Mets 2013 Awards Pt. 2

Last week, I gave out some awards to Mets players in the 2013 season for reasons both good and bad. Here is part 2.

The Rising Star Award- Zack Wheeler

Another no brainer. Half of the 2013 season was spent waiting for Wheeler's Super 2 date to pass and when it did, we weren't disappointed. Now, Wheeler wasn't demolishing opposing lineups and making us forget about Matt Harvey. He gave up 10 homers and struggled with his location at times. He also has to reign in his off speed pitches to make sure he isn't just a fastball or 2 pitch pitcher. But a 3.42 ERA is pretty good and you can tell that this kid belongs. With Matt Harvey now getting Tommy John Surgery, Wheeler becomes the only young ace in Queens. Look for him to take the leap next year and give the #2 starter this team needs to make any noise in 2014.

The Good Riddance Award- Frank Francisco

Terrible teammate, terrible signing and a terrible pain in our collective behinds. The best thing he did this year was  stay away for as long as he did. The bullpen performed better than any of us could have imagined this year. With contributors like Scott Rice filling in a spot where Frank Francisco might have occupied had he been healthy. Bobby Parnell was also free to handle the 9th all on his own without the fear of being yanked for Francisco. Sandy Alderson has expressed interest in shoring up the bullpen. Let Frank Francisco be a lesson learned. Stay away from goons like this.

The "Where Did You Come From?" Award- Jenrry Mejia

It is odd how we sort of forgot about Jenrry Mejia. He was supposed to be the next big thing years ago and he has been overshadowed by Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler. Until he got his shot to pitch this year. Mejia, though cut short by bone spurs in his arm, was pretty amazing. His pitch location looked miles ahead of where it was when we saw him struggle in the bullpen all those years ago. Hopefully, Mejia removes the lost cause mindset some might have had for him and stays healthy to contribute to a roster that seemed to forget all about him.

The "You're Killing Me, Smalls!" Award- Daniel Murphy

Something strange happened at the beginning of the season. We praised Daniel Murphy for his defense! He actually looked like a competent fielder at a position that seemed impossible for him all of 2012. Well, the other thing that happened was that Murphy regressed and put up 16 errors and a -16 in defensive runs saved. Not exactly signs of improvement. What I find interesting is that no one tries harder than Murphy and he struggles in the field, whereas Robinson Cano seems indifferent to his fielding and makes some very effective plays. Ironic, no? There were some plays that certainly had all Mets fans shaking their heads. His only saving grace is that the offensive numbers are there. It is certainly possible that the Mets try to deal his bat to improve the outfield, but the options behind him are found wanting on defense as well.