During the Mets’ 2-0 win over the Kansas City Royals, Neil Walker officially became a Metropolitan. In the top of the fourth inning when runs were seeming to be scarce, Walker delivered a two-run shot to put the Mets on the board. It would be all the offense the Mets would need to seal their first victory of the season.
On Friday during the Mets home opener, Walker delivered again, staking the Mets to a 2-1 lead in the sixth with an RBI single against right-hander Jerad Eickhoff. But it was his RBI single against left-hander James Russell that was really worth noting.
Walker struggled against left-handers last season, batting just .237 with a .297 slugging and .575 OPS in 104 plate appearances vs LHP with the Bucs. But he’s been working with hitting coach Kevin Long and has made some adjustments.
“It is big. It is an ongoing process for me.” said Walker about his hit against the southpaw. “We’re working hard and trying to simplify some things… We’ve been working hard on it, and I think it’s going to continue to improve.”
Manager, Terry Collins knows great pressure comes with being the new guy on the team. Especially one who is looking to fill the shoes of former fan favorite, Daniel Murphy.
“I think it’s huge,” Collins said. “I think it gives him all the confidence. Even though we know he’s a real good player, the rest of the guys looking around saying, ‘Hey we’re in good shape. We’ve got a real good player on our hands.'”
Walker, 30, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade for Jon Niese this past offseason. He knows all too well that he will be compared to the former playoff hero, Murphy, who departed the team for the division rival Washington Nationals on a three-year $37.5 million deal.
“This is the first time in my career, obviously, that I’ve gone to a new team. Obviously you want to make good impressions. At the same time, you have to pull back the reins at times and say, ‘You know what? I need to just play my game.’ And fans or whoever will make up their minds about it — whether they like me or not. At the end of the year, I’ll let my numbers speak for themselves.”
If Walker continues to produce as he has in his first three games with the Mets, Daniel Murphy will quickly become a distant memory. Walker has also shined in the field and has shown off some smooth play, soft hands and a strong arm. He’s turned three double plays already and balls hit toward second are no longer the adventure they used to be.
