Now that the draft is over, Mack's Mets will be reviewing the performances of our organizational Top 25 prospects and re-ranking them based on their individual performances, perceived place on the depth chart, and recent draft signings.
Look to the right of our page to find the current rankings that we have done already
Mack's Mets #19 organizational prospect is......
#19 CF Matt Den Dekker (LR: #15)
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6' 1" Weight: 205 lb
Acquired: 2010 draft, 5th round, University of Florida
2013: (AAA) .139/.238/.306, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB (50%), 5 BB, 13 K
2012: (AA/AAA) .274/.321/.458, 17 HR, 76 RBI, 21 SB (70%), 34 BB, 154 K
2011: (A+/AA) .265/.337/.460, 17 HR, 68 RBI, 24 SB (71%), 51 BB, 156 K
2010: (R/A) .336/.396/.459, 0 HR, 20 RBI, 3 SB (100%), 11 BB, 33 K
After spending 2 months in a cast and developing atrophy, which delayed his comeback an additional month an allowed Juan Lagares to pass him on the OF depth chart, Den Dekker is back and playing with Las Vegas. This is going to be Den Dekker's last appearance on a prospect list as he turns 26 next month and has probably reached the peak of his potential. While the hit tool will probably only produce at best a .240-.250 batting average, his Gold Glove caliber defense and power against right handers will at least guarantee him a spot as the team's 4th outfielder next year.
Do people feel Lagares has more upside than den Dekker? Lagares (and Nieuwenhuis) appear to be plus defenders but may not hit enough to be starters in the majors. Power hitters like den Dekker and Nieuwenhuis probably get more benefit of doubt. I am thinking Lagares is on much thinner ice as his game doesn't feature power, hence he'd better hit for a high average or they will pass him by.
ReplyDeletePerhaps young players need to be given time to play for a longer period. After that you can see how they do. Not good enough -> work on stuff that need work in Las Vegas. Good enough -> welcome to the NY Mets.
ReplyDeleteDont know how much time is needed but is a month too much to ask for?
I never considered either Lagares or den Dekker a potential starting major league outfielder.
ReplyDeleteI did consider den Dekker possible utility member of the Mets because of his glove, but Lagares has seemed to beat him to that position.
Neither one of these guys are going to hit enough to stay at that level over the years.