Home » Player Notes » Midseason Analysis: David Wright
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July 10, 2007 Player Notes Joe Janish

Midseason Analysis: David Wright

[TABLE=4]


Offense

  • walking more often lately, and now taking bad pitches that he swung through earlier in the season
  • gets beat on high fastballs of all speeds — probably the result of focusing on the inside-out swing
  • strikeout rate much higher than last year, and appears to be swinging and missing more often than in the past
  • has been steady but for the most part unspectacular; not quite ready to be the prototypical cleanup hitter
  • teams now pay attention to him when on first base, but is still an efficient and intelligent basestealer


Defense

  • aggressive, which helps him to be very good on bunts and slow rollers
  • stronger arm than credited for, but still occasionally wild with throws
  • better range and more sure-handed than “experts” give him credit for; he utilizes perfect fundamentals in the field, and gets better every day

Second-half Outlook

D-Wright had a tough April, hitting only .244 with no homeruns. Since then, though, he’s steadily creeped his average up, added power, and going into the All-Star break was closing in on .300 and swinging a hot bat. Since he did not participate in the Homerun Derby, we can assume he’ll continue to use that nice, fluid swing that did him so well before July 2006. He’s still concentrating on using the inside-out swing the majority of the time, which will cut down on the strikeouts and lead to more singles and doubles. Expect him to start looking to turn on inside pitches in late July and early August — turning the tables on the scouting reports and sending some fly balls over the leftfield fence.

As stated above, his strikeout rate is much higher than last year. However, it is improving every month. In April, he was striking out once every 4.6 plate appearances; May, 1/4.8; June, 1/5.7; July, 1/6.2.

Wright was just starting to come on when the All Star break appeared; he should have a strong second half and finish with numbers similar, or better than, his 2006 output.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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  1. Micalpalyn July 10, 2007 at 3:19 pm
    Alou was supposed to protect him in the lineup similarly to how Sheff helps the Tigers. BUT since he and Del flipped spots both have surged.
  2. joe July 10, 2007 at 3:28 pm
    Good point. What do you think happens if Alou returns? Does Alou bat sixth?
  3. JIMMYJ723 July 10, 2007 at 4:42 pm
    No. Alou batting sixth makes too much sense. Willie will prob. go back to Delgado 4th, Alou 5th and Wright 6th.

    David Wright is on the brink of becoming a great player. He’s pretty much a lock for a .300+ BA, 100+ runs, 30+ HRs, 100+ RBIs and 20+ SBs every year. He just needs to be a bit more consistant day-in and day-out. He also needs to cut down on throwing away routine groundballs. He makes the tough plays look routine but seems to have a problem every now and then with routine plays. He’s already improved defensively from last year. With his work ethic, I don’t see any reason why he won’t continue to improve.

  4. joe July 10, 2007 at 7:49 pm
    That April scared me, but you’re right — DWright is on his way to the thirdbase elite.

    When he figures out the throwing, he’ll be a Gold Glove candidate.

  5. Micalpalyn July 11, 2007 at 9:41 am
    Daid Wright:
    Is the starting All-star 1st baseman. That IS star power.

    He IS already the best Met 3rd baseman ever. He does need to step in front of the media more. He is a cliche machine so the controversy hawks stay away from him. A day of rest once in a while usually improves your focus. HINT!!!

  6. joe July 11, 2007 at 9:48 am
    c’mon, you’d already put DW ahead of Lenny Randle? And Hubie Brooks?

    LOL

    Yeah, rest would be nice here and there (WILLIE! CAN YOU HEAR US?!) … kinda thought that was the whole purpose of Easley and Franco on the roster … sheesh …

    Question: if D-Wright is playing in Colorado, does he make the All-Star team?