Friday, July 15, 2011

Steve Popper's Mets midseason report card

Jose Reyes (A+): Did everything, at least until he wound up on the disabled list. Has proven that — yes Fred Wilpon — he’s worth Carl Crawford money.

Carlos Beltran (A): Biggest surprise might be that he’s played more than anyone else on the team. Knees a surprise, but not performance.

Justin Turner (A): David who? Well, it’s silly to think that way, but Turner has filled in admirably at third and second base, driving in runs and fielding well.

Daniel Murphy (A-): Still doesn’t have a position other than hitter, but he’s doing that increasingly well. Has moved up among league leaders.

Dillon Gee (B+): Got his chance when Chris Young went down and saved the season, winning almost every time out. Fading of late.

Chris Capuano (B+): While Young went down, Capuano has proven sturdy and reliable. Almost obsessive in his work, he’s been a perfect rotation guy.

Pedro Beato (B+): Rule 5 pick looks like a steal – good assortment of pitches and a surprisingly calm demeanor for a rookie.

Ruben Tejada (B): The glove was always there, but he’s hit enough to find a spot in the major leagues.

Francisco Rodriguez (B): The injury is healed and the "incident’’ behind him. He did his job – performing well enough to be dealt.

Ronny Paulino (B): After early troubles getting onto the field, Paulino has delivered exactly as expected – fair defense, solid bat.

Jonathan Niese (B-): Best potential in the rotation beginning to show. Still has his down moments, but has passed Pelfrey in performance.

Bobby Parnell (B-): Like a student with an extra-credit project, he’s come on late after a bad start, starting to show closer-like stuff.

Angel Pagan (C+): He’s not Beltran in center field, but after a sluggish start and rib problem, he’s starting to show flashes of 2010 form.

Jason Isringhausen (C+): Heartwarming comeback story, Izzy has gotten through the half on guile, but seems to be hit hard at least once in each outing.

Scott Hairston (C+): Slow start after a hot spring, Hairston has begun to show power off bench and comes up with big at-bats.

Willie Harris (C): Better in the clubhouse than on the field, not producing like he did against the Mets. Versatility helps.

Lucas Duda (C): Coaches love him, but still waiting for production. Hard to believe that the Big Ox doesn’t have a homer this year.

R.A. Dickey (C): A book project and a movie crew trail him, but it was a horror early. Starting to show 2010 form of late despite injuries.

Josh Thole (C): Showing his inexperience behind the plate, he’s started to at least perform with the bat. Losing time to Paulino.

Tim Byrdak (C): The advantage of being the only lefty in the pen? You can’t be replaced.

Source: http://www.northjersey.com

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