In yesterday’s 6-3 loss to the Red Sox, Kirk Nieuwenhuis went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.
“I know that Kirk has worked real hard to just be short to the ball and try to put the barrel on it, and take the results whatever they are, but he’s hit the ball well in camp,” Terry Collins said after the game.
Nieuwenhuis is now 9-for-15 with two doubles, an RBI and three strikeouts this spring.
“He came in with a determination to be the fourth outfielder here,” Collins continued.
Nieuwenhuis seems to be comfortable knowing what his role will be with the Mets, should he make the team out of spring training.
“I am no salty veteran by any means, but I have been around enough to not let that get to me,” Nieuwenhuis said regarding the Mets signing of Michael Cuddyer this winter. “I know what my role is now.”
Nieuwenhuis has recorded two of his nine hits in three at-bats against left-handed pitching this spring.
Nieuwenhuis had a pretty good spring last year as well, but what we’ve learned from Kirk over the years is he’s incredibly streaky. He’s either red hot and nobody can get him out, or he’s ice cold and one of the more ineffective hitters in the league. And, when he’s cold it seems like he’s striking out in every plate appearance. He did seem to find his niche after he was recalled last year as a left-handed bat off the bench and starting only on occasion, and as Terry said yesterday, he could be very useful late in games facing the big righty relievers in the division. Given he’s out of options, it’s likely he will get that opportunity to start the year.
Read more: Ackert, Daily News
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