When Andres Torres went down to one of many injuries, the Mets summoned Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Buffalo to play against right-handed pitching, and I have been impressed with what I have seen thus far.
We all knew, based on reports, that the kid can play defense. He has not disappointed at all in that area, but it’s his discipline at the plate that has impressed me thus far.
Through 13 AB, he is batting .308 with four hits, including a homer, 2 RBI, and he’s sported a .400 OBP. He has struck out five times, but he hasn’t looked intimidated, and he looks like a guy who could settle in around .275 when all is said and done. With a guy like this, it’s important not to overexpose him, and continue to give the all-or-nothing Scott Hairston some at-bats.
You got to love it when the kids get a chance, and I look forward to watching Nieuwenhuis get even better as the season progresses, and who knows, maybe he will be here to stay.
Thoughts?
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