Now, this isn’t official. I’m not a member of the Met front office and I don’t have spy cameras in Terry Collins’ office (yet) but I think I can safely imagine the Met outfield for opening day without too much trouble. Let us see if you agree…
Jordany Valdespin: Valdespin has made the squad. That race is over and he’s done everything he’s had to with his bat, legs and glove to earn the spot. The key with him starting here instead of AAA is that Valdespin needs to start every day. I would not slot him into CF just yet so I’d be giving him the reigns in RF on a nightly basis unless he struggles at which point he goes back to AAA not onto the bench.
Collin Cowgill: Cowgill is the #1 CF right now. Valdespin might get spot starts and Niuwenhuis might return and vie for the lead role but for now the job is all his with Baxter filling in as a lefty option until Captain Krunch returns.
Lucas Duda: Duda is the #1 LF but will likely only start against righties and might find he’s pinch hit for against lefty relievers unless he gets his average into a respectable range. (.250+) He will not be considereda true starter unless he starts hacking significantly better than the #4 OF.
Marlon Byrd: Byrd has won the #4 OF role and will be in a straight platoon with Duda for playing time in left. Byrd is the new Scott Hairston and hopefully Terry Collins can illicit the same level of results.
Mike Baxter/Kirk Niuwenhuis: Until Niuwenhuis is healthy, Baxter is safe (despite a lackluster Spring). Once Niuwenhuis is back I don’t think Baxter has a role on the squad. Though… anything can change if players suddenly produce when games count.
Matt Den Dekker: Den Dekker HAS to go to AAA. The batting coaches need to get his K rate down into reasonable ranges because right now he’s too talented to assume this is the best we’ll ever get.
So…
Duda in Left (Backed up by Byrd)
Cowgill in Center (Backed up by Baxter/Niuwenhuis)
Valdespin in Right
What Do You Think?
I agree with most of what you said. But, you have to remember how valuable Mike Baxter was last season for the Mets. He lead the league in pinch hitting average, and really helped the Mets defensively too. So, regardless of his spring average, he is a keeper over Nieuwenhuis.
As for Den Dekker, I agree he needs more seasoning because I think he will eventually be in CF for the Mets someday soon. Although he still K’s too much, I still would keep him with the team early on this season while guys like Murphy and perhaps Wright are on the DL. Defense and pitching wins games, and his defense is exceptional, and can help the Mets look better and win games. So, I would at least use him as a late game defensive replacement in CF and move whoever is playing CF over to LF, removing Duda.
One last thing…My OF alignment is Duda, Cowgill/Valdespin, Byrd
I start the season with Duda and Byrd in LF and RF everyday to see how they do in those roles. I use Cowgill, Valdespin and even Den Dekker in CF until 1 of them shows that they have earned the job. I would also let Valdespin play some at 2b and spell Duda in LF.
Eventually i think we’ll regret giving Byrd a chance, even though he has looked good in the spring.
I agree with those 5 names, though i still project Byrd to be getting the boot by May and i don’t think Baxter’s job is in jeapordy yet. I would still play him over JV in right.
What’s to regret about Byrd? It’d be one thing if he were blocking some serious talent, but that’s certainly not the case. Even with Byrd on the team there will be plenty of ABs to go around for anyone deserving.
I expect Byrd to follow in the footsteps of the great Mike Jacobs and Gary Matthews Jr. This guy is washed up in my opinion.
No, he’s not blocking anyone, but in my opinion i don’t think he will help the team. He could prove me wrong though but odds are stacked against him.
I agree about Byrd. He may last longer than Jacobs or GMJ but I’ll be shocked if he’s on the roster when September comes.
Also, I think Duda is a full-time player in left.
Duda is your full time left fielder, Cowgil platoons with ither Kirk or MDD and Byrd platoons with Spin, Byrd is 35 yrs old and if he plays everyday he will burn out by june or july and TC loves Duda’s power so he will play him everyday! Even though Cowgill has had a great spring TC will platoon him with Kirk or MDD I love MDD and I believe he will be the mets full time CF next year but not now! This is the lineup TC will use but I would platoon Duda with Byrd in LF, Cowgill with MDD in CF and play Spin full time in RF!
Yeah, I more or less see those names too. But the plain fact is, Kirk better step on the gas, and Duda too, I’d have no problem bringing up MdD Ks and all. He may bring some surprise pop and the best glove out there and a speed threat if he can get on.
Capt. Kirk struckout 36X in his last 73 at-bats last year with the Mets. He’s whiffed 7X in 18 at-bats in spring training. If anyone needs to go back to Triple-A it should be Kirk.
Lets go Valdespin. If all goes well, he will be adding a little excitement to the club.
Aaand MdD broke his wrist. Shame. I didn’t think he’d make the big leagues, for the reasons you pointed out here, but now he won’t even be able to start the season at AAA on time.
I like the OF as you have it: LF Byrd/Duda, CF Cowgill, RF Valdespín
I could also see the Mets going with Duda, Valdespín, and Baxter in LF/CF/RF against righty pitching. Duda looks like he may finally have his breakout year.
also: Nieuwenhuis, elicit