Drafted No. 38 overall by the Mets in 2001, third baseman David Wright has seen his skill, and popularity, rise more and more each year in the organization.
Raised in Chesapeake, VA (20 minutes away from the old Mets' AAA-affiliate Norfolk Tides), Wright grew up a Mets fan and dreamed of playing for his favorite team one day.
Never in a million years did he imagine it would come true.
The son of a retired police chief, Wright was raised in a very disciplined household.
David often credits his success to his upbringing, and boy has it paid dividends. Not only is he one of the best players in the game, he is also the one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
Now the Mets' captain, whether he admits it, 26 year old David Wright has taken the spotlight of New York City and shined brightly. With the Mets' fate in question every season, one thing is certain: David Wright will produce.
In his first four full-time seasons in the majors, Wright has yet to bat lower than .302 (2008), has yet to hit less than 26 home runs (2006), and has yet to drive in less than 102 runs (2005).
For the pessimists who are still looking for something to gripe about, David Wright has yet to hit 100 home runs or drive in 200 runs in one season. There, satisfied?
For some fans, Wright has not been consistent enough. His ups and downs throughout certain months of the season have opened up quite a nasty discussion among followers that he is not clutch.
Let's put that argument to rest right now.
The attached graphic is a snapshot of some Wright's career statistics in "clutch" situations that I have compiled.
I'm sorry, but those numbers are not the numbers of a "choke artist."
In fact, the only number that really could stand to improve is his .259 batting average with two outs and RISP, but when you consider what he has done in other situations, that number should not bother the average fan too much.
Along with being a class act off the field through various charities and appearances, Wright basically does the same thing every year—bats above .300; hits around 30 home runs; drives in over 100 runs; steals about 20 bases (with the capability of stealing 30-40); wins a Gold Glove award; wins a Silver Slugger award; is elected to the All-Star Game; and for some reason answers every single question thrown his way— no matter what the topic.
Tell me, who wouldn't want this guy on their team?
As for 2009, expect the same things from the offense, and expect Wright to step up and take charge. As long as the Mets aren't having to re-take the lead every inning or so late in games like they were in 2008, the reduced pressure could possibly equate to even more production for the heavy hitters in the middle of the order.
Oh yeah, and did I mention he's only 26-years-old?
2008 Stats:
160 G, 626 AB, 189 H, 42 2B, 33 HR, 124 RBI, .302/.390/.534
2009 Prediction:
160 G, 620 AB, 201 H, 44 2B, 35 HR, 132 RBI, .315/.395/.540
Statistics courtesy of BaseballReference.com
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