David Wright Breaks Hits Record; Jeurys Familia to Get Start Next Week

It was all but certain that David Wright would soon become the Mets’ all-time hits leader, just another record in what’s been a colorful career for New York’s beloved third baseman. As he entered the final homestand of the year, eight hits shy of the mark with 10 games left at Citi Field, the only question was when he was going to break the record.

Although he tore up opposing pitching in every way during the first half of the season (.351/.441/.563), he’s had a tough time finding any sort of consistency throughout the second half, as a .256/.331/.411 line has him holding on to his .300 average for dear life. Since the Mets have returned from their series against the Brewers in Milwaukee, Wright hasn’t dazzled with the bat, but he’s registered at least one hit in six of the nine contests, and starting to show some power again, reaching the 20 HR plateau for the sixth time in his career.

September 25, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

It was a dribbler up the third base line that Pedro Alvarez threw away, allowing Daniel Murphy to score, but Wright had it beat and it was scored a hit, prompting every fan in the stadium and every one of his teammates in the dugout to stand up and give our Mr. Met a standing ovation. When acknowledging the ovation, it almost looked as if Wright was uncomfortable showing that type of affection during the game, just wanting to get back to work. He said to Adam Rubin last week that his pursuit of this record was “bittersweet” because of the team’s struggles, but there is no doubt it felt great for someone who was a Mets fan as a child break the franchise hits record, with plenty left in the tank for the coming years, if New York is able to keep him in the Orange and Blue.

Some frustrating news for fans was that the Daily News confirmed earlier rumors and reports that the Mets’ 2013 payroll would be around what it was in 2012 (approx. $94 million). So, staying between $90-95 million and already having $75.5 million wrapped up between seven players (50 of that between Jason Bay and Johan Santana alone), it doesn’t look like New York will be making a big splash for a free agent outfielder. So, those dreams of getting someone like Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn, or B.J. Upton will not happen. MLB Trade Rumors said the team doesn’t plan on giving out any multi-year deals to outfielders, which could mean Alderson will be looking to the trade market for significant moves for players already under team control.

Terry Collins said that there is a considerable chance that closer Frank Francisco is done for the season, as he told his skipper that he felt he couldn’t play catch yesterday. With the season ending in a week and the Mets on the hook for $6.5 million in 2013 for Francisco, they might as well shut him down and let him rest plenty before he starts a throwing program in the winter. Meanwhile, lefty Robert Carson is day-to-day with a triceps strain. He felt an uncomfortable feeling after exiting Tuesday’s game against the Pirates, and although it was originally thought to be an elbow issue, an MRI showed otherwise.

Since Collins feels that Collin McHugh‘s struggles can be attributed to him running out of gas, it looks like Jeurys Familia will be getting his one start after all. The Mets skipper said it would be “around October 1st,” meaning he would face the Marlins in Miami as New York closes out the season. Although he has an 8.64 ERA in 8.1 innings since being called up from Triple-A, Familia has shown tremendous stuff out of the ‘pen, most recently pitching two scorless innings in last night’s win behind Jeremy Hefner. The organization is projecting him as a reliever for the long-term, and Collins said last week he didn’t want to remove him from the bullpen because he was doing well and didn’t want to mess with him. Howver, this week it’s a different story, which makes me scratch my head.

Oh, and R.A. Dickey is going for 20 wins this afternoon. Just sayin’….