SS - JOSE REYES (C-).248 AVG, 1 HR, 21 RBI
When he's on, it's scary. It's no secret that the Mets win and win often when he is on base wreaking havoc and scoring runs. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened nearly enough this year. It takes a long time to adjust to playing every day after missing so much time on account of injury. For that, I give Jose somewhat of a pass. What I can't give him a pass on though, is his approach at the plate. He is best when he is hitting line drives and beating out ground balls. Numerous times this year he has popped out 3, 4, even 5 times in a single game. That negates his strongest asset - his speed.
2B - LUIS CASTILLO (C+).241 AVG, 0 HR, 14 RBI
Gamer? Well, it looks like Luis is making a trip to the DL. I was ready to praise him for the fact he has been playing hurt every day - which I still will. He is a far better and more serviceable option than Alex Cora. He gets on base a decent amount, plays a steady infield, moves runners along, bunts, etc. He's a pretty good #2 hitter. The .241 average? Yikes. Even so, the Mets will miss him and they certainly have a hole to fill at second base.
LF - JASON BAY (D).295 AVG, 3 HR, 23 RBI
Bust? Well, I certainly wouldn't go that far but it's not debatable that Jason Bay hasn't been the power hitting run producer the Mets sorely need so far. That said, this is very reminiscent of Carlos Beltran's first year in the orange and blue. If you remember, in his first year, Beltran had just 16 HR and 78 RBI. His second year? 41 HR, 116 RBI. So in defense of Bay, sometimes adjustment periods can take a long time. Sometimes you just have bad seasons, and with regards to power numbers this may just be a bad season. Who knows if or when he will take off. What is encouraging though is that Bay is at least hitting for average and is playing a tremendous left field.
1B - IKE DAVIS (A).255 AVG, 6 HR, 17 RBI
Your rookie...cleanup hitter? It would be an understatement to say Ike Davis is smooth in the field. He is a web gem waiting to happen and he has been nothing but brilliant at first base. At the plate, he has a silky smooth swing and incredible raw power (first major league home run over the Shea Bridge anyone?) The one deduction? His batting average has lowered considerably of late because his pitch selection has been fairly poor. He is chasing balls up at eye level a little too often. Other than that, what's not to like about Ike?
3B - DAVID WRIGHT (D).267 AVG, 9 HR, 36 RBI
"K-Vid." Though he's on pace for a more David Wright-like 27 homers and 108 RBI, David Wright is on pace for something that far catches the eye in the most alarming of ways - 207 strikeouts. Wright has seemingly tried to overcompensate for last year's lack of power numbers by swinging out of his shoes on a consistent basis. He also often flinches on inside pitches that break back over the plate - perhaps a result of last year's beaning. Whether it's the Citi Field dimensions, the beaning, an identity crisis of being labeled as a home run hitter or not - whatever the case may be - it's resulted in an alarming 69 strikeouts already. His fielding has been very questionable at times too. He no longer throws the ball overhand, instead slinging the ball over to first base which results in the ball tailing into the runner (i.e. the game losing error at Turner Field in Atlanta.) He is also devoid of breakthrough hits or hits in clutch situations. An overall disappointment. Hopefully Wright can get himself in the right state of mind and return to being the face of the franchise and the overall great player that he is. If only on account of his numbers, D stands for David.
CF - ANGEL PAGAN (A).293 AVG, 4 HR, 23 RBI
Aside from having one of the best baseball names ever, Mr. Pagan has been an absolute blessing to this team. He plays a smooth centerfield. He has pop. He hits for average. He has a good arm. He has patrolled the expanse Citi Field outfield beautifully. Most importantly, he has done anything that Jerry Manuel has asked of him to do - from batting leadoff, to third, to his current spot. One of my personal favorites, and a guy who is making me ask, "Carlos who?" He has earned himself a position in this outfield whether Beltran comes back or not.
C - ROD BARAJAS (A+).268 AVG, 11 HR, 30 RBI
A catcher's most important job is to develop good relationships with his pitching staff, and translate that into success. This is something Rod (and Henry) have done marvelously. The Mets as a team have a sub 4.00 ERA (3.95 to be exact.) That, again, is a reflection on the catcher. Considering the Mets pitching staff has any many question marks as it does, that is a feat directly attributable to Rod. Offensively? Well, Barajas has produced numerous timely hits, game winning home runs, and is on pace for 33 HR and 90 RBI despite not playing every day. He has been in the top 10 in home runs in the National League all year long and leads the team. He and Mike Pelfrey are neck and neck for team MVP.
RF - JEFF FRANCOEUR (C-).253 AVG, 5 HR, 28 RBI
Frenchy had a blistering hot first couple of weeks, but has been in a tailspin ever since (though he's picked it up offensively of late.) He began the year batting 5th, and has more than noticeably dropped to 8th in the order. This isn't the ideal progression for the former "future superstar." His approach at the plate for a while turned almost comical. Strikeouts were imminent - it was just a matter of which pitch he was going to chase out of the strike zone. That said, I give him a C- on account of two things - the way he conducts himself (his presence in the clubhouse and with the media), and his presence in right field. Frenchy is one of the guys that keeps the team loose. He is also an enormous defensive asset. He has had numerous outfield assists and has prevented many runs from scoring on the threat of his cannon alone.
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In other news: GOOD RIDDANCE GMJ. I think I speak for everyone when I say, you will not be missed. Go ahead, run along now...
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The One/Third Report - Starting Rotation, Bullpen, Jerry and Omar all to come!
-Tom Greenhalgh (6/4/10)
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