David Wright not looking forward to talk on his status
New York Mets third baseman David Wright sits in the dugout during the game against the Yankees. (May 21, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- David Wright is optimistic about everything that will occur on the field at Citi Field this season.
It's the off-the-field action that he's bracing for.
"Obviously, I'm not looking forward to it," Wright said of the almost inevitable drama surrounding Mets ownership and the talk surrounding his contract and a potential trade. "I'm going to try to deal with it early, get it out of the way. It'd be one thing if I was a free agent, and it was up to me, but it's not my decision."
Wright is entering the final year of his contract and the Mets hold an option for 2013.
After the Mets finished 77-85 last season, shortstop Jose Reyes, their most productive player in 2011, signed with the Marlins -- the one National League East foe to finish behind the Mets. "I'm a realist," Wright said. "You're not just going to replace Jose. Ruben [Tejada] isn't going to come in and replace Jose."
Still, Wright is optimistic that the Mets can compete in the NL East despite losing talent while the Marlins and Nationals have bolstered their rosters.
When asked if he would be content to stick with the Mets even if the team went through a long-term rebuilding process, Wright expressed belief that won't be necessary. Wright said he wasn't dismayed by the lack of major offseason moves.
"Sometimes youth is a good thing," he said. "Young guys, hungry and trying to prove themselves, sometimes that's what you need over 162 games. Who would have thought that Arizona would beat the defending World Series champs?"
Wright spoke briefly before attending David Wright Vegas Night in Virginia Beach, an event that raises money for a local children's hospital near his hometown of Chesapeake.
Wright was limited to 102 games in 2011, largely because of a stress fracture in his back. His .254 batting average dropped his career average to .300.
"Sometimes you get a hit and sometimes you don't," Wright said. "I tried out too many things rather than sticking with what worked. I did too much tinkering."
He's already taking batting practice three or four days a week. His health isn't an issue now, and he's determined not to let his future become one.
"It's easy for me [to handle] because it's not in my control," Wright said. "If the trade rumors come up in the second half of the season, I understand the business side of things, but it's something that's not my decision."
