David

Wright

It’s incredibly hard for any player to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame during their first year on the ballot. Any candidate who receives votes on 75 percent of all ballots cast will earn election, which usually means just a small handful get in any season. However, it’s certainly an honor for these players to be considered and there are a handful, like Adrián Beltré, Joe Mauer, and Chase Utley who seem likely to have their names called eventually.

As advertised. He won’t catch Jason Bay or Khalil Greene for Rookie of the Year honors, but Wright could be more valuable in keeper leagues than either of them. In 199 at-bats, he has a 916 OPS, 12 homers and five stolen bases.

Wright was destroying Double-A to the tune of a .363 average with 10 homers, 40 RBI and 20 steals in 223 at-bats. ''I think I’m starting to hit the ball to all fields on a more consistent basis,’' said Wright, who has been compared to Scott Rolen and Howard Johnson. He’s expected to receive a September callup.

Home cooking. Wright is from the Norfolk area. He’s got future stud written all over him.

Once Wigginton cools off or is traded, Wright is expected to take over at third base in New York. The Mets would love to package Wigginton for a starting pitcher, he’s probably not enough to land Kris Benson, and the Mets don’t have a lot of interest in Derek Lowe, Miguel Batista, or the other available pitchers. If Wigginton remains with the club after Wright’s promotion, he’s expected to see time spelling Mike Piazza at first base.

Similarly, the Dodgers are believed to have looked at both players, but were unwilling to give up Guillermo Mota. It’s an interesting debate whether teams should cling to players with bright futures, or use them to acquire proven studs. With Garcia off the market, the Mets will take a look at a list including: Russ Ortiz, Jaret Wright, Jason Jennings, Shawn Estes, Ben Sheets, Kip Wells, Pat Hentgen, Miguel Batista, Ted Lilly, none of whom would cost them Wright.

Of course, that’s assuming health, continued production, and Wright not being traded in a deal for Carlos Beltran or a stud pitcher. Wright is hitting .340 with seven homers, 14 stolen bases, and a 25/28 bb/k rate at Double-A Binghamton.

He also had his 12th stolen base to go along with his 17th homer and 30th double. The four hits and six RBI matched his previous career highs.

He’s started 111 of 113 games this year, and Chris Woodward should get the start in his place.

Finally. The Mets spent most of the year batting Wright near the bottom of the lineup for no good reason.