David Wright and Josh Hamilton are off to great starts in their own way. Hamliton is on a Bonds-like pace with his 18 HR and a Manny Ramirez-like pace with his 45 RBI. Wright, on the other hand, has been one of the better all around position players in the NL this season. It is not fair to compare Hamilton and Wright, since they are different players, but it is fair to make a case of who is more worthy of a contract extension this season.
Hamilton is hitting .404, putting him in the lead in all three triple crown catagories. His .458 OBP, .838 SLG, 114 TB and 5 IBB all lead the AL. Whilw Hamilton could certainly be a league MVP over the course of the next five seasons, he only played in 156 games in 2008 with the Rangers. Other than that, he has never played more than 133 games in a season due to injury. But, his comfort in Arlington cannot be matched and he will be better off staying rather than hitting the open market as a free agent.
Wright seems to have gotten back his all around game, something he clearly had in 2006-2008. He has played a Gold Glove 3B this season, and actually has more walks (24) than strikeouts (21). Wright is currently hitting .402 (49-122), with 10 2B, 4 HR and 21 RBI. He leads the NL with his .497 OBP, 6 IBB and even the 5 caught stealing. Wright had a major back injury last season and played hurt a while before shuting it down. He has had a history of being healthy and can be counted on to play 150+ games each and every season. A fair argument against may be the fact that he is not Hamilton, and simply may not be a 30+ HR hitter anymore. He does have 10 2B, which puts him on pace for over 40 this season.
Both players are essential for their teams success. Hamilton is probably looking for more in years and salary in a contract than Wright. Hamilton is the better overall player, but the biggest risk. As I have said, he will be best served staying in Texas, as he has grown use to the surroundings. The Rangers would be taking a calculated but smart risk on Hamilton, one they should make. As far as Wright, the Mets need to build around somebody. I know this is a small sample, but it does seem as if Wright has turned the corner. He seems comfortable in the field and is going the other way consistently at the plate. Pitchers are pitching around him, something he has not had to deal with before. I understand how a fan may have a fear in Wright's consistency, since he is a streaky player, but the fear cannot be because of a potential injury. Wright has not been injury prone, he only has the back issue which was handled last season.
In an answer to my question, Wright should be extended sooner than Hamilton. I think the match has been made in Texas for Hamilton, and even though he is a free agent after the season, it is fair to say he will return to the Rangers. The same cannot be said about Wright. An extension to Wright will send a message to the fanbase (whether they like it is their prerogative) that he will continue to be the face of the franchise. He is a player who can clearly stay around as the team is rebuilding. I have not been one way or the other on keeping Wright long term, but I am starting to feel he should stay in Queens. The Mets will do the right thing as I expect both Wright and Hamilton to stay in their respective cities for the distant future.
Hamilton is hitting .404, putting him in the lead in all three triple crown catagories. His .458 OBP, .838 SLG, 114 TB and 5 IBB all lead the AL. Whilw Hamilton could certainly be a league MVP over the course of the next five seasons, he only played in 156 games in 2008 with the Rangers. Other than that, he has never played more than 133 games in a season due to injury. But, his comfort in Arlington cannot be matched and he will be better off staying rather than hitting the open market as a free agent.
Wright seems to have gotten back his all around game, something he clearly had in 2006-2008. He has played a Gold Glove 3B this season, and actually has more walks (24) than strikeouts (21). Wright is currently hitting .402 (49-122), with 10 2B, 4 HR and 21 RBI. He leads the NL with his .497 OBP, 6 IBB and even the 5 caught stealing. Wright had a major back injury last season and played hurt a while before shuting it down. He has had a history of being healthy and can be counted on to play 150+ games each and every season. A fair argument against may be the fact that he is not Hamilton, and simply may not be a 30+ HR hitter anymore. He does have 10 2B, which puts him on pace for over 40 this season.
Both players are essential for their teams success. Hamilton is probably looking for more in years and salary in a contract than Wright. Hamilton is the better overall player, but the biggest risk. As I have said, he will be best served staying in Texas, as he has grown use to the surroundings. The Rangers would be taking a calculated but smart risk on Hamilton, one they should make. As far as Wright, the Mets need to build around somebody. I know this is a small sample, but it does seem as if Wright has turned the corner. He seems comfortable in the field and is going the other way consistently at the plate. Pitchers are pitching around him, something he has not had to deal with before. I understand how a fan may have a fear in Wright's consistency, since he is a streaky player, but the fear cannot be because of a potential injury. Wright has not been injury prone, he only has the back issue which was handled last season.
In an answer to my question, Wright should be extended sooner than Hamilton. I think the match has been made in Texas for Hamilton, and even though he is a free agent after the season, it is fair to say he will return to the Rangers. The same cannot be said about Wright. An extension to Wright will send a message to the fanbase (whether they like it is their prerogative) that he will continue to be the face of the franchise. He is a player who can clearly stay around as the team is rebuilding. I have not been one way or the other on keeping Wright long term, but I am starting to feel he should stay in Queens. The Mets will do the right thing as I expect both Wright and Hamilton to stay in their respective cities for the distant future.
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