Terry Collins raised some eyebrows before tonight’s game when he told reporters that once Andres Torres returns from the DL, the plan is as follows:
1) Andres Torres is immediately reinstated as the everyday centerfielder
2) Kirk Nieuwenhuis will go back to Buffalo and not remain in a reserve role.
Looks like Mike Baxter’s job is very secure.
Original Post 4/14
Here’s a beautiful shot from our new photo partners of center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis making a sensational leap and grab off the bat of Brian Schneider in today’s 5-0 win over the Phillies. You can click it to enlarge.
Here’s a question to ponder…
What do we do with Kirk Nieuwenhuis once Andres Torres comes off the DL and expects to reclaim his spot in center field?
Do we Wally Pipp him, or does Captain Kirk get beamed up to Buffalo?
Nieuwenhuis is batting .294 with a .368 on-base and .471 slugging in seven games with the Mets. He looks cool as a cucumber at the plate, and you all see how well he’s handling himself in center…
You cant keep him on the Mets unless he starts and gets regular at-bats, so should he stay or should he go?
I’m thinking we should send Torres to the bench as our 4th outfielder, and waive goodbye to Mike Baxter.
I really have zero interest in sending Nieuwenhuis back to Buffalo, especially if he continues to perform like this.
