The Mets' and Dodgers' Infield
New York Has A Big Edge Over Los Angeles
A rookie, two aging veterans, and a shortstop coming off an ankle injury don't compare favorably to the Mets' stars.
The Mets’ eight position players compare favorably with those of the Dodgers. It is recognized that many variables exist when comparing players, but a rough idea of the relative strengths of the teams can be achieved when scrutinizing the eight regulars. First, a comparison of the Mets’ and Dodgers’ infielders.
Delgado Is Not Finished Yet
The Mets have a first baseman that may be on his way to the Hall of Fame someday, but Carlos Delgado’s production declined greatly in 2007. Delgado hit a career low .258, with 24 home runs, compared to 38 in 2006, and 87 RBIs, compared to 114 in 2006. At age 35, he may have seen his best days, but he is still a long ball threat and in today’s game, 35 are not considered old.
The Dodgers have 23 year old James Loney as the probable first baseman. Loney hit .331 in limited action in 2007 and showed surprising power down the stretch, hitting 15 home runs. The native Texan has had some fine minor league seasons, batting .380 in 2006, and at 6’3”, 220 lb., the left handed hitting Loney is on the upside of his career. EDGE: EVEN.
The Mets Traded Kent
Mets’ second baseman Luis Castillo, despite right knee problems, is expected to be ready for spring training. Castillo signed a four-year, $25 million contract, so if he can play, he will play. Castillo hits for average, can steal a base, and bats from both sides of the plate, but he has little power, which has taken on great significance in the era of Arena Baseball.
Jeff Kent will be the Hall of Fame. He is a consistent hitter with power who still has the competitive fires burning. He never was much defensively and at the age of 40, his production may suffer. There are reports that he may retire at the end of the season, but he has had a career that the Mets never believed was possible when they sent him to Cleveland in 1996. EDGE: KENT.
Wright Thinks He's Jeter
David Wright thinks that he is Derek Jeter and the New York media seems to agree. Wright has become the Mets’ team spokesperson and is trying to be for the Mets what Jeter is for the Yankees. Wright knows all the right things to say, and he does most of the right things on the field. In 2007, Wright finished fourth in the MVP voting and won a gold glove despite 21 errors, which may illustrate that his marriage with the media has already paid dividends. He hit .325 with 107 RBIs and 34 steals, which seem to be overlooked because of the Mets’ historic collapse down the stretch last year.
Los Angeles will have either Nomar Garciaparra or Andy LaRoche at third. Nomar used to be what David Wright is and at one time, was better than Derek Jeter. Andy LaRoche may become a good player, but he will not approach David Wright. EDGE: HUGE EDGE WRIGHT.
Furcal and Reyes Are Similar
Shortstop is much closer than the Mets’ supporters might admit. Rafael Furcal is expected to be fully recovered from last year’s ankle injury, and a healthy Furcal is in the same class as Jose Reyes. In 2006, Furcal hit .300 with 15 home runs and 37 stolen bases. He has the speed to disrupt a defense and the power to turn a game around. So does Reyes, who hit only .205 during the Mets’ September collapse, but Reyes is an igniter who stole 78 bases, hit .280, and managed 12 triples and 12 home runs. Both Furcal and Reyes are outstanding players who hit for average, and unlike Luis Castillo, have enough power to be RBI threats. EDGE: REYES.
Summarizing, the Mets have better starting pitching and a better infield than Los Angeles. The Mets will be playing in October. Los Angeles will be in a dogfight to make the playoffs, either as a division winner or as a wild card. The Mets don’t have to worry much about Los Angeles. No team should ever be taken lightly, but based purely on talent, the Mets are clearly superior.
References:
Los Angeles Dodgers at Sportsline
