MMO Exclusive: Angel Pagan Is A Team First Guy

On Friday, we were fortunate enough to ask Angel Pagan a few questions while the Mets were taking batting practice at Citi Field. David Ponte did a superb job covering the Mets for us that day on the field and from the press box. He had to do some quick thinking as most of the questions we sent him off with were for some other players we had been targeting. He did a fine job, and was able to give us a glimpse into the type of player Angel Pagan is.

Here is their Q&A which I transcribed for you, or you can listen to the interview by clicking play on our media player. 

 

Q – How do you feel about your season so far?

A – It’s been very positive for me. I’m doing pretty good and I’m helping the club.

Q – How do you feel about leftfield next year?

A – Pretty good. If they give it to me I’ll do my best. I’ll be getting ready for next season and I’ll come prepared to bring my best and help this club to win a championship.

Q - Where would you ideally want to bat in the lineup?

A – Where ever they put me. They can put me in the nine hole after the pitcher, and I’ll take it. Wherever this team needs me to produce, I will do my best for them.

Phil Hoops recently wrote a nice piece on Angel Pagan, and Satish Ram selected him for Metsmerized Player of the Month for August. Pagan has been a catalyst since becoming an everyday player due to all of the injuries. In just 64 games played, Pagan has hit.301 with 13 doubles, 8 triples, 6 homeruns, 28 RBIs, 13 stolen bases and 41 runs scored. His .832 OPS is among the highest on the team. 

Whatever his role ends up being next season, Pagan is a gamer who’s willing to do anything to help this team win. He’s also had his share of baserunning gaffes this season, but those are things that will improve as he gains more experience. We actually talked about that with Jerry Manuel. The bottom line is that Pagan has been one bright spot in a a season with so few of them. You can never have enough guys like Angel in the clubhouse.

A view from the press box during our first day with press credentials.

We’ll be posting a few more interviews later today, including one with manager Jerry Manuel. And later this week, I’ll have an exclusive interview with a former Met that I know you won’t want to miss.

We want to thank Mike, Shannon, Doug and Dave for their help and assistance, and Jay Horwitz for being so cordial. Remember to also visit Dave at NYsportSpace for more on the Mets and all the other New York sports teams. Football season is here, so catch all the Jets and Giants action on NYsportSpace.