Whether or not the Mets sign Jose Reyes this offseason, you can expect a similar round of drama with David Wright in 2012. In fact, the speculation has already begun.
If the Mets sign Reyes, it’s said, there is a good chance Wright will be traded. This speculation is based on the fact that the Wilponzis will have a hard time affording both players. Every day, a media outlet or blog reports that a team is showing interest. Whether or not the Mets sign Reyes, and they start 2012 with Wright, the talk will shift to: “Will they trade him by the trade deadline?” If he’s still on the team after the trade deadline, talk will shift to: “Will they re-sign him?”
Sound familiar? We just went through all of that with Reyes in 2011, and we’re still in the “re-sign” phase.
Frankly, Wright has looked very replaceable the last 3 years. He contracted a rare psychological disease called “16-Foot Wall Syndrome” and only hit 10 homers in a full season in 2009. He recovered in 2010 to hit a more Wright-like 29 HRs, but his batting average was only (“only” by David’s standards) .283, and his strikeouts ballooned to Mark Reynoldsian proportions. While he missed time with injury in 2011, Justin Turner and Daniel Murphy outperformed him while taking his spot at third base. Turner also showed a more accurate arm than Wright. And at times, Lord help us, so did Murphy.
What’s the point? The point is there is a legitimate chance that Wright will be traded or allowed to walk via free agency. And the Mets have legitimate replacements in Turner and Murphy. They are very thin in the starting rotation, and may need to give up some value in a trade to bolster it.
If Wright returns in 2012, his CitiField phobia may be cured, as most people feel that a change in outfield dimensions are all but assured. If that’s the case, he may open Sandy Alderson’s eyes in the same way Reyes did in 2011. Either way, get ready for some more drama.
43 comments
MetsFan4Decades
10/17/2011-1:15am at 1:15 am (UTC -4)
This time last year we were all discussing:
- if Reyes would be traded in ST and if not – who we could get for him at the trade deadline.
- If we’d be able to move Beltran for a bag of balls at the trade deadline.
Neither scenario worked out the way most expected or the odds at the time dictated. Point being, I’m not making any predictions about Wright this early – although I will say he will probably be the starting 3rd baseman come opening day. After that? Anyone’s guess. It’s just as likely he’ll be traded come July as it is he returns to former numbers and puts up such a good first half that it aids in keeping us in the race come end of July that he goes nowhere.
Jcoors808
10/17/2011-7:57pm at 7:57 pm (UTC -4)
Why is their never any talk about trading Bay? Is he worth keeping? We cut Perez and Castillo and we are still paying them. I think it’s time to cut the cord on this one
Anonymous
10/17/2011-10:02pm at 10:02 pm (UTC -4)
why? well, I would bet Sandy would jump at the chance. It is probably just been impossible.
and with 2 years still, earlier than teams normally would. And he occasionally showed signs of life.
Would IMO be a different story if he was holding back some hot shot prospect!
I think this is the tipping point year. if he doesn’t start out hot (the old Bay), and stay hot, he is going to lose PT and quickly.
Personally, I would like Duda to get LF, and platoon Bay and someone else (F Mart?) in RF. bay is actually still useful against LHP. Just positively Castillo-esque vs. RHP.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-2:09am at 2:09 am (UTC -4)
Honestly, it’s probably better for the team overall that they do trade him. I puked a little in my mouth writing that, FYI. Even with the influx of SPs in the minors, the odds of all of them panning out is not high. If he could be moved to the Rox for Pomeranz and their catching prospect, I would die a little, but know it helps the team for the future. I do have patience. So I’m not going to flip out if next year sucks. I’m not going to like it, but I’ll get through it knowing we’re that much closer to the cavalry coming in. Just hoping my nickname ain’t Custer…
And it’s really not to Reyes caliber yet. That option floating there for the following year gives the Mets some time. Since it goes away if he’s traded, he’ll basically be in 2 years worth of the same thing. Will he be traded? What could they get for a 1 year rental? Will he sign an extension? Does he like long walks on the beach? Etc. Etc.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-2:41am at 2:41 am (UTC -4)
tex is right. The option means that the whole resign question won’t have to happen until the end of 2013. So they can pretty much just ignore him for 2012, and postpone this until next off season!
anyway, I said on another thread earlier that I don’t think he gets traded this year, but that if he does I won’t be shocked. And at this point, not even sure I would mind.
key to accepting a trade to me is just getting a good return back. Something where the team legitimately can be better in 2012 without Wright (but with the replacements). And of course, moving into the future.
I also think if they don’t sign Reyes, they will keep Wright for 2012 to partly appease the fans, and also because they need some talent on the field.
Oh, and with the reported budget target (110mill) they certainly can afford Reyes. Just nothing else of any real cost. Unless they somehow pull off a miracle, and unload bay without eating all his salary!
Anonymous
10/17/2011-3:17am at 3:17 am (UTC -4)
On another note, I hope texas beats the crap out of St Louis. Just don’t want to see them with another WS after 2006!
MetsFan4Decades
10/17/2011-4:04am at 4:04 am (UTC -4)
Damn Brewers.
This is why I love the game of baseball. Don’t care what it says on paper, until the games are played, you just can’t predict anything. Best 2 teams eliminated right off the bat? Who had that in their betting line?
Anonymous
10/17/2011-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
Go Rangers?
MetsFan4Decades
10/17/2011-1:19pm at 1:19 pm (UTC -4)
Go Rangers for me. That’s who I’ll be rooting for.
Can you believe the Cardinals are going to the WS? Their ace goes down early in the season, their BP was awful for half the season, they’ve had a multitude of injuries, including Pujols over the season but there they are. Go figure.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-2:25pm at 2:25 pm (UTC -4)
stability and competence. I have no rooting interest.
This just goes to show the many, many ways a team can win in this game. These two teamseach lost an ace, two of the very best pitchers in the game in Lee and Wainwright yet are in the Series.
Go figure indeed. It just drives me crazy that so many teams can find a way yet we can never find any way. As for Wright, it’s time to move on.
Theres never been a player in my almost 40 yrs as a Mets fan who has sunk further from being one of my favs to a guy I’m ready to move away from so fast BUT David is not a Superstar player and isn’t worth
another huge contract. I think at this point I wouldn’t
give Reyes OR Wright a contract. At the same time
I wouldn’t be involved in a 80,90 million dollar bidding war for C.J. Wilson. With the mess that The Mets are in right now, I’d take this slow and steady in rebuilding and reworking the team and organization.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-3:53pm at 3:53 pm (UTC -4)
Hey buddy! Pretty much agree all around.
But there’s something to be said for good managers and productive players. I wanted Michael Young the last 3 years.
MetsFan4Decades
10/17/2011-4:33pm at 4:33 pm (UTC -4)
Hey Fongy – long time no read….
I’m not ready to give up on Wright yet. He’s not the superstar as once predicted but still think he can be a very useful piece.
Many predicted Jose was on the downside of his career and regressing coming into this season. I was of the opinion that if healthy, we’d see the Jose of old. I’m willing to give Wright at least half a season to see what he does – if healthy. I’m wondering if the changes to the OF will make a difference.
We shall see….
Biff
10/17/2011-2:25pm at 2:25 pm (UTC -4)
Justin Turner =/= David Wright.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
Biff i think that is a bit of a knock to Wright. I like both guys. But neither Wright or Reyes can only do it by themselves. Look at Texas and St Louis their lineup is well ballanced. you win with more then one guy not just one standout. its a shame we have to pick between the two because the owener got burned by his own error of trusting. He should sell the team their are still enough people willing to buy the team for almost a billion even in this economy. And make the team fun to watch and be competitive .
Anonymous
10/17/2011-2:31pm at 2:31 pm (UTC -4)
I like Justin turner but he is not a David Wright he is a good part but not in the same breath as Wright. Wright has done it before what has Turner done be a good off the bench guy. its unfair to compare those two i have my issues with David but its more on his throwing to first base then anything else.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-2:43pm at 2:43 pm (UTC -4)
Turner has not come close to Wright’s production. I can understand some argument for Murph given the way he hit this year. But Turner no way. Turner is more a backup than an everyday guy, and especially shouldnt be an everyday 3b. Wright being hurt and having by far his worst year still outperformed Turner by a pretty significant margin. 771 OPS/114 OPS+ compared to 690/93 for Turner. Also hit 10 more HR (which is something this team needs) in about 40 less PA. And while Wright’s D isn’t good, Turner wasn’t good at 3b either.
Murph was great this yr. And better than Turner both offensive and defensively. And he did have a better yr than Wright this yr, so I can see people leaning towards him. Still though, what he did this year only really compares to what Wright did this year at his worst…any other season of Wright’s is better than what Murph did this season and what was a great year from Murph would still have been considered a down year for Wright.
So I am not ready to move Wright yet, just based off one yr, especially with the modifications to Citi coming. If for some reason the Mets think Wright will just repeat his 2011 numbers going forward than yes they should move him. But if not he should stay..even 09-10 Wright is better than what any replacements would do.
Rumi - Sonqo
10/17/2011-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
you do realize the Mets have 4 top starting pitching prospect right??? Mejia is most likely ending in the bullpen, Familia is 50/50 but did improve greatly this year in A+/AA, Harvey most definitely a starter, Wheeler most 50/50. They do not need to trade wright for pitching. What we need is better outfield defense and revamp the bullpen. That being said, no one thought the Mets would be contenders when new management was hired or after one season. 2013 is definitely going to be the year the Mets look to get back into contention for the playoffs.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-3:02pm at 3:02 pm (UTC -4)
1) David Wright’s strikeout percentage has never, ever reached “Mark Reynoldsian proportions.” Sure, he strikes out more than we would like to see from him, but don’t exaggerate.
2) You’re crazy if you think that Justin Turner is a viable everyday third baseman in the major leagues. And I’d also be very cautious about assuming that Murph could handle that gig on a full-time basis. He’s 26 years old and has played a grand total of one full major league season.
MetsFan4Decades
10/17/2011-3:36pm at 3:36 pm (UTC -4)
I’m glad to see someone else has the same mindset I do about Murph. For sure, he was having a great season at the plate when he went down with the injury last season. For me, the jury is still out on what type of consistent production we can expect from him going forward.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
Well, Wright doesn’t K like Mark Reynolds, Justin Turner didn’t come close to outperforming Wright, and using the word “Wilponzis” pretty much smashes one’s credibility.
Sorry chief!
Paul J. Festa
10/17/2011-4:21pm at 4:21 pm (UTC -4)
Just having a little fun with the Wilpons, and the Reynolds exaggeration was intentional – also for humorous effect.
Turner got off to a hot start and for a time outperfomed Wright, who in fairness was playing hurt for about a month. Combined with Murphy, it’s conceivable that the Mets could replace Wright if the right deal comes along.
I would like to see David stay if possible, however.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-5:08pm at 5:08 pm (UTC -4)
Judging everything of the sample size of one season is pretty bad, but judging off of essentially one month is even worse. Turner had a great month of May, after that he was pretty terrible. Any player out there is capable of having a good 20-something games or out performing a better player for a brief period of time, especially if that better player is playing hurt, Turner actually had a better month of May than Albert Pujols, but if Albert walks from the Cards, I doubt they are going to try to acquire Turner thinking he’ll solve all their problems,
Anonymous
10/17/2011-7:04pm at 7:04 pm (UTC -4)
I appreciate the considerate response.
Agreed on Reynolds.
And I like Murph and always have; just wonder if his playing 3rd would be as Gold Glove-like as his work in LF and at 1B and 2B.
Turner’s been a career minor leaguer who got a LOT of clutch hits for a short while until the league adjusted to him. His final numbers were way down from what they started as for the first month or so, and I would guess he’ll never have another month or two as productive as his first couple of months as a regular.
But as many here–and at Metsblog–have mentioned, using the term “Wilponzi”–while most definitely your right–definitely does lower the overall credibility of the article, which I personally feel is a serious shame, as I think of you as a very high quality writer who has contributed a LOT to this blog while folks like me have been absent. I have been here since day one, and I honestly promise if I did not think highly of you, I would never have made the comment.
Just my 2 cents, and again I appreciate your measured and considerate response.
Bill4950
10/17/2011-4:05pm at 4:05 pm (UTC -4)
I have been a Met fan since 1962, I was 13 years old when the team first came into the Nation League and with the exception of missing four season while in the USMC I have been there thought both the good and bad times. I am very pleased with having Sandy as our GM and the best approach that I have seen over the years has been to build from within and then when the team is close to being at top then add the missing parts that can put you over the top. Don Clendenon, Gary Carter, to name just two of many. Dave Wright is a nice young man who represents a clean cut wholesome image for the Met Organization from a puplic view point but he is not the guy I want coming two men on and two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. More simply stated is that he is not a clutch hitter and does not deliver when the game is on the line! Just my thoughts as I want the very best for our team, Lets Go Mets!
Anonymous
10/17/2011-4:18pm at 4:18 pm (UTC -4)
Paul! If your going to write things for others maybe childish name calling is not a good thing to do? It lessens your credibility! Your points are valid but when you said wilponzi I stopped reading.
Paul J. Festa
10/17/2011-8:47pm at 8:47 pm (UTC -4)
I appreciate your readership and feedback. Sometimes I take chances – sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.
Mr North Jersey
10/17/2011-9:39pm at 9:39 pm (UTC -4)
Well done on your honesty and ability to take criticism.
MetsFan4Decades
10/18/2011-1:57am at 1:57 am (UTC -4)
I’ll second that.
So rare to see these days across many baseball blogs.
Anonymous
10/18/2011-2:15am at 2:15 am (UTC -4)
couldn’t be thinking about MMO now, are you?
I saw our friend bayonne lumped us both together (well, my alter ego “any”)in a rant about being saber lackeys because we don’t understand “real” baseball. had to laugh about that.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
It would be an emotional hit to the team, but at the same time I think it could be the best possible move. David hasn’t looked the same over the last three years, even though some of his overall numbers have been very good. The long slumps are tiring both to him and the fanbase, and I wonder when the day will come he falls into a slump and never comes out, ala Jeff Francouer (though Frenchie did seem to snap out of it this year with KC).
But the real reason I would be behind this is that it would free up room for Daniel Murphy, who, believe it or not, has looked more reliable at 3B than David, and who I think is emerging as a star at the plate. People forget he was third in the batting title race and on the rise when the injury happened. Who knows, if Murph stayed healthy that final day might have been a whoooooole lot different.
Anyway, when you have a kid with a bat like Murph’s, he has to start. This nonsense perpetuated by Gary Cohen et al about Murph coming off the bench is absurd. He’s a starter, he just needs a position.
SlappyMcgee
10/17/2011-6:33pm at 6:33 pm (UTC -4)
DW
Oh David where have you gone?
How did you turn Wright to Wrong?
Where are the liners and the 2 out hit?
Was it HoJo who made you a player to sit?
Was it the Home Run Derby that got in your head?
made you swing for the fences on every dead red?
Is it ego or ignorance that robs your game?
Whatever it is, it sure is a shame
I bet you can regain your form
Making a clutch hit the norm
However, you’ll need to review
Your constant invites to the bbq
No more chats and butt pats we hope
Get back to toughness and the frozen rope
When you slide into second knock the dude down
Don’t stand there and chat like a clown
Get closer to the plate and show nerve,
Might make you able to hit the curve
Whatever it is I hope you shine
Or TC finds the balls to give you some pine…
MetsFan4Decades
10/17/2011-7:30pm at 7:30 pm (UTC -4)
Nice Slappy.
Pegent
10/17/2011-6:57pm at 6:57 pm (UTC -4)
Nelson Cruz, the ALCS MVP hits 7th in the Texas batting order. If you put David Wright in that same spot he would put up monster numbers. Paul give me a break. If you think Murphy and Turner are better than Wright you are smoking something…Wright had no protection in the batting order. Sure he could walk 100 times, but if you are a player you get frustrated with that.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-10:09pm at 10:09 pm (UTC -4)
I have said before that it can be a curse for a player to actually care. That can lead to trying to hard (feeling the pressure?) in big spots.
Now, a guy like Manny that didn’t seem to give a crap one way or the other? Bound to not fold under pressure, if he doesn’t feel any!
Anonymous
10/17/2011-10:08pm at 10:08 pm (UTC -4)
Wright is still very talented, and only what, 28 right now? Basically where he should be right in the middle of his peak set of years.
So I absolutely think he has the potential to rebound, at or close to what he once was.
The bigger question is, can he do it with the Mets? That I am not sure of.
And this whole “not clutch” argument? IMO, if there is validity to it, it comes from trying too hard, and feeling responsible to carry the team. So having more around him would help, not from “Protection” behind him, just from letting him relax. He seems to put too much pressure (is it being the face of the franchise? Just being a met fan, trying to please the fans?) on himself.
so, go to some anonymous team (especially one with a superstar to carry the load) and he could just settle in and rake. no pressure, no real expectations, just relax and hit.
MetsFan4Decades
10/18/2011-2:00am at 2:00 am (UTC -4)
Reminds me of Francoeur this year with the Royals. Not that he’s in Wright’s league (or league Wright was projected to be in his entire career), but Frenchy actually wound up with some pretty decent numbers on an awful team. And no, I don’t miss him!
Steve from Norfolk
10/17/2011-10:24pm at 10:24 pm (UTC -4)
Pegent,
How come you’re the first person I’ve seen say anything about protection in the batting order? Good point! When David’s performed at his best, he had people like Cliff Floyd, Carlos Beltran, andCarlos Delgado batting around him. If Jason Bay continues the progress he was making towards the end of the season, Duda is the real thing, and with Ike back,we could have a monster 3-4-5-6 in the batting order again. With Murphy, hopefully Reyes, and Thole, assuming he can get his BA back where it should be, we should have a young, exciting, team with a strong offense. Our only questions should be pitching, and that’s a BIG question!
Steve from Norfolk
10/17/2011-10:29pm at 10:29 pm (UTC -4)
Just in case it crossed your mind, I am not a young kid with no baseball knowledge to back me up. I’ve been a Mets fan since 1968, and, yes, Tug, I BELIEVE!
Anonymous
10/17/2011-10:29pm at 10:29 pm (UTC -4)
one can only hope. And you heard it here first, the pitching is going to be a lot better in 2012.
beindependent
10/17/2011-10:35pm at 10:35 pm (UTC -4)
Do not agree with this blog at all. Turner certainly did not out perform Wright and Murphy is by no means a replacement for Wright at third, no matter how well he hit this past season. I see this all very differently. Having Davis back and Duda in the lineup everyday, Wright slots in between those two contact making lefties with power. He finally has some measure of protection in the lineup again and he begins to perform as he has in the past. Also, as the dimensions of Citi Field are changed all of this “16-foot Wall Syndrome” goes away. Lastly, if the Mets sign Reyes there is every incentive for them to lock up Wright now to a multi-year deal and continue to build around these two vets. If Reyes signs elsewhere it makes more sense to hold onto Wright through the All-Star break, see what he has, and deal him for prospects then. Paul F’s analysis is not good baseball business sense in my opinion.
Anonymous
10/17/2011-10:57pm at 10:57 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t see any chance they do an extension this season. I would bet they just let it ride, probably pick up his option, then deal with it for next year.
Unless Wright wants to lock up a few extra years at a discount, nothing is really in it for the Mets.
If nothing else, I suspect Sandy wants to have flexibility, and that really requires minimizing how much of the payroll is tied up on LT deals.
MetsFan4Decades
10/18/2011-2:11am at 2:11 am (UTC -4)
AA has a post up today on Wright. They’re doing a postmortem position by position now that the season is over. Surprising to me is Wright actually ranked 3rd amongst all NL 3rd basemen this year, even though it apparently was his worst season.
Anonymous
10/18/2011-2:38am at 2:38 am (UTC -4)
hat’s because we we got used to as normal seasons from him were very, very good.