The All-Time NY Mets: 2000s Third Baseman

Okay, it's David Wright--not that there should have been any doubt. Now that we've gotten that formality out of the way, let's take a brief look at the other third-base starters for this decade.

In 2000-01, Robin Ventura filled the spot, if not with the lustrous success that he had in 1999, at least with smiling competence. He appeared in over 140 games both years, clubbing more than twenty home runs each time out. His .230s batting averages were augmented by his ability to draw a walk; his on-base percentages each year were acceptable. But clearly Robin was nearing the end of the line, and following the 2001 season, he was traded to the Yankees, for whom he put up similar numbers.

2002 saw the return of Edgardo Alfonzo to the hot corner. Just as he had been moved from third to second to make room for Ventura, this time he was shifted from second back to third to make way for shiny new import Roberto Alomar. His final season for the Mets was reminiscent of his better years: 16 homers and a .308 average, a fine 127 OPS+. He was allowed to leave as a free agent at the close of the season; Mets management seemed to believe his best years were behind him. Turns out they were right.

For the next year and a half, third base belonged to young Ty Wigginton, who more resembled a fullback than an infielder. Wiggy was a fan favorite--no small feat considering he was replacing the popular Alfonzo--but he was really just a placeholder for the position, a steward warming the throne for the coming prince.

Midway through 2004, Wigginton was traded to the Pirates, partially in order to get Kris Benson, but primarily because the ascendancy of David Wright to his rightful place had become necessary.

In David Wright's four complete seasons in New York, he has always hit at least 25 home runs and 40 doubles, always driven in more than a hundred runs, always scored at least 95, always batted over .300. The lowest OPS+ he has posted in any of those years was 133; I don't want to speak prematurely, but that's Hall of Fame territory. In addition, he has been successful stealing bases at a better than 4-to-1 clip--better percentage-wise than Jose Reyes. He has won the last two NL Gold Gloves at third base, and while some may consider that a faint honor, there is little question that he has continuously improved as a defensive player. Smiling, positive, telegenic--he is the homegrown position player Mets fans pensively waited for over the course of more than forty dismal seasons. And here he is, and he's ours.

Some of the more vociferous fans expressed displeasure with his 2008 campaign, which, according to a few scant measures, was disappointing. And he hit .302, and tied the all-time Mets record for RBI in a season, and hit over thirty home runs. And that was a bad season?

Be careful with your expectations, Mets fans. Remember Jim Fregosi. Remember Roy Staiger. Remember Elliott Maddox. And celebrate David Wright.