Paul Articulates - Why Mets fans should appreciate Francisco Lindor

2021 has been a tough year of unfulfilled expectations for Mets fans.  We all came into the year with high expectations, as “Uncle Steve” Cohen gave the team a jump start by paying the big bucks for Francisco Lindor along with other steps to improve the strength of the bench and the bullpen. 

Lindor (.224/.321/.690) has not yet come near his career batting average (.280) or OPS (.820), and he has been hearing it from the fans both before and after his time on the IL.  Wednesday night he heard the boos again after popping out with the tying run on second in the ninth.

I’m just as disappointed as all Mets fans when the star doesn’t get the big hit, but I’m not booing and here’s why I think he deserves a break. 

1)      He accepts accountability.  You saw his response to Uncle Steve’s tweet on underperforming hitters – he accepted the criticism because he knows he should be hitting better.  How many top stars accept a barb without lashing back?

2)      He gives max effort.  True leaders lead by example.  Watch Lindor on the field – he runs out every ground ball even on an 0-4 day.  Make no mistake about it – this is the mark of a true competitor (remember Gary Carter?). Lindor doesn’t let the batting woes impact him on the field, where he has a quick step towards every ball.  He steals bases to spark the team even though those hard head-first slides take a toll on his body.

3)      He plays great defensive SS.  Lindor has tremendous range, great hands, and a strong arm which have made him one of the best shortstops in the game.  This has been on display all season.  What many fans don’t see is that he is always in the right position as well – backing up throws, lining up cutoffs, talking on every play to improve coordination.  He is a big reason why the Mets defense is playing better as a team this year.

4)      He is a positive influence on and off the field.  Lindor plays with a smile on his face, always working to pick up the team.  His interviews are always positive (even after Rat vs Raccoon) and never publicly says anything negative about the players, staff, or ownership even when things are grim.

Francisco Lindor is the kind of player that can turn a team around and he is just what the Mets need.  Great teams have strong defense up the middle, leadership on the field, and great attitudes on and off the field.  He hasn’t hit well this year, but his career stats imply that he will.  The Mets’ fan base has always been resilient – we chant “Let’s go Mets” after one extra base hit when we’re down 8-1.  So don’t get down on Francisco – pick him up and watch how he responds!