Carlos Beltran had been playing with injuries throughout most of the early season. He occasionally had to miss a few games due to these aches and pains, but continued to play his way into the lineup with his hot start. When Beltran could not take the pain anymore in June, he became the latest casualty to the injury bug that was claiming players left and right. Once Beltran was placed on the disabled list, the Mets used a center field by committee approach, trying to find a player who could grab the position and keep it steady until Beltran returned.
Fernando Martinez was given a chance to start in center. He was adequate defensively but unimpressive at the plate and was eventually added to the disabled list. Jeremy Reed started the games not started by Martinez and also did nothing to earn the everyday job. Ryan Church was given a few starts in center as well, but that was never going to stick because he was more suited to be a rightfielder and later on, an Atlanta Brave. Enter Angel Pagan.
Pagan came off his second stint on the disabled list right before the All-Star break and was given the start in each of the last three games before the midseason hiatus. The Mets returned from the break and lost their first two games against the Braves. In the third game of the series, Pagan was the hitting star, picking up three hits, including a triple, an RBI and a run scored. Not surprisingly, the Mets defeated the Braves that night. Pagan hasn’t stopped hitting since.
With a triple in Sunday’s series finale against the Astros, Pagan currently has an eight-game hitting streak. During the streak, he is hitting .353 (12-for-34) and has scored nine runs. Pagan is not just slapping singles. He is hitting line drives into the gaps, utilizing his speed to pick up two doubles and three triples over the past eight games. He is also making excellent contact during the streak, as evidenced by his three strikeouts in those 34 at-bats. This recent production has given the Mets the leadoff hitter they have missed since Jose Reyes went down with his injury and the centerfielder they have needed since the loss of Beltran.
Speaking of Reyes and Beltran, both players are aggressive baserunners. Pagan has followed their lead on the bases as well. His hustle out of the batter’s box has stretched routine doubles into triples and he has shown no fear trying to score on bunts, as witnessed by the run he scored on Luis Castillo’s tapper Sunday against the Astros.
Pagan is not just a one-way player. No one will replace Beltran’s Gold Glove in center, but Pagan is doing his best to try. He has played errorless baseball in center field since he was given the everyday job and has made numerous diving and sliding catches to thwart opposing rallies. He also has a fine arm, picking up his fourth outfield assist (in only 26 games) on Sunday when he threw out Geoff Blum at home plate. He already proved that he is a fearless defender as witnessed by his incredible catch against the Dodgers last year that unfortunately ended his season. That “no fear” attitude has helped contribute to a number of Mets’ victories this season and has somewhat lessened the blow of losing Beltran for such an extended period of time.
Angel Pagan has injected some life into this moribund franchise. With his inspired play and win at all costs attitude, the Mets come back to Citi Field feeling a little better about themselves. Mets fans looking for flaws in Pagan’s game might bring up his lack of power, but he’s a leadoff hitter. It’s the leadoff hitter’s job to get on base so that the middle of the order can drive him in. Keeping that in mind, Pagan is surely getting the job done. This Angel is definitely earning his wings and the Mets are certainly thankful for him.
I love Angel Pagan’s way of playing the game. The only thing that worries me about him is his inability to stay healthy…..
I agree Rachel, I’m afraid of the following….but he is doing great hopefully harm will stay away from him
lets hope he can stay healthy. if beltran ever comes back at least we know we have somebody who can give belt a blow here and there!!!
Pagan has been a Godsend, he’s pretty much doing it all.
Frenchy has been doing his job as well.
When Beltran gets back, I would say that makes for a solid outfield.
I agree, I have always liked this guy. Obviously the Mets like Pagan to; signed him, developed him then got him back from the Cubs.
Two things about him though
1. Injury prone
2. Is he difficult? Not a great clubhouse guy?
If Pagan can accept being a 4th outfielder and stays committed to improving his game and “preventive maintenance” Fluids. limiting caffeine intake, stretching, etc etc. I think we may possibly have the best 4th outfielder in MLB in a few years.
I get the impression from reading article and hearing Met announcers that Pagan is a very gifted natural athlete who has been lees then committed to actively improving his game.
Has anyone else heard or read anyhting along these smae line regarding Pagan?
Well, if you listened to Kevin Burkhardt during the game yesterday, he said he spoke to Pagan before the game yesterday. Basically, Pagan said that at 28, he is finally starting to realize what he needs to do to be successful at this level, citing his stretching program, and also talking to other players about his game. He also said that he watches game tapes more now then ever before. So maybe he was “difficult” as you said (although I never heard that about him before), but it seams like he as grown up and could be a very good 4th OF for this team going into next season.
until such allegations are proven fact–i think it’s absurd to
speculate about Angel’s clubhouse manner. JESUS! do you some of you
have nothing better to do than fan a specious flame? Pagan has done
everything the team has asked of him over two years. he gives it everything he had and only the injuries (due to all out effort) have put him in a kind of los mets purgatory. it’s clear i love the guy–and want to see him out there everyday. add reyes to the equation and
it’s a no brainer with regard to speed on the basepaths.
should beltran return – put Angel back in left and stop complaining.
players with all the tools need to play regularly. it’s that simple. only then can you tell who they really are,.
Dogman, I agree with everything you said, except his first name is “Angel” and not “Jesus”.
Contingent upon good health, I am fine with an outfield of Pagan, Beltran & Francouer. I think Reyes and Pagan at the top of the order would create havoc for any opponent.
Victor Martinez would be a very nice addition to this roster, as he can catch and play first base. Xavier Nady would also be a healthy addition, because he can play outfield and infield. Both have power.
In today’s game, I think more in terms of rotation, with a couple of fixtures. An outfield rotation of Pagan, Beltran & Francouer, supported by Nady and Sullivan. Let F-Mart develop at his own pace.
For the infield, Wright, Reyes, Castillo, Victor Martinez & Daniel Murphy offers solid defense, power and speed – they are all good hitters. Players such as Alex Cora & Omir Santos can spell the reguluars while youngsters such as Rueben Tejada, Ike Davis & Nick Evans & Josh Thole can grow into supporting roles.
Build from within, and when a key addition becomes available, spend your money wisely.
Like everyone else, I have just one issue with Pagan; Health. Other than that, this guy is great. His defense is clearly there. He doesn’t hit the longball, but hitting it in the gaps will get him the doubles and triples he needs to get some RBIS or runs scored. Oh and he steals too.
As an irresponsible blogger who comments on other blogger’s half truths, speculation and rumors it would be irresponsible for me to actually make sure that the comments I post are facts. really?! The nerve of some people, demanding that pseudo journalist wanna-bees comment responsibly?! WOw What did that guy have for breakfast this morning?
Mykey,
No I missed the game yesterday sorry I missed Kevin B.’s comments on Pagan. I did however hear a Met broadcast last year during which Howie Rose gave up some details re: Pagan’s poor work ethic rep. and very stubborn to accept feedback on his game. I remember him making the connection between Endy Chavez during his Phillie days and Pagan’s minor league days with the Mets and his stint in Chicago.
Lets hope those days and that attitude is truly behind him and Pagan continues to blossom! However, as I stated in my above post I still concerned about pagan’s attitude. Remember the fly ball incident in which Pagan playing LF failed to give way to Beltran resulting in a droppped fly ball. Beltran very vocal about Pagan’s behavior on the play. You know that if Beltran is calling out a player in public there HAS to be more “stuff” going on behind the scenes.
I am rooting for Pagan!
Angel Pagan can be a key integral asset to the met lineup if he is allowed to stay in the lineup. period. he puts his body on the line and has paid the price on the DL. does that make him injury prone or
unlucky? i say unlucky.
clubhouse doghouse? absurd, unfounded and not worthy of speculation.
stop the sniping.
keep him as a regular and let him show his stuff – day in and day out.
only then can you get a full picture of the man.
he has more than earned it.
sorry for my redundancy…i thought i had been edited for using
the lord’s name in vain.
go Angel!
alright, Tommy2! i think we both have 20-20 vision and graduate degrees in common sense.
This post is such a breath of fresh air, thank you for writing it. I am so upset right now because of all this Mets bashing going on with certain players. This post put me in a better mood. I wish the comments on the posts on this site were as positive as the posts. I wrote in another posts about how amazing Pagan has been and how he together with Francore have revitalized this team. I feel bad that Angel will go to the bench once we get healthy, because his positive attitude and gritty play was something this team really needed.
karen- i’m a believer in grass roots organizing. i think if a whole lot of Angel Pagan fans demonstrated their APPRECIATION…for his efforts (two years running) and his POTENTIAL (he’s batting average for his efforts is right up there) with banners, with calls…in short,
the kind of thing that gets management’s attention…then,
maybe this guy gets the chance for regular duty. i want to believe there are not a whole lot of quiet, discerning fans who see an authentic upside to Angel’s becoming a regular part of the scenery. it’s the voluble, free agent fanatics who always scream for mega stars and salaries. let’s start an Angel appreciation banner day…or something. it’s a win-win don’tcha think?
karen- i’m a believer in grass roots organizing. i think if a whole lot of Angel Pagan fans demonstrated their APPRECIATION…for his efforts (two years running) and his POTENTIAL (he’s batting average for his efforts is right up there) with banners, with calls…in short,
the kind of thing that gets management’s attention…then,
maybe this guy gets the chance for regular duty. i want to believe there are a whole lot of quiet, discerning fans who see an authentic upside to Angel’s becoming a very regular part of the scenery. it’s the voluble, free agent fanatics who always scream for mega stars and salaries. let’s start an Angel appreciation banner day…or something. it’s a win-win don’tcha think?
Pagan is just the kind of player this team needs, I am so lad he came back healthy this year. He always gives 110% all the time and his knack for hitting triples sure isn’t bad either. In case anybody could forget the reason he was out most of last season was because he made a spectacular play at Dodger stadium, certainly a web-gem for the year.
[...] Angel Pagan is on an 8 game hitting streak. [...]
Thank you to everyone for keeping the discussion going. I hope the Citi Field fans give Pagan a rousing ovation when he is introduced tonight. If he continues playing like this, the Mets might not feel like they have to rush Beltran back. Also, when Beltran does return, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Pagan/Beltran/Francoeur outfield. Beltran finally won’t have to try to catch everything himself. His flankers will be doing their share as well.
Angel Pagan has recently become one of my favorites. Keep it going Pagan!
If he can stay healthy I believe he can be an everyday player maybe left field. He reminds me of Moises Alou~ good player and hitter but couldn’t stay healthy. Too bad. I have never heard anything about him being difficult and if its true I am glad that he grew up and learned to appreciate his opportunites.