Coutinho: Kirk Nieuwenhuis Making His Mark On Mets

By Rich Coutinho
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Kirk Nieuwenhuis was supposed to be a stop-gap measure until Andres Torres returned from the disabled list but he has been so much more than that. Last night, he became the first Met left-handed hitter to hit an opposite field home run since Citi Field opened its gates and also made a diving catch late in the game. And the Mets center fielder is hitting .371 since his call-up giving Terry Collins a "good problem."

The reality is Andres Torres is a good three weeks from returning but if he were ready today, Terry Collins would have a major decision on his hands. "I do not need to think about that now", says Collins,"but I will say the kid is playing great doing all the things we ultimately expect from him." Kirk is also earning respect from his teammates who marvel at his success. "We always knew he had talent", says Jon Niese,"but to show what he has at this level is amazing."

Nieuwenhuis also gives Collins an additional option at the leadoff spot on the days Ruben Tejada gets a rest even though he looks very comfortable hitting down in the order. Suddenly, the bottom 2 of Nieuwenhuis and Thole, who is also scorching at the plate with a .364 average, gives the Mets some balance while they wait for the bats of Ike Davis and Lucas Duda to heat up.

The great thing about Captain Kirk, as he is affectionately called by Mets fans, is he seems so grounded for a young player and is really all about the team. "To me the only thing that matters is we lost to the Giants and that hurts", says Nieuwenhuis,"and my personal stats are not really important. Winning takes care of all that other stuff."

But one can not deny he has had an effect on this team both offensively and defensively. The tricky thing for Terry Collins is he must play regularly on this level and so having him as a fourth outfielder is not an option. And that means when and if Torres returns one of the starting outfielders will feel the effect if he stays. And I am beginning to get the impression that Kirk Nieuwenhuis staying in the majors is a distinct possibility. A much bigger possibility for him than when he was first brought up by the Mets.

What should the Mets do with Nieuwenhuis? Leave a comment below.