Mets Monday Morning: Daniel Vogelbach trade turning into a fan favorite deal

New York Mets legend Daniel Vogelbach? If nothing else, you won’t forget about him. Built like he should be at an NFL training camp this week, he is, instead, helping the Mets win games.

When the Mets first acquired Vogelbach, it was clear from the onset how Buck Showalter would use him. Vogelbach was regarded as a lefty that can mash versus righties. That was it. Vogelbach being able to hit right-handed pitchers became the new “J.D. Davis hits the ball hard.”

With such obvious splits, Showalter knows exactly how to use him. There isn’t an easier play to insert into the lineup.

Mets trade for Daniel Vogelbach paid off quickly and can continue to make the lineup more dangerous

Vogelbach’s tenure has started with a 6 for 16 performance that includes a pair of doubles. Maybe even more impressive, he has managed to draw 5 walks already. He’s fitting in nicely with a club that can pester opposing pitchers by drawing extra pitches and winning with more than the three-run home run.

There are no surprises with Vogelbach. He isn’t going to steal bases, play an inning anywhere other than first base, or suddenly figure out how to hit versus lefties. He is what he is and that’s the ultimate role-player.

Along with the addition of Tyler Naquin, the Mets began the trade deadline process of building an even greater winner by upgrading spots on the roster that hadn’t worked out. Vogelbach is the Dominic Smith improvement. Naquin takes over for Travis Jankowski. Both moves made up for the shortcomings of two members of this year’s Opening Day roster the Mets front office believed could contribute and have a specific role with the club.

Far from the initial big splash many fans were hoping the club could achieve at the onset of the trade deadline season, this is a different kind of move. It’s one that brings a new fan favorite to Flushing with one very important job: destroy right-handed pitchers.