Reverse LogoWith Chris Young being released by the Mets on Friday, Terry Collins has decided to go with a youth movement. Frustrated by the inconsistency of the lineup, the organization is going to give two players more playing time in hopes that they produce well enough to help the team be competitive down the stretch. The beneficiaries of this decision are Matt den Dekker and Wilmer Flores.

The Mets outfield has been an interesting aspect of the roster throughout this season. Starting off with Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares and Young, it looked to be a stable outfield. However, Young did not produce well enough, and the team signed Bobby Abreu. At one point, the Mets had six outfielders on the roster and it left fans wondering who was starting and who would sit. Now, den Dekker is going to be playing left field for most of the time, as there is an expected increase in production coming from den Dekker.

As a 26-year-old outfielder, den Dekker has hit .334 with eight homers and 46 RBIs. With an OBP of .407 and a .540 SLG, the numbers tell us that he can become a successful major leaguer. The lack of consistent playing time in the majors may have held den Dekker back, but now is his time to flourish.

den Dekker’s main competition for the starting job is Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Eric Young Jr., but both have been given the opportunity to take control of left field and have failed to do so. Ideally, we will see den Dekker hit for some power, and steal bases. I feel that the tools are there, but it’s just a matter of putting it all together. If he could hit 15 homers and steal 20 bases throughout a full season, the Mets would be happy. Granted the lineup still needs a home run bat, but den Dekker may be able to push this offense with speed and power. Look for Matt to get consistent at-bats throughout the remainder of the season, and hopefully put up some big numbers.

On the infield, Ruben Tejada’s offensive production has left Terry Collins searching for answers. Tejada’s .988 fielding percentage shows he is a solid defender, but his .225 batting average has made the Mets look to Flores for better production. Flores has been given many opportunities to duplicate his minor league production for the Mets, but similarly to den Dekker, he has not been given consistent playing time. Flores has been appearing throughout the past week and has had a hit in his past five starts and has put the ball in play, only striking out once in his last 26 at-bats.

Unlike den Dekker, Flores’ defense may hold him back. His average should be higher than .225 if he is given consistent play. His power may come through as well, which would be a huge upgrade as Tejada has only hit 2 homers this season. Flores may be able to hit two in August, but we will have to wait and see how much he proudces.

The Mets are starting to see what the young guys have to offer and if their tools translate into the majors. I wouldn’t be surprised to see den Dekker or Flores take off facing major league pitching everyday, but I think den Dekker is going to take off and impress people. We know his defense is ready, as we remember his spring training catch, and his offense is bound to improve as well. If he showcases the speed and power he has, look for den Dekker to be apart of this team’s long-term vision.

9 comments on “Time for youth to take over

  • Jerry Grote

    unofficially, I’ve got LF/CF/SS at 12 for 38, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 2B and a 3B, with 4 RBI since CY and RT were taken from the starting lineup.

    • James Newman

      Even though it’s a small sample size, not too bad of a stat line there. Glad they’re starting to try out new players and see what they can bring into the lineup. Thanks for the read Jerry!

  • Chris F

    My eyes are on Flores. I believe his defense is going to be a major liability. Basically there was a lot of blame today, but his failure turn that DP ended up in a bit of a two out disaster for the Mets. And his arm didn’t look so hot last night either. Will his offense offset the defense? In a pitchers park like Citi, being defensively strong up the middle is huge. Having about the two worst middle infielders from a defensive perspective makes me wonder.

    I certainly think we need to get all this family business out on the kitchen table before next year. Get the kids here and see where the strengths and weaknesses are.

    • Chris F

      (If I recall, it was not a DP, but a grounder up the middle)

    • James Newman

      Completely agree Chris. The middle of the field has to be strong defensively for any team to be successful. With the team being built on pitching, the shortstop position has to be a great defender. I don’t think Flores will be able to play there everyday, but it’s good to see him get a chance. Thanks for the read!

  • Boohoo

    15 homers, 20 stolen bases! How many OFers are doing that? I bet they’d be happy. How about 250 and 8 homers? If he could do that he’s starting and batting second.

    • James Newman

      That prediction may have been too idealistic, but I feel den Dekker can be a guy with double digit homers and stolen bases. I’d like my 2 hitter to be hitting for a higher average, but if he does pan out, he may be the 2 hitter. That would also allow the Mets to push everyone back a spot in the lineup, as I’m guessing Murphy would go third, Duda forth, and Wright fifth. Not too bad, but we need Matt to put the ball in play and make things happen. Thanks for the read Boohoo!

  • Steve L

    I think den Dekker’s earned a shot at the LF job, and doesn’t have much left to prove at AAA (and the Mets don’t really have a better option right now). The only thing left to figure out is how much of his hitting translates to success against MLB pitching.

    May as well give Flores the SS job for the rest of the season, too. I don’t think Tejada’s more than a utility infielder, though he’s still useful as Murph and Flores are sub-par defenders up the middle. Best case for Flores is he starts hitting, and can work on his defensive and become at least a passable SS (like Murph at 2B).

    Not sure how I feel about either of these guys starting for the 2015 Mets, though…

  • Patrick Albanesius

    If Flores isn’t starting 4 out of every 5 games, then his being on the roster is pointless. I hope TC knows that. These last two months are going to show if he can play SS or if he needs to be shipped to a team who can use him properly. On the flip side, MDD has the tools to make earning his job a little easier, as long as though Ks remain at normal levels. Excited to see the young guys, regardless of the results.

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