Kirk but that comes with an admitted bias as I have been a fan ever since he got to Binghamton.
TRS86 November 20, 2012 at 10:49 am

“As far as right field goes, it looks like it will be shared between Jordany Valdespin and Mike Baxter unless the Mets add a better option this Winter.”

Oh good god…

The Mets have to find a RH hitting OF with a little pop or ability to play CF. Anything that starts with V-Spin being a starter next year needs to be shot down VERY quickly.
- Donal November 20, 2012 at 5:28 pm
  
  Pretty much. I don’t care how good ‘Spin looks in DWL, he’s got a lot more work to do before we can consider him a real starting OF.
TRS86 November 20, 2012 at 11:22 am

How about Reed Johnson? Would be a cheap alternative to pair with either Baxter or Kirk?
Metsie November 20, 2012 at 11:44 am

Really if they just reduce the Ks he will be a fine CF but our problem is really the need for a RH Power Hitting OF not who is going to play where in the OF.
jdon November 20, 2012 at 2:57 pm

Kirk has a hole in his swing that is about 2 feet high. Dead low ball hitter with a slow bat.
L.J. Phipps November 20, 2012 at 7:26 pm

Duda, Cpt Kirk, & Justin Upton …… I could live with that.
jdon November 21, 2012 at 9:04 am

I actually prefer a mystery to having guys like Torres and Bay out there.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	25	18	.581	-
Nationals	23	21	.523	2.5
Phillies	21	23	.477	4.5
Mets	17	24	.415	7.0
Marlins	12	32	.273	13.5

Last updated: 05/19/2013

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