I was going to write about this a few weeks ago after witnessing David Wright jog it up the first base line on a few occasions during a previous homestead. My immediate response was one of confusion as we’ve always known Wright to be the golden child, the player who always gives it his all no matter what. No ground ball by David Wright has ever deserved a jog up the first base line, no matter how easy a play it is. Not our David Wright.
Then there was another play about a week later (apologies for not pointing out the specific games, I don’t have internet access at the moment) where Wright cobblers an RBI double, the throw goes home, the catcher fumbles the ball, the ball squirms away, and Wright remains on second on a play where he clearly should have been on third. Next batter fly out for out number two, Wright still on second when he should have scored a run on a sacrifice fly if he’s on third. Next batter out inning over.
Listening to ESPN radio a few days ago reignited my fire to post this when I believe it was Dave Rothenberg having a discussion about Wright’s noticeable lack of hustle of recent, citing a specific example on a ball crushed by Wright into the right field corner where Wright pulls up to second, pulling up about halfway to second, content with the double. This is a play where in the past Wright would be on 3rd base in the past if he busts it out the box.
The thing is, no one is talking about it. Not Keith, Ron, or Gary, not the fans, or any sports shows on radio or TV. Not until I heard this and knew its not my mind playing tricks on me.
If this was Jose Reyes, fans and media alike would murder him. If this was Carlos Beltran, there would be a major uproar. So why is David Wright getting this lack-of-hustle free pass?
Is he hurt and we don’t know about it? Did he receive orders from upper management to ‘take it easy’ and to not over exert himself considering the Mets aren’t going anywhere this year? Is he just disgusted with the state of the team and it’s having an effect on his drive to hustle? Shall I dare say he is no longer hungry?
I want to hope its not any physical ailments we need to worry about. But it’s something to keep an eye on.
David Wright is the face of the franchise and he is the one player if anyone to lead by example. There’s too many youngsters on this team looking for leadership, and it starts with Wright.
Has anyone else noticed this and is this something we should be worrying about?
