Mets well represented at Mid-Summer Classic in Pittsburgh
The Major League Baseball All-Star game was on July 11th at Pittsburgh. But for six members of the New York Mets, the festivities began when the teams were announced on July 2nd. Especially the younger players who are going for the first time, such as Jose Reyes and David Wright.
Also voted to the starting line-up with be catcher Paul Lo Duca and centerfielder Carlos Beltran. Pitchers Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine were also chosen to be present at P.N.C. Park. Judging by the fantastic start the Mets are having, is it any surprise that the National League is being represented by that many from the team?
David Wright may be only scratching the surface with this All-Star appearance. He has the tools and the personality to become the Mets' version of Derek Jeter-a home grown superstar and the face of the franchise. How valuable is he to the Mets? Just look back at the 'Bermuda Triangle' that third base has been at Shea over the years. He can be penciled in there for the next ten years and possibly earn an annual appearance at the mid-summer classic.
Much of the same goes for Jose Reyes. Finally remaining healthy after injuries were a problem in his first few major league seasons, he has become a force at the top of the line-up and on the base paths. His flashy fielding has been enjoyable to watch. He is everything that we heard when he first broke in with the Mets. Unfortunately a cut finger suffered over the weekend prevented Reyes from participating in the game. Martinez was placed on the Disabled List recently, and Glavine pitched in Sunday's win over the Marlins.
Lo Duca has stepped into the big shoes of Mike Piazza smoothly. He has been a good hitter in the number two hole and his patience at the plate has allowed lead-off hitter Reyes to lead the National League in stolen bases. He is a gritty receiver and has become a fan favorite at Shea.
Beltran has been hearing cheers, but only after changing them from jeers. A difficult first season in New York after signing a big free agent contract was followed by a slow start this year and more boos. But Beltran has been red hot and is the player the fans were waiting for all along.
Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine are two veterans that will take the Mets as far their health takes them. Without these two aces, the team will have difficulty getting anywhere. They have been there and done that, World Series championships, All-Star games, etc. They will steer the ship through the second half of the season.
A good showing by the members of the Mets who did play in the All-Star game. Wright tied the game with a solo homer. Beltran scored a run and played all nine innings. Lo Duca did not register a base hit. Wright also came in second place in Monday's Home Run Derby, which was won by Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard.
Let's enjoy the break and what the Mets have accomplished so far. Congrats to the six members of the NL All-Star squad wearing blue and orange.