Player Barometer: Matt Den Dekker

Full Name: Matthew G Den Dekker

Born: 08/10/1987

Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, FL
College: Florida

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 205

Bats: L

Throws: L

There are some people who look at Matt Den Dekker and are not overly impressed. He's a slick fielding CF who won't bat much over .250 and looks to be about a 25 SB guy. Frankly, that line of thinking might be off... partially.

First the bad: Den Dekker whiffs... A TON! He has a BB:K Ratio of 1:3 and K's at least once a game (on average). Combining that with his batting average that is on the rise at .248 and you have a CF who doesn't fit the mold.

Why that's okay: The mold for the typical CF is FAST with a good OBP and good-great fielding. Not usually a guy who hits for power or someone you place in the middle of the order. Sure... there are Granderson's and McCutchen's but they aren't the "Norm". Matt Den Dekker may have a swing and miss problem but when he does connect... it's actually for quite a bit of power.

Matt has hit 11 HRs in 226 at bats. Factoring in his adjustment period... I'll say he's over 10 HRs for ever 200 ABs. There are not many prospects who have hit THAT well. Of them... how many have stolen 10 bases in as many games? Nobody. Sure, Valdespin and Gose stole more bases, but their power came at a slower clip.

So... where and when does Den Dekker fit into the Mets? There is a slim but REAL chance that he could make a bid to replace Angel Pagan in the near future. I would say that Den Dekker would be the man called in 2012 should Angel (or his Free Agent replacement) get hurt. He'd be in competition with Kirk Nieuwenhuis but... has that Gold-Glove fielding in his back pocket.