David Wright’s return and impact on others in the Mets’ lineup

The Mets are quickly gaining credibility around the league even after four months of mediocrity at the dish. Much of the reason that the Mets have struggled at the plate in 2015 is the absence of the heart and soul of the Metropolitan offense: David Wright. His presence in the Mets dugout almost guarantees a victory over the better part of the last four months and the Mets were 5-3 with Wright in the lineup. Wright, after an extremely long process, is finally playing rehab games. He recently went 1-3 with a walk on Monday night while DH-ing in Port St. Luci, and is energized to get back to Queens. But what does this mean for the current Mets? With the arrival of David Wright, there is likely a chain reaction of events that will occur- some good and some bad.

First off, with the arrival of Wright, it means that yet another respectable bat will be placed in the lineup- further enforcing this playoff-caliber team. Here is how the lineup will likely appear once he returns:

RF Curtis Granderson

3B David Wright

CF Yoenis Cespedes

1B Lucas Duda

2B Daniel Murphy

C Travis d’Arnaud

LF Michael Cuddyer

SS Wilmer Flores/ Ruben Tejada

P

That’s a respectable lineup. Not that of the Nationals, Dodgers, Rockies, or even the Cardinals but a lineup that can produce four runs- and we all know what happens when the Mets score four runs. So with the addition of one hitter, the Mets instantly look like a team that can not only play 1-0 or 2-1 games, but 5-4 or 6-5 games. What he also provides is a professional at-bat. No disrespect to Juan Uribe, but he takes enormous hacks that can result in three pitch strikeouts and unproductive plate appearances. Wright can draw a walk, hit a solid double, or send one out of the park. But you already know that.

The biggest question surrounding the return of Wright will be the correlation between his health and his production. After all, we are talking about a guy who is burdened with spine problems. When he and Sandy Alderson announced his injury, many people doubted he would lift a bat again. So, it remains quite likely that one of two things could happen: 1) he could shut down the rehab process and call it a season 2) he could make it all the way back to Queens and re-aggravate his back, promptly calling the season quits. Keep that in mind while watching Wright play. Another question could arise when he returns. What if he struggles? It can’t be much worse than watching 2014 Wright, but what if it is? Wright wants to play every day, as his contract suggests, but if he can’t produce then the Mets are stuck. A few New York beat writers have written about this, but it’s a serious question. Hopefully Wright can produce and this argument is put to rest.

What someone may notice is the obvious omission of Michael Conforto in the starting lineup. This was on purpose. With the return of Wright, it begs the obvious question of who will be left off the roster. Conforto just avoided a demotion with Cuddyer’s return and it was the right call. However, Conforto will not get the nod over guys like Kelly Johnson, Uribe, Juan lagares, or even Tejada to ride the bench. Now obviously Conforto will play plenty more games with the Mets this season as the rosters expand in September. Unfortunately, however, rosters return to normal when the playoffs arrive- and the Mets expect to be there. Conforto will almost certainly be the odd man out in this case- and it’s not really a question. So, with this great addition comes a tough subtraction.

A Conforto lover might ask, “Well what if someone struggles? Could Conforto stick around for October?” The short answer is no- unless someone is extremely cold. To start, the first seven in that lineup aren’t going anywhere no matter how bad Cuddyer gets. After them, it becomes the bench who could be left off the roster. The Mets will almost certainly keep folk-hero Flores for his versatility and clutch bat in addition to Tejada for his actual ability to play shortstop. Unless something happens to Kevin Plawecki or Travis d’Arnaud they will stick around- but if not, Anthony Recker will return. None of the pitchers are leaving except maybe Bartolo Colon. Let’s leave that for another day. This brings us to Uribe and Kelly Johnson. Uribe will likely stay no matter what for experience and history of clutch hitting late-season and postseason. Johnson, on the other hand, is the only player who could be replaced. He has struggled since his homerun in the 15-2 game despite some hard hit balls in Tampa Bay. Like Uribe, Johnson has experience that is lacking in this club to go along with a professional at-bat and quality defense. Unless he really struggles, Johnson will fill out the roster for the playoffs.

After his first game in St. Lucie, Wright called the experience “A great first step.” Hopefully he can take the team to the next step and produce when it really counts.