As most of you know bt now, Kristie Ackert of the Daily News reported on an incident regarding David Wright and top prospect Noah Syndergaard during an intrasquad game on Tuesday, Mets captain Wright noticed the 21 year old eating by himself in the clubhouse. The veteran third basemen promptly and “intently” instructed Syndergaard to join his teammates on the bench for the rest of the game.
Of course, being how the media operates, the incident as it turns out, was way overblown and even distorted. Bobby Parnell was portrayed as a street corner brute, Wright was breathing fire, and poor Syndergaard scampered for cover like a barnyard mouse. Meanwhile it was just a simple case of the team captain instructing a young rookie about the do’s and dont’s of life in a major league clubhouse.
Wright would not speak of anything that was said other than wishing it had been private and not privy to wandering ears. He was firm in his belief that baseball is a team activity and everyone on the Mets will conduct themselves in such a manner. He offered a valuable reason for this as well, particularly for the prospects. “If there is a young player that is here (in major-league camp) there is a reason, they have talent and potential. I would encourage them to use this chance to take every opportunity to learn from it.”
The Mets are doing an excellent job of placing the right amount of attention on the right players. The NY Post also reported earlier this week about the team pairing ace Matt Harvey up with Syndergaard with the hope that he can pick up on Harvey’s drive and focus.
“So now it’s no accident that Syndergaard has been paired with Harvey in drills and live batting practice sessions.”
“You hope some of it rubs off on Noah,” was the way Terry Collins put it Monday.
And it’s not just Syndergaard but also Kevin Plawecki, Matt Reynolds and Steven Matz all being paired with veterans and getting plenty of time to ask questions and learn what it means to be a major leaguer.
In my eyes, Wright appropriately handled a “miscommunication” like a veteran should and instilled the idea that being a successful professional goes behind talent alone.
By all means, Noah Syndergaard appears to be a good kid and he looks to be in incredible shape following an offseason with Mike Barwis. Multiple sources are raving about his lethal curveball and scorching fastball this spring.
What distinguishes Harvey from a lot of players is his desire to be the best, which requires doing all the little things and being locked in at all times. The Mets are doing good by surrounding their top prospect with the right leadership. Everyone wants to see Syndergaard succeed at this level for his sake and the good of the whole team.
