Kirk Nieuwenhuis comes in at #6 on our list. He has been on the rise since the middle of 2009 when he first started showcasing the caliber of bat he carries with him today. Nieuwenhuis has hit 35 homeruns and 81 doubles over the course of the past two years, showcasing legitimate power to go along with strong defense and a quality outfield arm. The question has always been, is his defense strong enough, specifically his range, to play centerfield everyday, especially in a spacious park like Citi Field. If he proves his can, he has great value, otherwise he will have to showcase even more power than he has shown already to be a viable corner outfielder on a competitive team. Another concern facing Nieuwenhuis are his troubles against left-handed pitching. Still, even if he falls short of answering all those questions, he has great tools and should become a great fourth outfielder, if not a player that could platoon at any of the outfield positions. In any event, there is a lot to look forward to for Mets fans when it comes to Nieuwenhuis, and any number of ways in which he will be able to make an impact in the major leagues.
Nieuwenhuis wrapped up his 2010 regular season with 30 games at AAA Buffalo, hitting just .225, but with 11 extra-base hits. He played 26 more games in the Arizona Fall League, playing against other elite prospects and collecting eight more extra-base hits. That experience against high-level competition was good for his development, but his performance is not indicative of a guy who has a good chance of breaking camp with the major league club. Thus Nieuwenhuis should start the season back in Buffalo, but as long as he doesn’t get off to a slow start, he will likely be first in line if the Mets need an outfielder later in the season.
15 comments
Mr North Jersey
2/22/2011-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
Go Kirk!
Max
2/22/2011-3:46pm at 3:46 pm (UTC -4)
Any dutch speakers know how we say Captain Kirk’s last name correctly? This has been killing me for a while.
Bryan
2/22/2011-6:18pm at 6:18 pm (UTC -4)
I believe it is New – En – Hise
the last syllable being said like “ice” but with an H in front of it. But I majored in english, so I’m 100% sure.
stickguy
2/22/2011-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
He would only be 1st in line if he was crushing the ball. right now, Duda would probably come up 1st (obviously for a corner spot only!), and depending on perfromance, F Mart. Orjust as likely, a filler guy (pridie type) if it was just for 2 weeks.
I suspect the new FO will be a little more careful about starting clocks and burning option years for temporary assignments.
as to Kirk, he has a shot at handling center. he certainly seems to play it well (and hard nosed), though he may never be the fastest guy out there.
His real issue is strike zone control. He needs to master that 1st before he can be considered for promotion.
and not too worried about LHP. there are plenty of LH batters playing every day that don’t do much vs. LHP. so maybe not a platoon, but just giving selective rest vs. thougher LHP!
Bryan
2/22/2011-6:25pm at 6:25 pm (UTC -4)
There’s so many factors that will go into who gets promoted from the outfield based on who gets injured, when, for how long, and how the AAA guys are playing. I know you think Duda could get a shot in RF if necessary, but I personally don’t see it.
You bring up a good point about burning option years, but I think Kirk is going to up at some point this year. I also think that once camp ends there’ll be a few open spots on the 40-man, so that might not be much of a factor.
stickguy
2/22/2011-7:08pm at 7:08 pm (UTC -4)
isn’t he on the 40 man already, as of this year? for sure he would have to be by next year.
Bryan
2/22/2011-8:01pm at 8:01 pm (UTC -4)
He is not on the 40-man roster, he’s simply a non-roster invitee to camp. As a 2008 draft pick he just has to be on the roster before next year’s Rule 5 draft, which should be a non issue.
metsfan4decades
2/22/2011-7:16pm at 7:16 pm (UTC -4)
I like Capt Kir but IDK, I don’t see him filing in Beltran’s shoes next year. Then again, those are some big shoes to fill.
njstuckintx
2/22/2011-7:17pm at 7:17 pm (UTC -4)
The title says #8. No charge for the proofreading. :p
Bryan
2/22/2011-7:59pm at 7:59 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
metsfan4decades
2/22/2011-7:20pm at 7:20 pm (UTC -4)
ON another note, watching SNY’s Hot Stove tonight. They’re showing clips of Murphy working at second taking grounders and throwing to 1st.
He was working with Chip Hale, Tuefel and Landestoy all looking on and giving pointers. (and who is Landestoy again?)
Maybe it’s early and maybe it’s just me but I see a young man working very hard but who this just does not seem to be a natural, fluid type 2nd baseman. He’s getting rid of the ball quick (almost too quick, as in rushing it) and there’s no runner sliding into 2nd during these drills. Chip Hale said he wants to see Murphy in these type situations, actually almost get rammed into at 2nd turning a double play, to see how he handles it.
I’m rooting for you Murph, but I just don’t know…..
stickguy
2/22/2011-8:58pm at 8:58 pm (UTC -4)
well, I don’t think Murphy is likely to be getting style points anytime soon.
if he hits, “crude but effective” defense will be just fine.
metsfan4decades
2/22/2011-7:25pm at 7:25 pm (UTC -4)
Interview and clips on Reyes on the field.
Have to say he looks to be in very good shape and damn, he’s fast. He just looks so natural out there on the infield, as opposed to Murph.
He says he’s in great shape. ‘I’m healthy’ was something he said more than once. ‘I’m not thinking about my contract. I’m here to help the team and I’m here to play very good baseball. I’ve been here my whole career but I don’t know what’s going to happen going forward’.
I’m looking forward to a big year from Jose.
Prismo
2/23/2011-12:48am at 12:48 am (UTC -4)
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/shane-victorinos-parents-bracing-for-annual-spring,19245/
TRS86
2/23/2011-7:49am at 7:49 am (UTC -4)
I like Kirk but in my opinion if he is called up then something has went wrong. With Beltran and Pagan able to play CF I think there are others ahead of him for the corner spots.