7
2012
2012 Mets Player Review: David Wright, 3B
An article by 
DAVID WRIGHT, 3B
PRESEASON EXPECTATIONS: Fortunately, one expectation of David Wright did not come true, and that is the Mets would trade him by the deadline. Wright’s situation wasn’t quite like Jose Reyes’ in that Wright has an option for 2013, but the fear of losing him was there, nonetheless. A six-time All-Star who missed 60 games in 2011 because of injury, it was hoped he would return intact and prove his durability by playing a full season. And, if so, he might regain his power stroke. With the fences brought in, it was figured his homer numbers would increase as it was 2008 when he last hit 30. Since then, Wright has frequently been injured – including a horrific beaning in 2009 when he hit 10 homers with just 72 RBI, but struck out 140 times. Prior to that year, Wright’s strikeout high was 118 in 2008. It was hoped by shortening his stroke and being more selective, Wright would cut his strikeouts and increase his homers, vitally important for a team lacking in power.
2012 SEASON REVIEW: Wright proved his durability and the trade deadline passed with the Mets playing surprisingly well and the third baseman sizzling at .351, but with only 11 homers. Even so, Wright had 59 RBI at the break and a dazzling .441 on-base percentage and 1.004 OPS. Translated, he was on base all the time. However, Wright succumbed to the pressure of trying to carry the Mets, and when they sputtered and went into a second-half freefall, so did his numbers. He hit 10 homers with 34 RBI while batting .258 in the second half. His OPS dropped 254 points to .750. Even with the team in a collective second-half drought, Wright’s overall clutch numbers were good, as he hit .349 with two outs and runners in scoring position and .296 after the seventh inning with the game in a one-run balance either way. Above all else, the second half proved the Mets needed complementary bats to Wright’s and how valuable he is to the team.
LOOKING AT 2013: And, by 2013, I mean this winter because Wright will not negotiate during the season. GM Sandy Alderson has repeatedly said the offseason priorities are to sign Wright and R.A. Dickey and not go into their walk years. Reportedly, there is a $100 million package on the table, but talks have been sluggish. It is doubtful anything was discussed last week. It is a very real possibility that if Wright is unsigned by spring training he might be dealt by July. How much of a home team discount Wright gives the Mets is uncertain, but if he hits the free-agent market he will test it, and like Reyes, receive an offer Alderson can’t match.
NEXT: Jason Bay
About the Author: John Delcos
I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.
12 Comments + Add Comment
NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 23 | 18 | .561 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 19 | .548 | 0.5 |
| Phillies | 20 | 23 | .465 | 4.0 |
| Mets | 16 | 24 | .400 | 6.5 |
| Marlins | 11 | 31 | .262 | 12.5 |
Last updated: 05/18/2013
Recent Comments
- ill_egl: on Prima Donnas and Clubhouse Chemistry: A Met Perspective: Good read. I enjoyed this post. It...
- ill_egl: on Is Marlon Byrd Finally Coming Around?: I feel the Beltran trade was one...
- DrDooby: on Is Marlon Byrd Finally Coming Around?: The 2011 payroll actually ended up right...
- DrDooby: on Hefner Lasts Just Four Innings In Mets 8-2 Loss To Cubs: Hefner is what he is. A pedestrian...
- DrDooby: on Hefner Lasts Just Four Innings In Mets 8-2 Loss To Cubs: I believe Centeno hurt his hamstring.
MMO Mets Chat
Need Tickets To The Mets Game?
Check Out These Great MLB Links!
Photographs From Gordon Donovan
5358 Fans Follow Us On Twitter!
1270 Fans Like Us On Facebook!
2341 Fans Read Our Feed!
1702 Fans Subscribe via Daily Email!
Wright hit right upon his averages although his method was worse than usually. He is basically a .300/20/90-100 guy. That is what he will give you. Fine numbers most certainly but not worthy of $130M. This is why I feel it best for the Mets to trade if for some much needed pieces.
He is the best player on a bad team. Never in his career has he proven himself to be a winner. Wright was a participant in all the collapses since 2007. Overlooking his part in it, like many fans do, is a mistake.
“He is the best player on a bad team. Never in his career has he proven himself to be a winner. Wright was a participant in all the collapses since 2007. Overlooking his part in it, like many fans do, is a mistake”.
To honor a good friend/fan of mine…. THIS^^^^
I dont think Wright wants to be the best player on a bad team anymore…
there are so many bad things about the information and details in this article, maybe one or two good things ..
PRESEASON EXPECTATIONS: “including a horrific beaning in 2009 when he hit 10 homers with just 72 RBI, but struck out 140 times”
uhhhh, making excuses for the guy???? He was beaned in august 27th, when he already showed and had proved by then he is not a franchise player and couldn’t carry a team on his own.. But hey, as long as excuse exist i am sure you and others will still be clinging on them for the golden boy.. also, about expectations i don’t think many fans have many for the guy..
2012 SEASON REVIEW: Wright proved his durability and the trade deadline passed with the Mets playing surprisingly” uhhh.. what??? by the trading deadline the mets were DEAD already.. Jeez
“Wright succumbed to the pressure of trying to carry the Mets” Jeez, what a shocker that was..
“Above all else, the second half proved the Mets needed complementary bats to Wright’s and how valuable he is to the team”
Uhhh, what?? it also proved he once again decline and disappear in the second half and should not be trusted for years to come. more of anything, it’s a sign the mets should trade the guy NOW that his value somewhat is up.
2013 LOOKING AHEAD: Trade the guy NOW. and we won’t have to worry about any second half swoon again, or him choking it up when it matter again.. He’s part of the CORE that failed to produce greater results, since we are rebuilding there’s no need to associate him with the future, he’d be nothing but a 3rd baseman version of jason bay for coming years just like Jason Bay is for us now.
Only good thing the i can say you weren’t bias or anything was on his clutch numbers, they were better yes, still don’t trust the guy though. and the second thing was on that part where you said if he’s not signed to an extension (He shouldn’t) then more than likely he’ll be traded by july deadline..
Just an FYI on your “facts”
“He was beaned in august 27th”
He was beaned on August 15th and then didn’t play until September 1.
in 2009, From June 16th – August 15th, David Wright hit .279 with 4 HR
4 HR
and 2010 was more of the same
2011 was more of the same
2012 was more of the same
Post steroid era I just dont trust guys to be highly productive in the years of 34, 35, 36. While there always were a few who made it to 40, many were done by 35 or so. This was my main problem with the idea of signing Reyes long term. He is approaching 30 and history proves that guys who depend upon their legs drop off drastically after 30. Wright, while not fully dependent upon speed, will decline in year 4 and 5 of a 7 year deal.
Plus I do not like the idea of paying a guy the money that is being bantered unless he is one to carry the team. Wright is not. Ironic, but Wilpon was right, he is a star but not a superstar. Many fans defend it by saying “Wright did well when he had players like Beltran and Delgado around him. Give him support and he will do that again”. Not likely. To start, they never won anything. Also, if Wright is going to be paid like the man, he better be the man.
Finally, I question the judgement of a guy who takes an approach that nets him a .350 1st half average and then completely changes. The best way Wright could have helped the Mets was to keep doing was.
Only missed 15 games though… Am i right or wrong? he already had that subpar season in his belt and once beltran went down after reyes and delgado we all knew the mets were dead.. It was his time to shine but instead, the team alone with him went down the toilet, to use the “Beaned” as an excuse is a pathetic attempt to make an excuse for the guy for his subpar season…
But bay is gone lets celebrate
Wow now that Bay is gone,you are all going to jump on David?? You are all pathetic,why dont you all go and root for the Yankees
put a sock in it
Wright is getting 5% of the negative attention Beltran and Reyes got and about 195% of the positive attention they got.
Steve, yankee fans gripe worse even though they get to the playoffs every year.