The Mets’ first-half grade doesn’t deserve to be too high or too low. They’re still probably the top club in the National League, though they’ve looked awful at times as a team and individually. For the players, the grades are here. For the team, the grade’s a “B.”
A SS, JOSE REYES
Faster than a speeding bullet, more thrilling than a bungee jump, he has been the Mets’ best position player this year. MLB’s version of Reggie Bush had 40 steals in season’s first 81 games, putting him on pace for 80 swipes.
A RP, BILLY WAGNER
Fantastic campaign for flame-throwing closer; much more reliable than last season. Team didn’t lose a game he pitched in until June 5. One blown save entire first half, that coming after 31 straight conversions.
A SP, JOHN MAINE
Snubbed All-Star has been consistently sensational in performance and consistently reliable in swallowing innings. Two starts when he’s given up more than three runs? Stunning.
A RP, PEDRO FELICIANO
Was first Mets reliever to pitch this year and continues to show why he can be relied on. Had 0.00 ERA until May 12. Excellent versus lefties and earned Wagner’s vote for the All-Star team.
A IF, DAMION EASLEY
For his role, he’s been spectacular. Clutch homers (vs. Colorado and Arizona) and a tremendous upgrade over Chris Woodward. Fine find by Omar Minaya.
B+ SP, OLIVER PEREZ
For a fourth starter, had an impressive half and became an important rotation fixture. Killed Braves and Yankees a total of five times. Needs to make sure back trouble doesn’t linger to have fun in October.
B+ 3B, DAVID WRIGHT
Now where he should be offensively after a somewhat alarming April. Having a tremendous year stealing bases and has been a solid option in the cleanup spot. Probably the future captain.
B+ OF, ENDY CHAVEZ
Has been hurt lately but was having a terrific season before straining his hamstring. When he got hurt, only Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and David Wright had played more games.
B+ SP, JORGE SOSA
Strong find, with Mets winning eight of his 11 starts before he got hurt last Saturday. One of the team’s biggest surprises of the first half. Can he continue?
B SP, TOM GLAVINE
Began the year with an impressive opening-night win in St. Louis and has beaten the Phillies twice, Yankees and A’s. Also had some brutal outings recently. Team leader about to hit 300 career wins in what could be his final campaign.
B IF, RUBEN GOTAY
For his role, has opened eyes, doing a surprisingly good job as a pinch hitter and reserve second baseman.
B RF, SHAWN GREEN
Solid first half, despite recent cooling. Defense has been better and had a huge walk-off homer versus St. Louis. Almost certainly entering his final few months with the team.
B- RF, SHAWN GREEN
Produced offensively and was errorless in left. But has been out since mid-May with a quad problem. Wasn’t hitting many homers (two) but is a valuable bat.
B- CF, CARLOS BELTRAN
This writer’s preseason pick for NL MVP began spectacularly but has been inconsistent since and battled a left-quad injury. Still having a solid year statistically, though based on 2006 brilliance, expected to be better in 2007 than he’s been.
B- C, RAMON CASTRO
Backup catcher has been a fine run-producer but surprisingly terrible throwing out runners (0-for-17 heading into Houston series). Absolutely terrific for first eight starts but shakier lately and missed a month with an injury. Still was an important re-sign this winter. First Mets playoff start coming?
B- C, PAUL LO DUCA
Has batted all over the lineup and been decent throwing. Brings Ray Knight-esque on-field personality, though has had a streaky season offensively. Fan favorite heading into final few months of contract.
B- RP, JOE SMITH
Rookie sidearmer was outstanding but has faded in last month. Is he trustworthy? Not sure yet. Like Aaron Heilman, has been big at times (retiring Alex Rodriguez, striking out Andruw Jones with the bases loaded) but a little unreliable.
B- 2B, JOSE VALENTIN
Was having an excellent April before suffering a partially torn ACL and made one of the season’s biggest plays with his diving stop to start an opening-night double play vs. the Cardinals. Admirable comeback from the injury.
C+ OF, CARLOS GOMEZ
Second half is worth watching. Remarkable athlete filled in decently as Chavez’s replacement. A threat running and defensively, and was terrific against the Yankees in The Bronx.
C OF, CARLOS GOMEZ
Inexperienced, but this is just a start. Roller-coaster season: Retired Derek Jeter with two on and two out, and got Albert Pujols with two on. But has been unreliable other times (Kelly Johnson’s three-run homer, Jimmy Rollins’ three-run homer). Eighth-inning relief is Mets’ biggest issue.
C- RP, AARON SELE
Long man has had few, if any, key appearances. Can’t criticize him because he’s here essentially to plug innings, not save the squad. A drop-off from Darren Oliver last year, though.
C- IF, JULIO FRANCO
Batting average is too low, but as a pinch hitter draws walks and has had a few huge hits. Knocked game-winning single vs. Nationals in early April and game-tying one vs. Washington two weeks later. Mets have bigger problems than him.
D 1B, CARLOS DELGADO
Heading into Astros series, had an OBP under .300 and was on pace to fall short of 30 homers and 100 RBIs. Lost cleanup job and seemingly worse this season defensively.
D- RP, GUILLERMO MOTA
Can be critical, with Mets needing someone reliable in the eighth inning, but has been extremely inconsistent. Velocity has been good coming off steroids suspension; seemed to be emerging recently, but had a bad outing in Philadelphia and a worse one in Colorado.
D- RP, SCOTT SCHOENEWEIS
Has served up costly homers to Edgar Renteria and Brendan Ryan. Pitching with a severed tendon in his left hamstring, but simply has had a terrible year. Improving health-wise, so perhaps performance will, too.
B- MGR, WILLIE RANDOLPH
Has been an excellent manager here but team was too up and down this first half. Made some questionable decisions (pinch running, bullpen) but still deserves benefit of the doubt because team is on track to win the NL East again.
C+ GM, OMAR MINAYA
Gets credit for Jorge Sosa and Damion Easley and for not signing Barry Zito. Gets blame for Scott Schoeneweis and Guillermo Mota. Gets TBD for Moises Alou. Team’s in first place and should win the division. But he may need to get an eighth-inning reliever.