Collins wants Wright to wear "C" for Mets
Though the Mets front office does not believe David Wright needs a "C" patched onto his jersey to signify his clubhouse rank, they may ultimately give the third baseman one anyway.
Manager Terry Collins said he plans to speak with general manager Sandy Alderson and chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon about making Wright the fourth captain in franchise history, and the first since John Franco from 2001-04.
"He does it right," Collins said. "I just think whether he's named the captain, whether he has a 'C' on his jersey, he's still the main guy here."
Shortly after Wright signed an eight-year, $138 million deal to remain with the Mets at least through 2020, Collins said he would leave the issue of captainship up to Wright's teammates in spring training. But Collins may wind up taking matters into his own hands, hinting on multiple occasions that he plans to make Wright captain.
It would be a fitting title. Wright has a chance to become one of an increasingly rare breed of players. Fewer and fewer stars spend their entire careers with one team, as Wright is on track to do. He has already played nine full seasons with the Mets and is now under contract for another eight.
Collins said Wright's leadership skills have increased over the past few years, despite the fact that the third baseman shies away from vocal proclamations. Wright "does a lot of one-on-one stuff" to help his teammates or put them back on track, according to Collins, doing so out of a desire to win.
Before Wright signed a new deal with the Mets, Alderson and Wilpon met with him and sold him on their long-term plans, which included trading R.A. Dickey this winter and avoiding marquee free agents.
"I want to be good for the next eight years, not win-at-all-costs for one or two years," Wright said. "I think that's the direction we are going and I applaud that."
