Castillo
Pagan/Beltran
Reyes
Wright
Bay
Francoeur
Murphy
Barajas
Pitcher
Castillo—Remaining skills are batting average, on base percentage, seeing many pitches, and speed. Bascially, the prototypical leadoff hitter. No power, but not as meaningful if he leads off. Seeing a lot of pitches in the leadoff spot is very helpful to begin a game, for the team to see what a pitcher throws, and also to make the starter work right off the bat.
Pagan/Beltran—Pagan’s speed and BA skills can be useful here while Beltran recovers. With either guy, that is a lot of speed 1-2-3, and will lessen the amount of potential DPs Wright might hit into, as well as having loads of guys on base in general, and specifically lots of SF opportunities for DRod. Over his career, Beltran has hit for the MOST power hitting 2nd, and has very similar BA and OBP stats hitting 2nd to what he has hitting 4th. His stats hitting 2nd are across the board better than hitting 3rd or 5th. Look it up. Beltran’s natural spot is as a 2 hitter.
Reyes—The power might increase if he is not forced to continue to take too many pitches. He might hit 40 2B/20 3B/20 HR swinging away. He is our 2nd best hitter after Wright, has power and speed across the board, and very well might be more of a natural number 3 hitter than anyone has realized. All of the 2B and 3B in the first inning will now drive in a load of runs in addition to putting Jose in scoring position. As Peter Clemenza once said to Michael Corleone, “I’m not asking for help….just take off the handcuffs.†Let Jose be Jose. In addition, this move dramatically changes the entire dynamic of the batting order, without changing the personnel. And Jose will still have plenty of opportunities to utilize his speed.
Wright—Those who suggest that Wright hit 5th to protect Bay have a good point, but Wright is too good of a hitter to hit below 4th. He will have the chance to drive in 150 with the top three guys proposed here, and Bay will protect HIM.
Bay—A really good, solid, all-around offensive player. If he is pitched around, he will walk a lot, and give Frenchy more RBI chances, as well as giving Frenchy better pitches to hit when Bay gets on base.
Francoeur—A very streaky, all-or-nothing hitter. Must have protection, and in this lineup has it in front and behind. Bay will get on base before him, and Murph, assuming he at least can produce as he did in 2009, will ensure that Frenchy sees strikes, lessening his propensity to swing at bad pitches. If Murph improves in the 2B and HR departments, Frenchy will have a chance to have a great year; in addition, Murph then very possibly becomes a long-term number 2 hitter for the future. With the 1-5 hitters ahead of him all having at least good OBPs, Frenchy will have a chance to set a career high in RBI.
Murphy—Will protect Frenchy even if he just duplicates 2009, but a slight improvement in the 2B and HR production will ensure that pitchers throw Frenchy strikes in an attempt to K him. Sure, Frenchy will still K some, but the more pitches in the zone he sees, the more HR and RBI he will produce.
Barajas—Must hit 8th in this lineup. If he can come close to duplicating 2009’s 2B and HR, he will drive in plenty of runs. Not a high average or OBP guy, but still, his power in the 8 hole will produce runs.
144 comments
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-1:42pm at 1:42 pm (UTC -4)
I’m assuming you meant to put Frenchy at 6th spot
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-1:44pm at 1:44 pm (UTC -4)
What, no “blurb” about the Frenchman?
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
Frenchman – He’s a really good guy.
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-1:49pm at 1:49 pm (UTC -4)
Not according to Don Cherry.
Now we have a Francoise blurb, yeah baby!
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
Geez, I was trying to be quick; too quick! I fixed it.
Sorry, and I just respectfully ask folks to consider my points here, especially regarding Beltran and Reyes.
mrose
2/26/2010-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
who is DRod?
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-1:52pm at 1:52 pm (UTC -4)
Ha! I like to use that as a sarcastic response to those who have compared him to ARod in the “non-clutch” department. I love Wright, and totally mean it as a joke.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-2:00pm at 2:00 pm (UTC -4)
Isn’t that Alex’s friend?
ceetar
2/26/2010-4:10pm at 4:10 pm (UTC -4)
Druggie-Rod?
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
I’m a huge fan of this lineup while Beltran is out.
I have some hesitation about it when he returns based on his knees. I just don’t know what to expect from his knees and since my rationale for fully embracing Jose 3rd is based in part on not being sure about his legs and wanting to lessen his pressure to run a lot, I can’t then just throw Beltran up in the top 2 or it becomes hypocritical.
The easy solution is of course, trade Beltran. I kid, I kid. But I don’t know what the solution is when Beltran returns.
What comes to mind is at the time of Beltran’s return we’ll have a clearer idea of how Jose’s legs are responding and at that point I might move him up to 2nd and go Wright 3rd, Beltran 4th and Bay 5th. But I’m not 100% sold on what to do when Beltran returns that’s just a first thought.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
Good points on Beltran; thanks for the feedback, which coming from you is most valued. But I was surprised when I looked at Beltran’s stats in each spot in the order. Very eye-opening.
vcmetsfan28
2/26/2010-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with gravediggerhebner here.
I love the lineup while beltran is out and I agree 100% with you that wright should bat 4. Although my reasoning differs slightly, I think wright more than anyone needs to get off to a good start and hitting behind Reyes, and in front of Bay could be the way to get it done.
I like Reyes-Wright-Beltran-Bay when Beltran gets back.
However, I would like to see how Reyes performs in the 3 hole before I say he should be the 3 hitter for a full season or say that he should be put right back into the leadoff or in this case the 2 spot.
ceetar
2/26/2010-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
All indications are Reyes’ legs are fine. Especially in another 6 weeks. It’s that exact attitude by Manuel that makes me distrust the Reyes batting third idea. As it was said, take off the freaking training wheels and let him be him. Don’t try to inhibit his game by trying to force him in a specific or unnatural role. (And while yes, he can run in the third spot plenty, if he’s being told to take it easy in that regards, will he?)
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-7:20pm at 7:20 pm (UTC -4)
What attitude by Manuel? The thought about Reyes’ legs lies firmly with me. Not sure how this got to be about Manuel.
No argument that all indications are that Reyes’ legs are fine. But, until the adrenaline of a real regular season baseball game, I won’t be satisfied. If he can run successfully a few times without any issues in April then I’ll believe, not until then.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
I’m still against batting Reyes at 3rd. I understand it when Beltran is out and I would be okay with it, but when Beltran comes back Reyes need to be the leadoff hitter.
I think to maximize Reyes’ ability, he needs to be the leadoff guy. Yes, Castillo has high OBP and sees a lot of pitches. He’ll be the next leadoff guy IMO. But, I think Reyes will be the best ‘Runs Creating’ guy at leadoff spot. He might not see as many pitches as Castillo or may not walk as much, but I believe (I’m not sure if there’re stats behind this) Reyes is the best Runs Creating guy and his role should be that. Plus, with Castillo’s high walks and OBP factor, Reyes will have a lot of SBs which in turn can translate into runs. When healthy, the Mets lead the majors in 1st inning scores. Getting out in front early is the best advantage you can give a pitcher. Castillo will get on base, but does that always translate into runs? I think Reyes will give the Mets much better chance in creating runs.
As for Beltran, with the $$ he’s making and his pride, I don’t think he’ll be batting #2. But aside from that, I think his asset of driving in runs is much greater than his asset of creating runs. I just can’t picture Beltran bunting Reyes/Castillo over to 3rd base.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
Boy.. how many times did I say creating runs… I’m turning into MF….
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
From what I can gather, you like runs being created.
Still, we might score more 1st inning runs…Jose can drive in someone with the first inning extra base hits, and still score from 2nd on Wright and Bay’s hits.
And seriously, check out Beltran’s stats hitting 2nd at Baseball Reference…..
And thanks for the wise feedback!
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
From what I can gather… LOL
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
If Reyes is batting 3rd when Beltran is back Jerry Should be fired. Any chance Davis makes this roster?
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
Do you have any reason for this? Have you looked at Beltran’s career as a number 2 hitter? Didn’t think so.
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:06pm at 2:06 pm (UTC -4)
He is a 260-290 hitter, why bat him second? Castillo is such a perfect 2 hitter, especially behind Reyes. Beltran is a different player now, and is more of a power threat than when he was a Royal.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. Right now Beltran’s asset is optimized when driving runs.
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
he also used to be much more of a stolen base threat, and thus better suited to bat second. He hasn’t hit 300 in a very long time either.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
He hit .325 in half a season last year, and basically steals about 90% of his attempts every year.
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:16pm at 2:16 pm (UTC -4)
Because he doesn’t steal as much, and only does it when he knows he can. So, if Frenhcy was 6 for 6 (100%), he’s suited for the top of the order? Beltran is slower, and hits for a worse average than when he was younger. He still has alot of pop, and is a run producer, not a table setter. He also hit 10 hr’s and was on pace to drive in around 100 runs. Why would you take that run production and bat him second? your 3 hitter is your best overall hitter, which IMO Beltran is.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
Beltran’s batting average has gone up every year for the last five years. Not hugely, but it has. He has been hitting for the same average since 2004. And he is not remotely as good of an overall hitter as Wright. And Jose hits for a higher average generally than Beltran. And Ks less.
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:28pm at 2:28 pm (UTC -4)
Are you kidding me? A. He can bat switch, so you have 1-3 switch hitters. B. Wright couldn’t hit for pwoer last year, and struck out a ton. C. Beltran can hit 40 hr’s, he’s done it before. D. Wright hasn’t adapted to Citi, whereas Beltran has exchanged power for ridiculous BA. E. Beltran is faster and a better base stealer. They are both good at drawing walks. To say Wright is a better overall hitter, is poppycock. Maybe not faster, but just about equal in speed.
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
And if you’re trying to suggest Reyes is better suited to bat 3rd than Beltran, I think you’re nuts.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
With all due respect, this is why I did not get along with you at Metsblog. Facts and you are sometimes strangers.
The switch-hitting thing is not that important.
Wright steals MORE than Beltran and at the same percentage.
Wright’s career BA is 26 points higher than Beltran.
Wright is, clearly and without question, a better overall hitter than Beltran.
whataputz
2/26/2010-3:24pm at 3:24 pm (UTC -4)
So lets just ignore last season? Wright k’d 140 times and barely scrape dout 10 hr;s in 144 games. Im 81 games Beltran matched hr’s, hit for a much higher average, and was on pace for a monster season, and for about 100 rbi. We don’t play at shea anymore do we? Going by their last 3 seasons, they both had similar rbi and hr totals. WTF does carrer ba matter? I think 3 years is a good sample for stats. And if you want to go by 4, Beltran is far superior. 2008 Wright had a superior year, but that’s about it. Why do I care that Beltrans poor averages (he had a couple) in Kansas City give Wright a far superior edge in career average? Why does that matter? Not to mention Beltran had his best success batting 3rd, wheras Wright had hit batting 5th and 4th. There’s no glaring difference, in these two hitters that separates them so much. Wrights playoff stats are awefull, and he has falterred in September, yet you will get your panties in a bunch dadre I say he’s not clutch, wheras Beltran has been a monster in the playoffs. They both consistantly drive in around 115 rbi, wheras Beltran has a little more power, and Wright tends to hit for a higher average. They are just about equal in speed. They walk alot between the two of them. So i take two pretty similar hitters, and then take into consideration that Beltran has had his success with the Mets batting 3rd, so why not keep him there?
whataputz
2/26/2010-3:29pm at 3:29 pm (UTC -4)
and yes stats will tell you Wright is good in septs, but Imma kill that convo right now, because I will debate that for hours.
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
Love the Spanish Bee!
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks, I figured it was about time to get an avatar.
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
Two Thumbs Up!
I like it up and down, and expect to see it the same way, except Pagan will leadoff. There hasn’t been any talk about Castillo leading off.
It’s a very exciting lineup and even more so once Beltran starts his MVP season beginning May 1st (I’m thinking he bests Mauer’s 28 HR, 96 RBI, .365 BA season).
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
Thank you sir!!
If you and Grave like it, I can relax.
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
I agree there hasn’t been any talk about it which is too bad because the not so secret reason for Castillo to bat lead off is to prevent Jerry from even calling for the horrifying 1st inning sacrifice bunt. If it goes Pagan/Castillo/Reyes prepare yourself for lots of those disgusting 1st inning bunts.
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
absolutely. Though I wonder if Castillo would try to bunt Barajas or the pitcher over.
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
I wish I could say “Jerry would never call that” but I can’t. Visions of sac bunt attempts turning into double plays dancing in my head.
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:06pm at 2:06 pm (UTC -4)
once Beltran comes back, I’d expect Reyes to leadoff again since I don’t think Jerry will go with Castillo leading off.
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-2:09pm at 2:09 pm (UTC -4)
Yes indications from the Mets seem to support your Pagan/Castillo/Reyes until Beltran, then Reyes/Castillo/so on…when he returns.
njstuckintx
2/26/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
These are the fun debates!
Based on the Beltran stats, I would still have Reyes in leadoff, put castillo in the 8th spot and slide everyone else up, keeping Beltran in the 2 hole. This takes into account splitting the catcher and pitcher, with castillo breaking them up. It also allows the pitchers to sac over Castillo who has decent speed, rather than relying on a perfect bunt to eliminate the leader runner (Barajas) getting gunned down at 2nd. It does take away Castillo’s excellent bunting skills to SAC away, but I don’t want that happening as much as it does anyway.
If Reyes in the 3 spot is to correlate into more RBIs, shouldn’t a castillo BB, Pitcher SAC and a Reyes 1B = a run generated, IE more RBI’s? Not saying it’ll bump him to 100 RBIs, but couldn’t hurt. And I prefer his speed unabated on the basepaths.
A Reyes/Beltran/Wright/Bay is quite the thing! Joy!
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
Why doesn’t anybody take into consideration the fact that Pagan has never even started an entire season, yet he’s supposed to get the most at bats on our team?
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
Uh no, he is supposed to play most days until Beltran comes back, assuming he even wins the spot over Matthews, which is not certain.
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
Only until Beltran comes back, so unless you truly believe Beltran is finished it’s not a long term concern.
The whole ‘most at bats’ argument if taken to it’s logical conclusion means Wright should bat 1st. It’s something to consider but IMO it isn’t the main thing to follow when forming a lineup.
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
uh, because last year in 352 PA while batting 1st he hit .316, .358, .508. Leadoff is Pagan’s natural position.
Doesn’t matter, once Beltran comes back in May, Pagan will be the 4th Outfielder.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:16pm at 2:16 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t you think that with Pagan’s extra base hit ability, he would be more useful hitting 2nd? And of course he sits down the day Beltran returns….
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
I am not big on Castillo leading off, though it’s not the worst thing in the world, but I feel like putting him behind Reyes is as perfect a 1-2 as you can get. You’ll have the best base stealer in the game followed by one of the most patient hitters, followed by 3 or 4 guys that can hit 30+ hr’s and drive in 100 rbi, that’s a deadly line-up. Why bat Castillo lead-off, which he hasn’t done in some time, which makes his patience useless as far as allowing runners to steal is concerned (barajas murphy and pitcher will not be stealing), and bat Reyes somewhere he has never been. Your screwing around with a line-up and making players do things they haven’t done in a long time or never did, when you can very easily just put Reyes in the leadoff where he is comfortable, Castillo in the 2 where he had a great season, and Beltran in the 3rd, where he can drive in a ton of runs, and can set the 3 white power hitters up with his speed if he needs to.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-2:28pm at 2:28 pm (UTC -4)
The “3 white power hitters”??
What the hell is THAT supposed to signify??
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:30pm at 2:30 pm (UTC -4)
It is just easier than saying Bay Wright and Frenchy…is all…though not really.
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:31pm at 2:31 pm (UTC -4)
white power!
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-2:34pm at 2:34 pm (UTC -4)
LMAO!
Have you seen the Dave Chappelle sketch about that? Priceless!
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:41pm at 2:41 pm (UTC -4)
classic
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:35pm at 2:35 pm (UTC -4)
I meant White power-hitters..not white power! hitters. LOL
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-2:39pm at 2:39 pm (UTC -4)
LMAO!!!!
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:24pm at 2:24 pm (UTC -4)
Who’s to say Pagan won’t start off the season and get hurt like he does every year, or just not be that good? I think assuming he’ll hit .300 and be a good leadoff hitter, is a far riskier endeavor than anyone is making it out to be.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
I liked you better when you wasn’t a bee. LoL
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:21pm at 2:21 pm (UTC -4)
yup, but I’m just going off of from what I can gather from what the team has been saying and number of career plate appearances at each batting order position.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/26/2010-2:19pm at 2:19 pm (UTC -4)
What if GMJ wins the job?
I don’t think Pagan is a sure thing at CF right now. And even if Pagan wins the job, I’m pretty sure GMJ will be playing CF some portion of games. If you insist on having Reyes batting 3rd, do you then have
Castillo
GMJ
Reyes
Wright
.
.
.
?
Or will Murphy be the #2?
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
from last night’s SNY Hot Stove, it was pretty apparent that barring some injury, Pagan will be the starting CFer
njstuckintx
2/26/2010-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
Murphy please!
vcmetsfan28
2/26/2010-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
Just throwing this out there.
What do you guys think of flip flopping frenchy and Murphy to break up all the righties?
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:35pm at 2:35 pm (UTC -4)
that would make some sense. I’ve read before the Mets see him as a 7 hitter. for what its worth on SNY Hot Stove, Frenchy put himself batting 6th.
vcmetsfan28
2/26/2010-2:39pm at 2:39 pm (UTC -4)
I saw that last night as well. I’ve also heard Frenchy is more comfortable in the 6 spot. I was just throwing it out there as it makes sense to break up the righties.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-3:24pm at 3:24 pm (UTC -4)
Why does it make sense to break up the righties?
Sepcifically, down there in the bottom of the order, why does it make sense, and why would it be better to do that than to try to maximize the chances of the free-swinging Frenchy seeing more good pitches, which he clearly would ahead of Murphy?
GravediggerHebner
2/26/2010-2:38pm at 2:38 pm (UTC -4)
I could live with it.
I fear the OBPs of Frenchy and Barajas back-to-back though and am assuming that Murphy’s OBP will be better than last year’s and be useful between those two guys.
stickguy
2/26/2010-2:40pm at 2:40 pm (UTC -4)
If you do that, you then have frenchy/barajas 7-8. Not much OBP there quite likely. Any good RH RP will mow right through that stretch.
I am assuming Murphy will get his OBP up a bit this year, at least above Frnechy.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
Can you make a really good argument as to why the lefty/righty thing matters down there?
Francoeur swings at bad pitches, and ahead of Barajas will never see a good pitch.
Murph is a MUCH more selective hitter, and also has a greater likelihood to improve.
Hence, Francoeur/Murphy/Barahas seems to really make a lot more sense.
stickguy
2/26/2010-2:38pm at 2:38 pm (UTC -4)
got all the way down here, and forgot what Kong posted…
anyway, it looks fine, but I think that when Beltran coms back, you go castillo/reyes/beltran/wright or castiilo/reyes/wright/beltran
But for now, with no Beltran, this is what I would do.
CaseStreet
2/26/2010-2:50pm at 2:50 pm (UTC -4)
In sum, king’s lineup is:
3 Amigos followed by White Power then Spot Holders.
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
LMAO! Haha, maybe we can even divide the stadium into these 3 cheering sections.
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
I like this line up for the most part while Beltran is out but I would flip Castillo and Pagan.
Pagan/Castillo/Reyes
Although I wouldn’t be opposed to trying Castillo/Pagan to start off with.
whataputz
2/26/2010-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
Ideal Mets line-up: Putz Edition
1. Reyes (can a brotha get a little jose-jose-jose action this year?)
2. Castillo (please don’t go back to being terrible)
3. Bel-Tron
4. Bay
5. Golden Boy
6. Frenchy
7. Murphy/Jacobs/Davis
8. Catcher
9. Johan and Shlubs.
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
Listening to MF right now. Just shoot me.
The concept of Philly running away with it all hinges on Hamels coming back to be the Hamels of ’08. The gushing about Hamels was making me sick to my stomach.
This was a result of someone calling making some kind of comparison between Pelf and Hamels. MF said Pelf only has two pitches and isn’t in Hamels class.
Uh….last I checked, Hamels only has two pitches as well and one is an awful curve ball.
Pelf has added some kind of split/change up this year. Ought to be interesting…
whataputz
2/26/2010-3:07pm at 3:07 pm (UTC -4)
Hate to break it to you, but Hamels is much, much better than Pelf. Does the title “World Series MVP” mean nothing to you?
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
Where did I say Pelf was better than Hamels?
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
As a matter of fact, I don’t think I even said they were equal of that Hamels wasn’t proven better than Pelf, to date.
All I said was they were both 2 pitch pitchers.
On that note, both won only 10 games last year. Pelf did it with that God awful team behind him on the field. Hamels had no excuse, especially since he was coming off a great season for himself.
whataputz
2/26/2010-3:35pm at 3:35 pm (UTC -4)
It just sounde like since you were outraged over Fatty, that you disagreed with his Pelf Hamels comparison. Pelf has a while to go before you can compare him to Hamels.
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-5:03pm at 5:03 pm (UTC -4)
Well, to be fair, I can’t stand hearing anyone gushing over any Philly but it was more MF doing it ’cause that man just makes me crazy. He just goes on and on and on when he wants to make a point.
Like the other day with the whole Mays and Mantle debate he started….
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-3:20pm at 3:20 pm (UTC -4)
Putz has his antenna’s pinned back. He’s ready to go LoL
Fight Club I give you
The Bumblebee Man Whataputz vs Dog Boy Fongy
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!!!
ceetar
2/26/2010-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
If i pick out two games of Pelfrey’s, can I proclaim him to be awesome then? Hamels doesn’t exactly have a track record of years and years of success. What if 2008 was his ‘one hit wonder’ thing? What if the attitude that’s been whispered about is really a detriment? Pelfrey is a #1 pick who a lot of people have thought good things about. They both had similar season last year. That’s the recent history, and if Pelfrey makes the adjustment and Hamels doesn’t? I’d be worried down in Philadelphia, and that’s not exactly the long shot gamble there..
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-5:07pm at 5:07 pm (UTC -4)
My person opinion is Hamels is not the ace they thought he was going to be. Not unless he comes up with another pitch. His fastball is very good, his curve is awful. I think the league has figured that out.
That and his attitude last year was on the side of whiny.
All hinges on how serious he is about working on that additional pitch and having a quote/unquote ‘better’ attitude.
My fantasy? He crashes and burns – LOL….
ceetar
2/26/2010-5:22pm at 5:22 pm (UTC -4)
supposedly his attitude isn’t ‘better’. The pitching coach even criticized it.
stickguy
2/26/2010-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
If you count his curve, Hamels has 3 pitches. FB, and change, which is (or has been) considered to be one of the best in the game.
Big talk in philly land this off season about him needing to add that 3rd pitch to go with FB and CU
whataputz
2/26/2010-3:40pm at 3:40 pm (UTC -4)
I just think you guys get way too caught up in re-arranging this line-up, when in reality our entire season hinges on people not names Johan staying healthy and emerging as solid pitchers. Obviously last seasons woes were due to the freak injuries. We added bay, and Frenchy was a solid pick up at the end of the season. IMO, especially when Beltran comes back, we will have one of the berst line-ups in the game. There is no need to mess with players and make them do things they’ve never done, such as batting Reyes 3rd, expecting Pagan to stay healthy, bat leadoff and produce as a starter, even if it is just for a couple of months. I think people overlook what I consider our biggest offensive concernes which IMO are A. Will Golden boy come back to earth (this is a huge concern, which apparently only conerns me), and B. Will Frenchy play like Met Frenchy, or early season Atlanta Frenchy?
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
Putz you must really have that suit one size too small.
We been talking about everything but the kitchen sink lately right now we are having fun looking at lineups but I think everyone knows this is just something to have fun with not a be all end all debate.
I think we all know that the Mets will go as far as the pitching takes them and you can rest assured that the rotation will be dissected at nauseoum before the season starts.
Golden Boy come back to earth? I don’t know who you call that so I’ll let you clarify but be assured the entire lineup Bay included is under speculation as to what will they really do this season.
whataputz
2/26/2010-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
Golden Boy- the man who can do no wrong- mr. I strike out the best in the league- I fail in directly playoff impacting situations… David Wright.
whataputz
2/26/2010-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
His 10 hr’s were the best in the league, I might add. and he is the best at underthrowing the ball to first…no ones better. …..I’ll leave now before I am murdered in a blog sense.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-4:08pm at 4:08 pm (UTC -4)
LoL you don’t like Wright?
I ask because the way you mock him in your post.
Yea if I was you i’d just focus on what he does wrong and don’t look at what he does right.
Wow Putz there are more serious things to worry about than how he throws a ball across the diamond.
I guess once you have a bad year your doomed to continue to have then in your eyes.
whataputz
2/26/2010-4:16pm at 4:16 pm (UTC -4)
It just annoys me how everybody gives him a free pass and over-hypes him. The way he is talked about, you’d think he’d done more in his career than fail in 1 playoff appearance.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-4:41pm at 4:41 pm (UTC -4)
Putz seriously dude over-hyped?
How can you have a problem with Wright overall?
Seriously you must of hated Strawberry also I guess.
whataputz
2/26/2010-5:21pm at 5:21 pm (UTC -4)
Too young here. My memories are more of the Carlos Baerga route.
/wonders why he is such a bitter fan.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-4:10pm at 4:10 pm (UTC -4)
LoL murdered in a blog sense. Say the truth you regret using that Bumble Bee suit and your taking it back to the costume shop for a more adequate Krusty the Klown suit.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-4:26pm at 4:26 pm (UTC -4)
HAHAHA!!!!!
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-5:09pm at 5:09 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-4:03pm at 4:03 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t know who said this yesterday. I want to say it was Frenchy but they said something to the effect of after 5 years of killing the ball you don’t just forget to hit. This was said when discussing Wright and I tend to agree barring injuries I don’t see Wright struggling again in 2010 and will notch 2009 to just a freak year where nothing went right till proven otherwise.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-4:23pm at 4:23 pm (UTC -4)
VC is not answering–maybe someone else can:
Why does it make sense to break up the righties?
Specifically, down there in the bottom of the order, why does it make sense, and why would it be better to do that than to try to maximize the chances of the free-swinging Frenchy seeing more good pitches, which he clearly would ahead of Murphy?
——————————————–
Can you make a really good argument as to why the lefty/righty thing matters down there?
Francoeur swings at bad pitches, and ahead of Barajas will never see a good pitch.
Murph is a MUCH more selective hitter, and also has a greater likelihood to improve.
Hence, Francoeur/Murphy/Barajas seems to really make a lot more sense.
——————————————–
Rebuttals? Anyone? Bueller??
ceetar
2/26/2010-4:42pm at 4:42 pm (UTC -4)
The lineup is fluid and hardly set in stone. I don’t know if pitchers are respecting Murphy right this second, but if he does provide that protection, maybe you could. What you say makes sense too though. And I think lefty/righty gets too much press anyway. The idea usually isn’t to split up righties as much as to make the opposing team split up lefties. And respect or not, most managers will bring in a lefty to face Murphy with runners on(especially since some people think he can’t hit them), and then they’ll have to either pitch to Francoeur, or switch pitchers again. Then again, Murphy _is_ the only lefty power bat anyway. LOOGY’s don’t really have a role pitching against the Mets, so you can keep Francoeur in front of Murphy if you want, with most pitchers knowing they’re getting pulled if he gets on.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-4:48pm at 4:48 pm (UTC -4)
Balance simple as that unless the righties show there is not much dropoff vs lefties.
With Wright and Bay batting 3,4 or 4,5 in the lineup I expect Bay to always protect Wright.
The question is if you want Frenchy batting behind Bay or not? I like it on paper but I don’t know how Jerry feels of having 3 righties and possibly 4 if you add Barajas in the middle of the lineup.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-5:00pm at 5:00 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry I should of said vs righties.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-5:47pm at 5:47 pm (UTC -4)
“Balance simple as that”
But why? How often does it affect anything?
Why not just hit players where they will, over the course of the season, have the greatest chance for success the greatest number of times?
stickguy
2/26/2010-6:21pm at 6:21 pm (UTC -4)
well, all things being equal (meaning guys you could consider to be a toss up), it makes sense to go l/r so late in a game it can make a team burn 2 relief pitchers for 2 batters.
At least it does when Jerry is the manager…
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-4:53pm at 4:53 pm (UTC -4)
BREAKING NEWS!!!
fromwhaticangather is now fromwhaticantell.
I know I know Jaw Dropper for sure.
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-5:15pm at 5:15 pm (UTC -4)
Just some random thoughts here on this snowy Friday here:
Anyone else bored enough to have tuned into the very, very long MF and Steve Phillip interview this afternoon? I cannot believe SF came on to bare his soul on his addiction problem. Not sure what he’s trying to accomplish there. What was even more head scratchin’ was how much interest MF had in telling the difference between just being a ladies man (is that guy speak for cheater?) and being addicted to sex. Then he opened the floor to callers to ask Phillips questions. Talk about a slow sports day…
On the Joe and Evans show this morning, they were talking about the teams in post season – and I didn’t catch if they were talking about just last year or past several years but….
they mentioned they were all the top run scorers in the league – all 6 teams, and not necessarily the best in pitching. They gave San Fran as an example of a great pitching staff never making it in.
Said on that alone the Mets have a very good chance of getting to the post season if their pitching is adequate – not great, over the top, but adequate.
metsfan4decades
2/26/2010-5:25pm at 5:25 pm (UTC -4)
MF and Steve Phillips together – bashing the Mets.
I really don’t know why I’m torturing myself…..
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-5:27pm at 5:27 pm (UTC -4)
To be honest everything about Wright suggests he is all business in 2010 and last year was like an initiation of sorts. His focus this off season to never repeat what happened in 2009 is scary. It’s like all you hear is this buzz about how Wright prepared for this season.
In my opinion Wright’s best year was 2008 he hit
avg/.302
obp/.390
slg/.534
r/115
h/189
2b/42
3b/2
hr/33
rbi/124
sb/15
cs/5
bb/94
k/118
I am scared to think what Wright can do if he Reyes and Bay get locked in this year.
Hazmet
2/26/2010-6:33pm at 6:33 pm (UTC -4)
An interesting Boom or Bust on SNY Loud Mouths, both guys went Boom on 1 & 2, no on 3.
1. Wright, Bay, and Frenchy for 60+ HR’s – Boom. As far as I’m concerned I’d hope so.
2. K-Rod 40+ Saves – Boom
3. Reyes 50+ Stolen Bases – they’d hope so but they went bust based on batting 3rd.
What I was wondering was based on 1 & 2 and consider say Santana wins 18 how many wins does that translate to for the Mets? I’d say 85 with Jerry managing, 92 if Valentine was managing.
fongy2
2/26/2010-6:36pm at 6:36 pm (UTC -4)
I’m no big fan of Jerrys BUT the con’t knocking of him is real old too!
Who exactly was winning with last years group?
Hazmet
2/26/2010-6:41pm at 6:41 pm (UTC -4)
Very fair comment re: Jerry. I think for me it’s a matter of if I hear that laugh one more time my head’s going to explode. I’m kind of fixated on the thought that with Valentine I feel this years team would just about be a lock for the playoff’s but with Jerry I’d flip a coin and pray he doesn’t get in the way.
Kingman 26
2/26/2010-6:44pm at 6:44 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with Haz.
I think Bobby V or Showalter win more games with the exact same roster in the exact same situation.
fongy2
2/26/2010-6:51pm at 6:51 pm (UTC -4)
I’m with ya!…I would have hired
Showalter or Bobby V ina second!
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-7:38pm at 7:38 pm (UTC -4)
Phew I am tired. Putz you better at least reply to this with all the time I put into it even if you don’t agree.
If you look at this and Wright is not one of the best 3rd Baseman in MLB. Then God help us. LoL
2009
WRIGHT avg/.307 OBP/.390 SLG/.447 HR/10 RBI/72 R/88 H/164 2B/39 BB/74
AVG – 4th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
OBP – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
SLG – 11th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.HR – 36th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
RBI – 17th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
Run – 7th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Hit – 8th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
.2B – 5th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.BB – 6th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
2008
WRIGHT avg/.302 OBP/.390 SLG/.534 HR/33 RBI/124 R/115 H/189 2B/42 BB/94
AVG – 4th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
OBP – 3rd best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
SLG – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.HR – 2nd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
RBI – 1st best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Run – 1st best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Hit – 1st best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.2B – 3rd best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
.BB – 1st best in MLB among 3rd baseman
2007
WRIGHT avg/.325 OBP/.416 SLG/.546 HR/30 RBI/107 R/113 H/196 2B/42 BB/94
AVG – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
OBP – 3rd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
SLG – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.HR – 2nd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
RBI – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Run – 2nd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Hit – 3rd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.2B – 2nd best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
.BB – 2nd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
2006
WRIGHT avg/.311 OBP/.381 SLG/.531 HR/26 RBI/116 R/96 H/181 2B/40 BB/66
AVG – 5th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
OBP – 4th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
SLG – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.HR – 8th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
RBI – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Run – 8th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
Hit – 4th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
.2B – 8th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
.BB – 8th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
2005
WRIGHT avg/.305 OBP/.388 SLG/.523 HR/27 RBI/102 R/99 H/176 2B/42 BB/72
AVG – 3rd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
OBP – 2nd best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
SLG – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.HR – 6th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
RBI – 3rd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Run – 4th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
Hit – 5th best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.2B – 2nd best in MLB among 3rd baseman
.BB – 4th best (tied) in MLB among 3rd baseman
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-7:40pm at 7:40 pm (UTC -4)
BTW stats courtesy of
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/stats/byposition?pos=3B&conference=MLB&year=season_2009&qualified=1&sort=13
Hazmet
2/26/2010-7:45pm at 7:45 pm (UTC -4)
But was he gritty.
just kidding, just kidding….I figure that’s the next detraction
nice work, I can’t believe you went to all this trouble to show the obviousness of the argument.
stickguy
2/26/2010-9:23pm at 9:23 pm (UTC -4)
gee, it’s usually quiet around here on a Friday evening. And damn, I hate missing all the good stuff before it gets deleted.
I don’t miss mean spirited trash talking, but I guess it livened things up a little!
I honestly don’t think anyone here ever used the word “great” about wright in the past, but considering him a big part of the team, and an excellent player, seems logical. But if you hate him, up to you.
And the nonsense of not being a winner because his team hasn’t won the WS or been to the playoffs more than once is nonsense. baseball is so much of a team game, no 1 batter can do that.
Luis soho has what, 5 rings? must be a huge winner.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-9:35pm at 9:35 pm (UTC -4)
You missed a doosey
whataputz
2/26/2010-9:27pm at 9:27 pm (UTC -4)
BTW I have no clue if my comment made it or not, but again I’m sorry about that last comment. Bottomline is we seem to disagree on how good of a player Wright is. Time will tell. Here’s to hoping Oliver Perez gets his crazy *** together this year, and Maine finally puts it together to take us to the Ship.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-9:37pm at 9:37 pm (UTC -4)
It’s ok Putz we all had our moments but I will say by far yours was the closest to getting me to just lose it. I had to walk away for a moment and regroup after your comment.
whataputz
2/26/2010-9:45pm at 9:45 pm (UTC -4)
It’s okay, bees piss me off as well. Really, overrated animals.
trs86
2/26/2010-9:40pm at 9:40 pm (UTC -4)
Whata, I know we have had our differences before and you and Kingman had a knock down drag out tonight where you both lost your temper. However, we have a lot of readers of this blog, 1,000′s a day. No we are not MCB and have no desire to be. We focus on developing a community where intelligent Mets fans can come and waste their day discussing baseball with each other not just reading the opinion of one author. I am sorry that you have such a negative view of our site but I hope you would refrain from insulting the great authors I have here as well as our fabulous readers because of a disagreement with an author. To me that was a cheap shot and very unwarranted. Keep this in mind the next time you want to compare us to MCB, throughout all of this you STILL have the right to comment here.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-9:42pm at 9:42 pm (UTC -4)
+100
stickguy
2/26/2010-9:55pm at 9:55 pm (UTC -4)
“Mets fans can come and waste their day”
that should be part of your official motto. Put it in the banner.
I loved the comment earlier about how slow the activity was today,since a lot of people weren’t at work!
trs86
2/26/2010-9:57pm at 9:57 pm (UTC -4)
Nobody goes to the park anymore, it’s too crowded.
stickguy
2/26/2010-10:12pm at 10:12 pm (UTC -4)
saw a post today (probably at MB) from some guy in Fla. that said the senior VP (aka big boss) of his company just came in and gave him a pair of 8th row seats to a mets/braves ST game, with an implied free day off.
The hysterical part was his comment about him nor realizing that he spent all day at work on the blog talking about the Mets!
trs86
2/26/2010-9:27pm at 9:27 pm (UTC -4)
Test!1
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-9:32pm at 9:32 pm (UTC -4)
I see you deleted all the posts that were messing up
trs86
2/26/2010-9:33pm at 9:33 pm (UTC -4)
Trying.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-9:34pm at 9:34 pm (UTC -4)
I think you got it i deleted your 1st test post that was the only one still generating error 404
trs86
2/26/2010-9:36pm at 9:36 pm (UTC -4)
Teamwork baby.
trs86
2/26/2010-9:34pm at 9:34 pm (UTC -4)
Test3
whataputz
2/26/2010-9:42pm at 9:42 pm (UTC -4)
Stickguy, but nobody says Luis Soho is great. This will be my final remark on the great/good thing (for position players):
To me in order to be considered great you have to be the following.
1. Top player at your position, and if you can’t field you better be so dominant of a hitter that it makes up for it.
2. Constancy.
3. Winning. Either a plethora of playoff appearances (and I mean a lot if you never win), or most importantly at least one world series ring.
4. Clutchness, and intangibles: obviously this is a loose term, and hard to quantify.
EXCEPTIONS TO RULE 3: Multiple MVP’s, and absolutely dominating the league. A great example of this would be a Barry Bonds (if he didn’t use roids) or Ernie Banks, and others fit into this category.
Why I don’t feel Wright is in this category: He has only been in the playoffs once, and played poorly vs St.Louis. Has been the face of the team, that has choked in horrendous fashion, even if it wasn’t necessary his fault. I wouldn’t even consider him the best hitter in our line-up. While he is a very good hitter, he (at least in my opinion) is not someone you need to plan the game around. While I think he is very good, I also think his stats have been greatly helped by the great supporting cast he’s had for most of his career. 2009 did not help his cause either. He’s a very good player, who is a breakout season away in my opinion from becoming great, but I don’t think he’s quite there yet. I just think the term great shouldn’t just be thrown out there, it needs to be earned over the course of a career, or by pure domination (see Puljos).
trs86
2/26/2010-9:45pm at 9:45 pm (UTC -4)
This is the type of debate that is quite pointless but I will throw my final thought. It seems as though your largest difficulty is in the fact that the fans, team and media have announced him the face of the franchise thus he should be the one that is held accountable for the struggles the last 3 years. However, my only question is, is this something that Wright ask for and if not should you hold that against him or against the ones who put him on the “pedestal”?
whataputz
2/26/2010-9:53pm at 9:53 pm (UTC -4)
It’s not even the pedestal thing. My favroite player is Carlos Beltran, so maybe sometimes I am bias. But it just pisses me off how he takes so much heat, and Wright always gets a free pass. I honestly believe that Beltran is our best overall player, and one of most valuable players in the game. Sure he’s not the most lovable guy, but I feel like he’s been just as important, if not more important to our team than Wright has been. No one ever gives him any props, yet you’ll always see Wright on commercials, on the Fan, etc. How many CF’s give you that production, while playing outstanding D. People love to talk about how he stared at strike 3 (which was a wicked curve), yet won’t talk about specific Wright screw ups. You say Mets, and who comes to mind? David Wright.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-9:57pm at 9:57 pm (UTC -4)
He (Wright) is home grown product of NY. This idea that he gets a free pass I don’t get because the thing I hear year after year is he is not clutch.
trs86
2/26/2010-10:01pm at 10:01 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, if their is a player that gets a free pass it’s Reyes. Beltran and Wright get a very fair share of criticism.
stickguy
2/26/2010-10:08pm at 10:08 pm (UTC -4)
true about reyes. back to back years of poor september finishes for the team, and fingers pointed to the pitching and manager, but Jose’s lousy stats both months seemed to be the 3rd rail.
trs86
2/26/2010-10:11pm at 10:11 pm (UTC -4)
As Reyes goes so go the Mets. LOL. I have always loved that one.
We are lucky to have a great core that just got Jason Bay added to it. Be happy people. We have enough outside the Mets bringing us down, last thing we need is to bring our own players down.
trs86
2/26/2010-9:59pm at 9:59 pm (UTC -4)
Again, it seems as though you hold it against Wright what the media and fans think about him. Perhaps it has much more to do with the fact that Wright is comfortable in front of the camera and talking to the media and Beltran is not. I see no reason why one player has to be brought down to bring the other one up. They are both great Mets and I am glad to have them.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-10:00pm at 10:00 pm (UTC -4)
+10
whataputz
2/26/2010-10:04pm at 10:04 pm (UTC -4)
How many players can do what Beltran does? How many can do what Wright does? If you think about it, the number for Wright is a good amount higher.
trs86
2/26/2010-10:06pm at 10:06 pm (UTC -4)
Again, bring one down to bring the other up. You have a large chip on your shoulder because of the way others view Wright. Why are you letting those you disagree with affect the way YOU view that player?
trs86
2/26/2010-10:08pm at 10:08 pm (UTC -4)
I mean, why not enjoy both as 2 of the great Mets of our generation and if your personal favorite is Beltran let it be? Why not instead of trying to bring down Wright you state the positives of Beltran. Don’t you think that would be much more effective? What is your goal anyway? To get people to admit that Beltran is better than Wright? Does that make your opinion more valid or something? I am confused.
Mr North Jersey
2/26/2010-10:07pm at 10:07 pm (UTC -4)
The point of this is what again?
They are both great.
Wright is home grown I know you being young don’t know what that means but it’s the same reason that fans in the Bronx will love Porsada more than AROD.
Jorge is a local product ARod is not.
stickguy
2/26/2010-10:09pm at 10:09 pm (UTC -4)
don’t forget the contract. Once a player signs a huge FA deal, the fan expectations change.
stickguy
2/26/2010-10:06pm at 10:06 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t actually agree with your assessment of wright and beltran.
Wright doesn’t always get a pass, and beltran gets a lot of props. He did have a rough start, but that is the price you pay when you sign a huge FA contract and have a really lousy 1st year.
The whole face of the franchise stuff is fluff. He is willing to give quotes, and speaks english fluently, so the writers go to him. Although this year, expect them to haunt frenchy more!
Many of the foreign players just don’t seem to be as comfortable around the media (either from lack of english skills, or plain mistrust of the media). And I expect it carries over to endorsements.
and he did get a ton of heat in 2008 for that one AB.
I think beltran got about 126,000,000 props from the Mets a few years ago.
And I am willing to bet that he doesn’t go on the fan because he doesn’t want to, not because they don’t want him to.
So I honestly don’t care if you want to catagorize them both as great, very good, or 1 of each, I just wish the team had more players that were as “very good” as Wright!
and with that, I am done with the topic.