An Rx for dD?

Another day, another spectacular play. It seems that Matt den Dekker is compiling his very own highlight reel this year in spring training. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com included Den Dekker taking a homer away from Washington’s Anthony Rendon earlier in spring training, and his sliding catch on the warning track in left-center to rob Trevor Crowe of an extra-base hit Saturday among the Met prospect‘s web gems. Rubin quoted a scout assigned to the Mets as saying that den Dekker might be the top outfielder in the NL East -- from a defensive perspective. Or, at least on par with B.J. Upton and Denard Span. He’s “like Ozzie Smith out there,” the scout said, according to Rubin. No small compliment.

Michael Baron of Metsblog.com says “Matt den Dekker is a magnificent center fielder. He has demonstrated it on several occasions this spring, last spring, and throughout his professional career. He is a human highlight reel out there, and is very fun to watch.” Baron goes on to ask “does den Dekker’s tremendous defense alone make him the best option in center field? This is a lineup which could struggle to score runs; the Mets need to find as many ways as possible to limit the damage and save runs from the opposition, and den Dekker’s defense could go a long way towards accomplishing that. In addition, he could help cover ground and make up for the questionable defense from Lucas Duda in left field, and whomever is manning right field – that is an underrated quality which is not always talked about, yet it’s crucially important.”

Wouldn’t it be great to see this kid’s glove out there patrolling center as a regular in Citifield this year? If only . . . If only what, you ask? According to Baron, “The issue with den Dekker is his bat, and whether or not he can cut down his strikeouts. He does hit for power, and has done so at every level he has played at after an adjustment period. But the strikeouts have been a problem for den Dekker at every level, and that could ultimately sink him at the big league level.” That opinion is seconded by just about every other analyst who has followed the Mets prospect along his upward path in the minors.

Well, here’s a thought for Mr. den Dekker. Forget about hitting for power. Focus on making contact. Shorten your swing and even choke up on the bat, if necessary. Perfect the art of the drag bunt. This approach should enable Matt to cut down on his strikeouts, and with his speed he could raise his OBP significantly. The best bunters in baseball, Rod Carew, Pee Wee Reese, Phil Rizzuto, Lou Brock, Maury Wills, were all key elements in their team’s successes without providing much home run punch. And all were top of the order hitters, batting first or second, as den Dekker could be, setting the table for the middle of the order boppers to follow. I’m no hitting coach, but I know that young Matt needs to do something to curtail those strikeouts, and if a change of focus works, it could set the stage for a long and productive major league career. I’m just sayin’ . . .