The Battle for Number 2

The start of the 2007 Major League season is only 3 days away. Over the course of Spring Training Willie Randolph has frequently batted David Wright in the 2 spot. Last season Paul Lo Duca filled that spot. Everyone has been wondering if Wright will bat in the 2 spot between Reyes and Beltran during the regular season. This spring has not been the most successful for the Mets. The Mets are 11-20 this spring and not playing great to be honest.

David Wright and Paul Lo Duca are completely different players. Wright can hit for contact and power while Lo Duca is more of a singles guy. David Wright is having a much better spring then Lo Duca. In 66 at bats Wright has a .288 batting average, 12 walks, 5 RBI’s, 8 runs, 1 home run, and a stolen base. Lo Duca has been a little under par, he has a .208 batting average, 3 walks, 5 RBI’s, 3 runs, no homeruns or steals in 48 at bats.

But who would be a better hitter for the 2 role. We have already seen what Paul Lo Duca can do thanks to last season. Lo Duca allowed Reyes to run by letting himself get deep into counts in order for Reyes to choose his pitch. He was a singles hitter which is good to be in that position. Wright hits for contact and power to all ends of the field. He was very successful last season in the 5 spot. That spot allowed Wright to have the chance to gain a lot of RBI’s. If Wright was in the 2 spot he would have to be a lot more patient so Reyes could run. I don’t think that is the best thing for a young hitter to have to do. If there is a good pitch early in the count you want that batter to hit it. With Wright there he might not be allowed to do that.

With all this being said, I believe Lo Duca should be in the 2 spot. He was very capable and successful last season so why change a good thing. If Willie Randolph put Lo Duca in the 7 spot and Wright in the 2 spot, Lo Duca would be less valuable in that spot then Wright in the 5. Thus, Wright should be in the 5 spot this season and Lo Duca should remain as the number 2 hitter.