Bats/Throws: L/L

Height/Weight: 6’1”/205

Acquired: 5^th Rd 2010 (Florida)

Born: 8/10/87

2010 Rank: NR

Why Ranked Here: The term “polished college player” was invented for players like Matt den Dekker.  An athletic outfielder who returned to school to improve his draft stock, den Dekker was impressive in his professional debut hitting .346/.404/.471 in 27 games for Savannah.  Although he’s not a true burner, he’s fast enough to play center and gets good reads and jumps on balls.  His arm is average for the position.

He approaches each at-bat with a plan and is an aware situational hitter.  He has gap-power right now and can scorch balls into right-center.  I don’t recall much loft in his swing which suggests he’ll never hit many home runs.  He was patient, walking in nearly 8% of his plate appearances in his first professional exposure in the SAL.

He’s here because even if he doesn’t hit enough to play everyday, his defense will keep him employed.

2010: He made this catch at the College World Series, which is just awesome.  Den Dekker signed relatively late, but hit .346/.404/.471 in 27 games for Savannah in the summer in which he turned 23.  There are red flags in that superficially awfully impressive line.

-His BABIP of .474 will come back to earth.

-He struck out in 24.6% of his plate appearances.

-While abusing righties at a .382/.440/.526 clip in 76 AB, hit just .250/.300/.321 in 28 AB.  It’s far too early to say anything definitive about his ability to hit lefties, but is certainly something to watch.  It appeared to me that against southpaws, he would become much more defensive and would look to shoot balls toward the 5/6 hole.

Dr. Pangloss Says: His abuse of righties, combined with his defensive abilities will make him a candidate to play centerfield in two short years.

Debbie Downer Says: I’m worried about his struggles versus lefties.  Also, he’ll be 23 to begin the 2011 season.  He’s no more than a bench-piece.

Projected 2011 Start: At 23 years old, with a crowded outfield at the advanced-A level, and few other good candidates, I see den Dekker winning the starting job in AA-Binghamton.

MLB Arrival: 2013

Fun fact: Den Dekker maintains a twitter feed, where he frequently discusses his next meal.