Mar
30
2011

Mets 2011 Opening Day GFX: Holy Thole!

An article by Kelly Horn

Holy Thole!

One of the things I’m most excited about this season is watching the continued development of last season’s Mets rookie class, and what a class it was. Ike Davis and Jon Niese both stepped forward in big and demonstrative ways, but when a young 23 year old catcher name Josh Thole replaced Rod Barajas on June 25th, I remember seeing a lot of skeptics. Not anymore!

Thole silenced the crowd with all the plate discipline of a savvy vet and the pitchers all raved about his game calling skills behind the dish. Thole had a fine season batting .277, but with an amazing .377 on-base percentage. Some have compared him to a young Jason Kendall and other still envision Thole as a future number two hitter in the mold of Paul Lo Duca. His power wasn’t very apparent last season, but he showed up to spring camp in February with some added muscle and has been punishing the ball month. Thole already has three homeruns, and his slugging percentage stands at .618 in 55 AB, second only to David Wright! Who says he has no power?!

Here’s to a huge breakout season in 2011 from Josh Thole!

About the Author: Kelly Horn

MMO's graphic/web designer, the former Met Carlos Beltran's biggest fan, and one of the few but proud Oklahoma Mets Fans

4 Comments + Add Comment

Donal March 30, 2011 at 10:57 am

Do we really need to line him up with catchers if we are comparing offense?

I see him as a lot like John Olerud. If the power we saw this Spring is legit, he should be good for HR in the high teens and a SLG in the mid .400. Again, if the power is legit.

He’s a lefty bat with a good swing that hits line drives, a good eye and lead feet.
- Donal March 30, 2011 at 11:47 am
  
  Oh, duh.
  
  Forgot to mention I like the art work.
Mr North Jersey March 30, 2011 at 12:08 pm

Love the fade to black you did with the words Opening Day 2011 Kelly then placing New York Mets in between.

Great job!
Paul Costilla March 30, 2011 at 5:47 pm

Love the art work too only problem is that opening day is 4-1-11 not 4-1-01

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