Where Are The New Proposed Walls to Help David Wright’s Defense?

This week, the New York Mets announced their decision to bring-in Citi Field’s walls in order to help increase the team’s run production. While folks are already calling for the resurgence of Jason Bay and David Wright‘s bats, there’s been zero discussion about if anything can be done regarding Wright’s cliff-like drop-off defensively since the erection of Citi Field.

The third baseman had just come off back-to-back Gold Glove seasons in 2007 and 2008, where he gloved a sterling 6.3 UZR/150 and 5.2 UZR/150, respectively. However, his defense faded as soon as he stepped into Citi Field. Starting in 2009, Wright posted a -12.2 UZR/150–his first negative showing in UZR/150 since 2006. Then in 2010, Wright posted a -9.5 UZR/150, before stooping to a career-low -16.4 UZR/150 last season. The former steady third baseman was nowhere to be found, but just like his hitting, Citi Field had to be the culprit.

Therefore, it is necessary the Mets do something to the infield to prevent Wright’s declining range and spike in errant throws to first base. Below is Rising Apple’s suggestion:

If the proposed walls surrounding third and first base are erected, there is no doubt in our minds here at Rising Apple that David Wright will once again be the elite defensive player he once was before the talent-sapping Citi Field stole away his God-glove-given abilities.