David Wright always says the right thing
The Mets have been so quiet this offseason, as Wallace Matthews notes in today's Newsday. Not good, especially in light of the collapse that ended 2007 in such an ugly fashion.
But if you're looking for hope, Mets fans, I'd continue to thank the heavens that you have David Wright on your side.
The guy is an amazing player, and _ especially notable at a time like this for Mets fans _ he is an incredible team ambassador.
Just look at what he says about Paul Lo Duca, his good friend and former teammate, in this story.
Of all the 90+ players named in the Mitchell Report, Lo Duca might have gotten nailed worst of all, as Kirk Radomski kept (and gave to Mitchell) a personalized note from Lo Duca on Dodgers stationery. Lo Duca, who has yet to speak publicly since the Dec. 13 release of the report, must be highly embarrassed.
But his buddy, Wright, didn't really give him an out. No attempts to put the Steroids Era in perspective, or take shots at George Mitchell, either of which would have been understandable. Just a proclamation that all cheaters _ friends of Wright, or not _ deserve punishment.
Bravo to Wright for speaking his mind, even if it's not the talking point the Players Association would prefer its charges to offer.
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Comments (5)
Hey Ken.
David Wright is the consummate professional who rarely exhibits anything negative. Even when his game suffers, his frustration never causes an unconstructive or nasty comment. It is this admirable behavior which makes him a fan favorite and the 'face' of the NY Mets organization.
~Howard
I think you are right about Wright. Seems like a good, stand-up guy that can also play baseball. He's a throwback type player.
As far as Cano: I think it is a smart move if they are sold on the guy. In the past, I recall hearing questions about his work ethic and his focus in the field. If those are dead issues, then a 4-year deal for an average of $6.5 million a year seems reasonable. It cost the Yankees lots more years ago when they failed to lock up their young kids that have stayed with them. The Indians seemed to be the best at this at one time. The Yanks always hesitated to do it. Considering how the team spends money, this gamble seems tame.
If the Sept. 2007 Mets tried to throw their fellow teammates under the bus, they would throw probably miss.
Cano didn't have an awful FIRST HALF. He had a dreadful, sub-.300-OBP MONTH (May). He went .274/.314/.427 in the first half. He had a paltry three home runs, but hit twenty-four doubles; in the second half -- where he went .343/.396/.557 (superstar numbers for a second baseman) -- those doubles turned into home runs (he had seventeen doubles and thirteen home runs).
Cano is the best offensive player they have produced since Jeter. Hopefully this signals a new direction for the team to wrap up their young stars early. This will come into play with all the young pitchers eventually.
bailywalk, his first half was bad enough that the Yankees threatened to send him back to Scranton. Granted, the numbers are slightly better than "awful," but the Yankees were not at all pleased with him.