How to handle this outfield situation

The outfield is a huge weakness for the Mets, and it is currently open competition at all three positions. There are plenty of outfielders still in camp that are looking for one of those starting jobs, and with Opening Day in the not-so-distant future, the Mets are going to have to commit to a select three that stand out. Here is how I would handle the outfield situation if I were the Mets:

Slide Cowgill over to left field, let him start.

Collin Cowgill has done nothing but impress so far this spring. He is hitting .429 with a .520 on-base percentage in 9 games. He was brought over to Queens to be a fourth outfielder at best, but it seems like Sandy Alderson found a gem instead. Cowgill's scrappiness and versatility will solidify him a roster spot, and he should be able to handle a corner outfield position.

Now, you are probably saying, well what about Lucas Duda? Well, Duda has had a iffy spring, and definitely hasn't solidified a spot in the outfield.  I am not a huge supporter of his, so I would be quick to replace him. I never really got the feeling that he was capable of hitting 25-30 home runs, given that he never hit over 23 in a single minor league season. Personally, rather than stick him on the bench, I would put him in Triple-A, give him every-day at bats which would hopefully raise his value, and ship him off in a trade.

Give den Dekker a chance in center-field

We have heard Matt den Dekker's name throughout the organization for the last couple of years, and at age 25, we know that his opportunity for a starting job is slipping. His offense seems like it will be an on-going problem, but his above-average defense makes him look like a star. Now, would the Mets be willing to sacrifice some offense in order to add a possible Gold-Glover out in center-field? I would definitely advocate that idea.

Now, what happens to Kirk Nieuwenhuis? He has been injured for quite some time this spring, and his job seems to be slipping away with each passing day. It is also worth mentioning that he has a dreadful .056 batting average in 18 at-bats with the club this spring. 

Let Marlon Byrd take over right field.

Marlon Byrd WILL make this club out of Spring Training, it is just a matter of whether he will be a starter or not. So far this spring, he has proven that he still has some talent left in the tank, evident by his .400 batting average. There isn't as much competition in right field, considering that Andrew Brown and Mike Baxter aren't as proven and experienced as Byrd. Let Byrd take the job, and if he has success flip him at the deadline for a moderate level prospect.

But wait, what happens to Jordany Valdespin? Valdespin has been tearing it up this spring, and I feel like he still has too many minor flaws in his game that could eventually lead to struggles at the big league level. I'd stash him in Triple-A, give him every-day at-bats, and if Byrd struggles/gets traded, then bring up Valdespin and see what he can do.