MATT DEN DEKKER

8/10/87; '09 16th; Univ. of Florida
L/L; 6-1, 205

Level
BA
OBP
SA
AB
2B
3B
HR
BB
K
SB
CS
2007 NCAA
.234
.324
.418
158
6
1
7
21
35
5
2
2008 NCAA
.333
.419
.507
213
9
2
8
29
24
20
0
2009 NCAA
.296
.409
.412
226
9
1
5
34
49
17
1

Den Dekker is another of the numerous candidates in the Pirates' 2009 draft for above-slot money.  He was highly regarded after a strong sophomore season, but slumped in his junior year.  According to Baseball America, scouts like his swing, so there's no real explanation for his problems.  He pitched in relief a little for Florida, although not in 2009, and has a strong arm as well as very good range, making him a standout defensive player in center.  He also is obviously an accomplished base stealer.  The Pirates focused heavily on pitchers in the draft so den Dekker is one of their few chances to get a position player with some upside out of it, although he'll clearly be a project.  BA thought there was some chance he could go as early as the supplemental first round, so he may not be easy to sign.

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