Looking back at the Top 5, what's next for Nieuwenhuis
By Matthew Cerrone | Jan 3, 2013 | 10:45AM
In regards to Nieuwenhuis, Hyde writes:
Nieuwenhuis hit .252 with a .329 OBP with 7 HR, 12 doubles, and 28 RBI in 314 plate appearances for the Mets last season.The Mets are still in the market for an outfielder, either by trade or through free agency. However, at this point in the winter, with so few meaningful options available in either market, I fear there is a really, really good chance that Nieuwenhuis and Collin Cowgill are splitting time in center field during the first month of the regular season... just as I think there is a good chance Scott Hairston, Lucas Duda and Mike Baxter might rotate around the corners... again. I wouldn't be surprised to see Alderson also sign a guy like Ryan Rayburn, as well, to throw him in the mix this spring along with Andrew Brown. Yep, I'm thinking the outfield competition this March is going to be like an American Idol audition...
As far as Nieuwenhuis, he and Cowgill actually compliment one another well, just as Hairston and Baxter do for one another. But, neither is a long-term solution, nor is this going to have a major impact on the team's power and offensive production. Basically, it's more of the same...
To read Toby's thoughts on Harvey, Wheeler, Nimmo and Familia, check out his post here.