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THE METS
Round-the-clock updates on Pedro and his special new shoe are gripping, no doubt; not since the "phalanxious" days of Eric Dickerson-vs-the-Hoosier-Dome-turf have we been so enthralled. But the Mets' world revolves around David Wright now. If he avoids a sophomore slump, we're likely talking about the best third baseman in baseball not named Alex.
At 23, Wright posted a glowing .912 OPS and 28 Win Shares in 2005, and he was better in every major offensive category after the All-Star break. This year, Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projection sees still happier returns in the offing, figuring him for roughly 40 doubles, 30 home runs, nearly 20 stolen bases and a VORP (value over replacement player) score of 59.9 (fifth-best in the game).
The questions are these: Will he hold up under the weight of high expectations, on both him and the club? The NL East is New York's to win, so there ain't no flying beneath the radar this year (witness the most recent ESPN The Magazine cover). And, just as importantly, will Mets manager Willie Randolph give him the chance to carry the weight?
Willie's talked about not wanting to rush Wright (he hit him down in the order last year, even when it was clear the kid could mash), and he's toying with his batting order plans this spring like a repentant grandma working her rosary. This shouldn't be complicated: Wright should hit second or third, not fifth or sixth. If he doesn't, the Mets are selling him short and shooting themselves in the foot.
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