David Wright Makes Recruiting Pitch To Free-Agent Center Fielder Michael Bourn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- David Wright signed an eight-year, $138 million extension this offseason, and he wants to win now.
The six-time All-Star is entering his 10th season as a Met, and he has just one playoff appearance -- a National League East title in 2006 -- to show for it.
The Amazin's are currently rebuilding, and they sit in the same division as two of the most talented teams in the league in the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. The future is bright for New York, but the 30-year-old is tired of losing.
And that's why he wants free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn to sign with the Mets.
Wright told the New York Post on Monday that he has spoken and texted with the speedy leadoff man in an effort to recruit him to come to Flushing.
"I just wanted to let him know that he would be a great addition here, and he'd obviously be welcomed here,'' Wright told the newspaper. "I talked to him a couple of weeks ago and I told him, 'You're always in the right place at the right time, your work counts.' I've always had great respect for him and the way he plays the game, and have always kind of chatted with him when he gets to third base."
The Mets desperately need an outfielder and speed at the top of the lineup, so Bourn would be a nice fit at Citi Field. Also 30 years old, Bourn hit .274 with nine home runs and 57 RBIs for Atlanta in 2012. He swiped 42 bases and was caught stealing 13 times, posting a .348 on-base percentage.
"I just feel he's a hard-nosed player," Wright told the New York Post. "I wanted to be there to answer any question he might have and let him know that with some of the young arms that we have and the young talent we have, we are not far off.''
What may prevent the Mets from signing Bourn is that he is a Scott Boras client, and will likely command a lot of money and a lot of years. General manager Sandy Alderson is hoping that with spring training just days away, his demands will drop significantly. Another issue is the fact that if the Mets sign Bourn, they might have to surrender their 11th pick in June's draft as compensation, as Bourn received and rejected a qualifying offer from Atlanta.
"We're getting to the point where we can be in the mix,'' Alderson said. "If you look at the fundamental composition of our team, it wouldn't take more than a couple of moves to change the whole perception of things.''
"In the event we get to that point, I don't think it's fair to say we're looking for a rule change," Alderson said. "We're looking to clarify the effect of the existing rule. It's sort of a case of first impression. It hasn't been dealt with before. If we get to that point, we'll see.''
If the Mets can't protect their draft pick, are you still in favor of them signing Michael Bourn? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
