7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Outfield, Bats: L, Throws: R, Age: 24, ETA: 2012
I’ve always been a strong supporter of Kirk Nieuwenhuis, as evidenced by my ability to spell his name without difficulty on command.
If it wasn’t for season-ending shoulder surgery last year, Kirk might already have a spot on this Mets bench.
He’s been showcasing his well-rounded skill set for a few years now in the minors. The one big blemish that will appear on his scouting report is the confidence he has in his swing. He’s that guy that strikes out a ton, something that may not be so lineup-friendly in New York at the moment.
Other than that, he has some speed, pop, and will hit for average despite his strikeout problems. His minor league career average currently sits at .280; not too bad for a free swinger. In four minor league seasons, Kirk has hit 44 home runs and stole 49 bases.
Playing primarily in center field, he has proven to know his way around the outfield with solid defense. His positional flexibility is a plus.
The significance here is that out of the Mets entire pool of positional prospects, Nieuwenhuis strikes me as being the most ready for big league for action. So if something happens to Andres Torres, or if Lucas Duda goes down, Kirk can come in to formidably plug the hole.
He may not factor into serious long term plans as a leadoff man or major power hitter, but he will be a guarantee to go out there and work his tail off every game out there. That’s where he finds his success.
The Mets have a real ballplayer here in their best all-around outfield prospect at the moment. If Nieuwenhuis doesn’t make the opening day roster this year, he certainly wouldn’t be a downgrade from any outfield that makes the team ahead of him.
10. Matt Den Dekker, Outfield, Bats: L, Throws: L, Age: 24, ETA 2013
9. Jordany Valdespin, Middle Infield, Bats: L, Throws: R, Age: 24, ETA 2012
8. Cesar Puello, Outfield, Bats: R, Throws: R, Age: 20, ETA: 2013
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Outfield, Bats: L, Throws: R, Ag: 24, ETA: 2012
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