Memories of Matt den Dekker

[Edgy MD]

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u7uRWpV5JCpeKYenbwCtwU_2Eck=/0x0:1200x800/1200x800/filters:focal(342x243:534x435)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60340529/usa_today_8033772.0.0.jpg>



A lot recidivist Mets have had a hard time of it during their second tenure in town. But most would be hard-pressed to match good Matthew's .000 / .095 / .000 // .095 performance (0-for-18). But he did have an RBI!



Sometimes the only difference between a long-time major leaguer and a long-time AAA-er is that the former had the luck or grace or whatever to have a hot hand at the exact time that he gets called up.



By that standard, den Dekker exhibited very little grace. And left very little to remember.



Let's remember him anyway.

[G-Fafif]

The defensive specialist was a defensive disaster when he started in center at MFYS III in July. Kind of ended the illusion that den Dekker was Dutch for Lagares.



But I'm sure he's a fine fellow otherwise.

[MFS62]

I have a feeling this guy is a boomerang.

He'll be back.

I don't know how or when, but like herpes, he'll be back.





Later

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

Best thing about den Dekker was trading him for Blevins just before OD in 2015 then seeing Blevins instantly mount the Nationals. That was great.



dD was really bad last year and probably never plays MLB ball again.

[batmagadanleadoff]

I get this guy all mixed up with Kirk Neuwenhuis, but not as much as I used to. I still remember the intense discussions on this forum from deep, deep deep inside the Mets Madoff Howie Megdal era, about where in the lineup to bat Neuwenhuis and den Dekker and how to play the both of them simultaneously or which should be platooned over the other -- which to me, was like discussing how to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

Easy to tell them apart.



Neiuewenhuis was like a super-athlete with minimal classic baseball skills who could use his raw physicality to do things like cover ground in center field and hit massive home runs but he also was a low-average guy who whiffed a lot.



den Dekker was more of a classic baseball throwback center fielder who had small-ball skills and probably more technique. His offensive upside was too limited for today's high-powered game but he had the defensive skills to play MLB center field.



At their respective bests you play Nueiwy every day, at least against RH pitching. dD is a late inning backup and emergency starter.