Mark writes:
I never understood your optimism with Wright staying a Met. Why do you think he’ll sign here long term and why do you think he even wants to? Ownership shows no interest to improve, if he wants to win, why sign here? Romanticism in sports is long dead. Loyalty as well. No longer will you have guys retiring instead of joining a hated rival. The player goes to the highest bidder. What makes Wright any different? I fail to see it. He’s already stated he wants to win, that right there is an exit sign in my eyes. Don’t get me wrong I want him to stay. At what point does that become selfish as a fan? We know this team will not impove anytime soon. Why stay? He might be on a contending team when he’s 38 and then we’ll bitch about him not hitting in the clutch. Let him win something, he deserves it. We ain’t winning this decade. This above anything else, is the Mets way. Homegrown talent? tease the fans about re-signing then not even offer a contract. I’m happy I have the All-Star game to distract me from how bad the team will be next season.
From the ownership side I see the value of David Wright beyond the actual baseball. He is the marketing. He is the guy that signs the autographs to the VIPs at 4pm. Ask the Mets if you can come in early one day. You have to see it to get it.
David is the one at the hospital. He is the face you can put in front of advertisers and ticket buyers. He also happens to be good at third base.
From the player side there is value to being David Wright of the Mets. David Wright of the Mets can get endorsement deals that Jose Reyes of the Marlins won’t. David Wright of the Mets is somebody in a way that Andy Pettitte of the Astros was not.
It’s not always about the money. If you told me right now to take a 20% pay cut but I could live closer to the beach I would. If you told me I could blog about the Mets all day for half of what I make at MI6 I would jump at it.
David Wright of the Red Sox might have an OK life. David Wright of the Cubs could be a folk hero If he won. David Wright of the Royals is a nobody.
As for this team won’t win at all this decade? Wow that’s pretty early to huge up. It’s the same as giving up in 1982. Your favorite Mets of all time might be about to show up, and David might be the veteran leadership.
David Wright is never ever going anywhere.
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Written in traffic on a bus over potholes. Excuse any typos.