Archive for the ‘David Wright’ Category
Baseball Prospectus : Best Use of $78 Million
Posted by Anthony De RosaAugust 8, 2006 at 8:18 pm
8 Aug
Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus thinks the Mets got a whale of a deal on Jose Reyes and David Wright, defining it as the best investment in baseball in a long time…
“And the winner for best use of $78 million is…”
OK, I don’t know what the other nominees in the category might be, but
I also don’t think it matters. The Mets’ twin signings of Jose Reyes and David Wright
are as solid an investment as any baseball team has made in recent
years. The two deals lock up a champiosnhip-caliber core through the
players’ peaks while avoiding a hefty investment in post-peak seasons,
and they do so at reasonable, perhaps even bargain prices.
Let’s look at Reyes’ deal first. The shortstop’s new contract
is worth $23.25 million through 2010, his age-27 season. The Mets have
an option for 2011 at $11 million. The contract buys out at least one
and possibly two seasons of free agency if the option is picked up.
Eyeballing the current shortstop market, we see that free-agent
shortstops come in around $10 million (Edgar Renteria) to $13 million (Rafael Furcal) a season for minimum three-year commitments.
Read the entire article here.
Sphere: Related ContentMike & Mike were both dominating figures in the clubhouse, Piazza carried a quiet, cool demeanor, and stood out for how he was the man who returned the franchise to glory. Cameron made his mark with his million dollar smile, his ability to loudly crack jokes with everyone in the clubhouse, and his magnificent glove. Cameron still stays on top of the Mets and stays in touch with one of his favorite people, Cliff Floyd, even though they're not a locker away from each other anymore…
Cliff Floyd and Mike Cameron shared neighboring lockers for two years,
and now they share voice mails and text messages
Last week, Cameron
told a reporter that he still watches virtually every Mets game. Floyd
was unaware of that, but “he's always giving me messages, letting me
know how bad I am.”
David Wright was also a friend of Cameron's and was sad to see him go, hoping to grab lunch or dinner with Cameron while he's in town.
“I think he's a great teammate; I think he's a great leader,” Wright said of Cameron. “He was great to me.”
Added Floyd: “It's just a shame he wasn't here long enough to enjoy what we're going through.”
Sphere: Related ContentSeveral of Mike Piazza's ex-teammates on the Mets were excited about his return to Shea, here are some comments from today's New York Post…
Trachsel will pitch carefully to the greatest Mets hitter of
all-time when he steps to the plate tonight, likely to a raucous
ovation from a thankful fan base.
“It's still Mike Piazza,” Trachsel said. “He's still a power threat. He drives in runs and gets a lot of clutch hits.
“All the things you think of Mike Piazza, he's still capable of doing.”
Former teammates still hold the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer in high esteem.
“He did a lot of beautiful things here,” Jose Reyes said.
“Hopefully he gets a nice ovation when he comes back in,”
manager Willie Randolph said. “He's meant a lot to this organization
and the city. And he's having a nice year.”
Willie had more nice things to say about Mike in The New York Daily News.
“He has a champion's heart and know-how,” Randolph said. “When a guy
has been a great player, he has a way of challenging himself to get as
much out as possible. I never thought he was done.”
David Wright expects a huge ovation for Mike.
“There aren't too many (former) Mets who have come back and been
cheered,” David Wright said. “They should be, especially if they did
great things. Mike is one of those and deservedly so. He's done
tremendous things for this organization and for this city. I think fans
will show their appreciation for what he's done.”
Mike's numbers, .297 with 16 home runs and 49 RBI, are good enough to keep him in the upper echelon of catchers in baseball, but as Tom Glavine points out, Mike will always be compared to himself in his prime, which few players at any position can keep up forever.
“His biggest obstacle is that he is compared to himself,” Glavine said.
“He is compared to Mike Piazza in his prime. He's not that player. None
of us are. Compare any of us to what we were in our prime when we are
past it and we're not the same.
Here are some noteworthy quotes around the papers regarding New York's newest millionaires, David Wright and Jose Reyes…
Joel Sherman in The New York Post…
Shea parking lot and, in the last week, the Mets made sure to put the
cornerstones in place.”
or Jose Reyes shirt and know they will be here a long time,” GM Omar
Minaya said.
“Met fans can buy so much more than that. They can
invest fully into a team that finally gets it. Minaya's most important
act as GM has been imbuing his aggressive nature and thirst for top
talent into the Wilpons. The ownership has embraced his vision,
spending vigorously on the international market, the free-agent market
and now to secure two youngsters years from free agency.”
Roger Rubin (Adam has a brother??) in The New York Daily News…
Said Reyes: “I'm happy about it because this is what I've wanted, to
play next to David for a long time. You never know if that will happen
in baseball, but now we do.”
There's reason to believe: Wright is guaranteed six more seasons,
Carlos Beltran five, Reyes four, Billy Wagner three and Carlos Delgado
and Pedro Martinez two each. The core of the group that last night
extended its division lead to 13 games isn't going anywhere.
Ben Shpigel in The New York Times…
As was Wright’s stellar defensive game against the Phillies
on Saturday, when he speared a sharp grounder in the ninth inning that
would have driven in the tying run. The Mets’ front office resumed
negotiations with Wright’s advisers after the game, and Minaya joked
that Wright’s play cost the Mets money.
“We were sitting in a
conference room watching the game, and we turned off the TV when they
came in,” Levinson (Wright's agent) said, referring to Minaya; John Ricco, the assistant
general manager; and Tony Bernazard, the special assistant to the
general manager. “They all looked somber, and then I asked them, ‘So,
how’d the game turn out?’ ”
According to a report from SI.com, Mets All-Star third baseman David
Wright has inked a six-year contract extension worth a reported $55
million.
SI.com's Jon Heyman reported that the deal will also have an option for 2013 worth 16 million dollars.
Over the next 4 years, Wright makes 23.5 million, the same as Reyes. In the 5th and 6th years, Wright gets 14 and 15 milion, with 1.5 million going to charity. The Mets have a 1 million dollar buyout in 2013, bringing it to 55 million guaranteed. He receives a 1.5 million signing bonus.
If the Mets pick up his option, he gets 71 million.
David Wright was thrilled to be a part of the future of the Mets franchise.
“I never would have imagined something like this when I signed in
2001. I always wanted to be a lifelong Met. I think this is the first
step in that direction,” Wright said Sunday.
“It's a special
feeling growing up as a Mets fan and now knowing — knock on wood –
I'm going to be a Met for the next six or seven years.”
On the heels of his deal with Jose Reyes, just 3 days ago, Omar Minaya locks up the Mets left side of the infield for the forseeable future.
special week for the Mets,” said Mets general manager Omar Minaya.
Willie Randolph was happy to know his two young superstars will no be going anywhere, anytime soon.
“We're fortunate to tie them up and I look forward to watching them
play a number of years.”
Hat tip to El Giacomo, Darkstar and Mets Toot for relaying the news.
Sphere: Related ContentAdam Rubin gives us a countdown to when David Wright and Jose Reyes become very wealthy young men…
In New York, with Wright and Reyes particularly, there's no danger
of them leaving that first year they're free agents. It just may cost
more money.
There are some exceptions, but free agency comes after six full
years of major-league service time. After this year, here are the
service time totals. (After three full years you're eligible for
arbitration, with some exceptions.)
Reyes: 3 years, 111 days …. so he'll be arbitration
eligible for the first time this winter, and not eligible for free
agency until after the 2009 season.
Wright: 2 years, 75 days … not arbitration eligible until after '07 and not a free agent until after '10.
Sanchez: 3 years, 75 days … arbitration eligible for the first time this winter, and a free agent after '09 season.
Heilman: 2 years, 123 days … same as Wright … not arbitration eligible until after '07, and not a free agent until after '10.
Sphere: Related ContentMatt on Metsblog.com points out that in a story in Pioneer Press by Charlie Waters, C Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Morneau can expect to receive long-term contract offers from the Twins worth roughly $40 million per player over five years.
Both players are arbitration eligable this winter. Wright is not eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2007 season, Reyes can accept arbitration this off-season. Matt indicated correctly that Reyes could look to Mauer and Morneau's contracts as a jumping off point.
Omar Minaya has indicated in an earlier conversation with Mike Francesa and Chris Russo on WFAN that he wishes to sit down this offseason with Wright and Reyes about their long term future with the Mets.
Mets Release Statement Over "Faith Healer" Commercial
Posted by Anthony De RosaJuly 18, 2006 at 2:06 pm
18 Jul
The Mets issued a release regarding the commercial which had David Wright introducing a commercial for a “faith healer” who is appearing at Madison Square Garden.
Joint Statement of David Wright and the New York Mets
David Wright and the New York Mets have no affiliation or
association whatsoever with the event entitled 'Salvation Miracles
Revival Crusade,’ and neither approve of nor endorse the event. The
recent TV ad about the event was produced without authorization or
approvals through an abuse of a media-newsgathering credential.
David wants to express the following: ‘I believed that I was
accommodating an agency which had been authorized by the Mets. One of
the greatest things about playing and living in New York is the
diversity of its people and the diversity of our fans. Religion is
purely a private matter and I would never endorse one religion over
another. For anyone who was offended by the commercial please accept my
sincere apology.’
The Mets did not and would not endorse any such event or allow their
logos and trademarks be used in such a fashion. The TV spots have been
pulled and will not air again. We apologize for any problems or
confusion that may have been caused by this unauthorized action.
Added Wright in a statement:
Wright also told The New York Post
about playing and living in New York is the diversity of its people and
the diversity of our fans. Religion is purely a private matter and I
would never endorse one religion over another. For anyone who was
offended by the commercial, please accept my sincere apology.”
Single Season HR Record: 41 (1996) - Todd Hundley
Carlos Beltran's pace: 48
Carlos Delgado's pace: 42
David Wright's pace: 37
Single Season Runs Record: 123 (1999) - Edgardo Alfonzo
Jose Reyes' pace: 139
Carlos Beltran's pace: 128
Single Season RBI Record: 124 (1999) - Mike Piazza
David Wright's pace: 136
Carlos Beltran's pace: 132
Single Season SB Record: 66 (1999) - Roger Cedeno
Jose Reyes' pace: 72
Single Season OPS Record: 1.024 (2000) - Mike Piazza
Carlos Beltran: .994
David Wright: .961
Single Season SLG Record: .614 (2000) - Mike Piazza
Carlos Beltran: .606
Single Season Doubles Record: 44 (1996) - Bernard Gilkey
David Wright's pace: 40
Carlos Beltran's pace: 37
Single Season Triples Record: 21 (1996) - Lance Johnson
Jose Reyes' pace: 22
Single Season Win Loss Perecentage Record: .870 (1988) - David Cone
Tom Glavine: .846
Last night, New York Mets All Stars Carlos Beltran and David Wright did everything they could to help their National League team win, but their efforts were ruined by a blown save by Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the ninth inning. David Wright hit his first All-Star homer in his first at bat and Carlos Beltran went 2-4 with a key stolen base that helped give the NL a 2-1 lead. However, Michael Young's two-out, two-run triple in the ninth resulted in a 3-2 AL win.
David Wright was quoted in The New York Daily News as saying he received many congratulations for his performance in the Home Run Derby, including one from Cliff Floyd who admitted he underestimated the young slugger.
messages and voice mails from everybody who was watching. I think
people kind of counted me out before it started. I think they're a
little surprised I went off in the first round like that.”
Just a few years ago, Wright had to sneak into the locker room to meet his heros after the Futures Game. Scott Rolen, who Wright greatly admires, recalls how Wright came up to him to show his appreciation. The New York Post quotes Rolen.
meet. He hung out and we had a good time,” Rolen said. “I could see
then that he was mature and could handle himself. Hopefully he can
continue to go from here. He's going to be all right.”
Wright had a bumpy ride to the game, as described in The New York Post
said. “We finally get here and my agents arrange for a limo to pick me
up and take me to Heinz Field for a party. We we're going to roll up in
style, but the limo driver was like a cab driver from New York. He ran
over a curb and all of a sudden we have a flat tire. The guy wants to
keep going and we're banging along on three wheels.”
Wright had a choice to roll up with the rims scraping on the road or walk the rest of the way. Wright opted to walk.
Tom Glavine had high praise for Wright.
now what he did in the in the home run derby and the game,” Glavine
said, “and it kind of makes you think it's going to be a magical year
for David Wright.”
It was quite surreal watching Scott Kazmir pitch to Carlos Beltran. I felt a twinge of pride and naseau all at once.
I must admit myself that I got some satisfaction watching Wright homer off of Kenny Rogers who I imagine David had watched walk in the winning run in the 1999 NLCS. I would imagine Wright felt he got some satisfaction in paying back Rogers for ruining a great comeback win in 16 innings off the bat of Robin Ventura's grand slam single the previous night, the greatest game I ever attended at Shea Stadium.
Wright and Reyes Enjoying All Star Experience
Posted by Anthony De RosaJuly 11, 2006 at 2:46 pm
11 Jul
David Wright and Jose Reyes are like two kids in a candy store. Wright was excited to get autographs from Boston bash brothers David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Wright not only got an autograph from Big Papi but he served as Wright's personal towel boy to cool him off in the championship round of last nights Home Run Derby. Unfortunately, Manny being Manny, he didnt attend the game so Wright will miss his opportunity to complete the set.
Wright was thrilled to share the experience with his friend and teammate, Jose Reyes, as reported in Newsday.
All-Star Game, but I get to share it with some of the guys,” Wright
said. “It shows what we've done in the first half. Jose and I have
become almost like brothers, just the way we came up through the
organization. We both have passion for the New York Mets. Now we get to
show off our game. It's a great feeling. We laugh together and we both
play with a lot of energy.”
Even Derek Jeter, crosstown rival, was appreciating the representation from the dynamic duo of the Mets left side of the infield. Reports Kevin Kernan in New York Post.
are going to enjoy watching it, especially with the young Met guys they
got here. They've had great seasons. Fans should be excited to watch,
they're going to have long careers, hopefully they're in New York for a
long time. I think it's great for Mets fans.”
Wright was quick to compliment his pitcher, Paul Lo Duca, who lobbied David to let him pitch to him, and Wright was very happy with the results. As quoted in The Daily News.
“A-plus for Paul Lo Duca,” Wright said. “He did an excellent job. He
surprised me quite a bit. He hit my sweet zone a couple of times and
hit my bat a couple of times. I owe him. I don't know what yet, but I
owe him.”
Daily News reports that Wright was also happy to make best buddy Cliff Floyd eat his words, who teased Wright saying he would only muster a couple of dingers.
“I will hold my head high when I walk into that Met clubhouse,” Wright
said. “I think Cliff owes me something, because he said the over-under
was like two or three. I surpassed Cliff's expectations. And I will be
talking about this for a while.”
Sphere: Related Content
Check out the full story on Metsblog, where I will be guest blogging while Matt is on his honeymoon.
Sphere: Related ContentNewsday declares the Mets as having the best left side in baseball, ahead of Derek Jeter and A-Rod on the Yankees. The poll they conducted gave David Wright and Jose Reyes the edge as well, as voted by their readers.
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