The long and anticipated return of David Wright from the DL is set to occur with tonight’s game in Miami vs. the Marlins. For Mets’ fans, it’s not a moment too soon.
So what can we expect from Wright upon his return?
It’s a tough question to diagnose. The easy thing, for sure, to do is temper your expectations.
Wright will, and should, be extended a grace period. After all, Wright was struggling mightily (.226 batting average with seven home runs and 18 RBI’s in 146 at-bats) with a stress fracture in his back and has been out of action for close to two months.
Prior to Thursday, Wright was 10-21 in his rehab games, though. So, he is itching and raring to go.
The one thing to expect from Wright is for him to at least provide a presence in the middle of the lineup. The Mets are a team in such desperate need of a presence. As good as a hitter Daniel Murphy has been, he provides no power presence in the middle of the lineup.
Outside of Carlos Beltran (who may not be with the team much longer), the Mets really don’t have a thumping bat that opposing pitchers have fear in. (For a while Jason Bay had this effect, but in roughly a year and a half with the Mets, that presence is no longer felt.)
So, with Jose Reyes returning to the lineup earlier in the week, the Mets almost have their full contingent of players (sans Ike Davis). However, this may just be a case of being ‘too little, too late.’
The Mets find themselves eight and a half games back of the wild card, with the Braves showing no signs of slowing down. Add this to the fact that Beltran could be traded a moment’s notice, and the Mets could be forced to think about 2012 and beyond, whether the fans like it or not.
That’s not to say that Wright’s return is not of any importance. Quite the contrary.
With just more than two months to go in the season, Mets’ brass would like to know where Wright fits in the grand scheme of things.
Is he a cornerstone player? Can the Mets build around Wright? Is he expendable?
These are some of the questions Sandy Alderson needs to have answered prior to the start of the 2012 season.
Lost in Reyes’ MVP-type season is the fact that Wright was, and perhaps still is, the face of the franchise. Not too long ago, we lauded at Wright’s all-American good boy charm and game. However, some struggles and injuries have made him an almost forgotten figure.
It’s now time for Wright to step to the plate and deliver the goods. If/when Beltran leaves town, a lot of pressure will be heaped upon Wright’s shoulders. It’s time to see what Wright is made of.
Just don’t expect Wright to be the Wright of old right away. By the time Wright gets his swagger back, the Mets may have dealt Beltran and could be light years away from playoff contention, thus minimizing the effect he can really have on the team.
However, the return of Wright will be a welcome sight nonetheless, with the thinking he can give the Mets’ fanbase something to hope for. Whether that hope is for this year, or 2012 and beyond, is anybody’s guess at this time.
Not a bad start of the DL!!
I expect him to cut down his swing on two strikes, hit the ball hard where it is pitched using the whole field, take more pitches, hit his pitch, and be more selective. I expect him to be the David Wright of pre 2009. Tonight was a good start.
Trade wright. Play murphey. Pocket the money.