David Wright vs. Derek Jeter - A Year Later
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by user Pean
" David Wright will eclipse Jeter as the face of New York sports. He will be a better offensive ballplayer (and probably defensively too), win a couple championships (maybe more). I also think he has the look, interview skill, and demeanor to be a legendary New York athlete. Think Mickey Mantle."
After a great first full season in 2005, and a terrific 1st half of 2006, one would argue that the young 3rd baseman was on the right track. Excuse me Mr. Jeter, will you please return your crown to City Hall? However, something happened on the way to "speaking-to-soon-ville" -- It was called the 2nd half of 2006, the 2006 post season, and the first month or so of the 2007 season. In 2006 before the All-Star break, Wright was hitting .316 with 20 HR and 74 RBI (339 AB). However, since the break (including last year's post season), David hit .287 with 7 HR and 50 RBI. His 4-25 (.160) hitting was a big part in the Mets' NLCS loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. So far this season, he is hitting .261 with 0 HR and 4 RBI. Now, I realize this is early and its a long season, but he has not improved like his teammate Jose Reyes (although not many have). In fact, there have been some rumblings of Wright's off-field activities getting in the way, including his endorsements for "Vitamin Water" and video game "MLB '07: The Show".
I think Wright is a talented player, but I would be a little worried about his regression. It takes a lot to play in New York, let alone be the focal point of one of the best teams in the league. Since Wright is so young, he has an opportunity to get used to all the fame and extra activities that come along with being a marketable star. However, right now, he has ALOT of catching up to do if he wants to even enter the same conversation as Derek Jeter -- or even Jose Reyes.
