Mike Jacobs is back. Jason Pridie was acquired. A nicely executed public relations event attempted to make Met fans think Daniel Murphy = Keith Hernandez. None of these are remotely inspiring to write about, so here are David Wright's top ten most valuable plate appearances, per WPA.
10. 8/19/2004
Play: Two-run homer off Steve Reed in the 9th inning
WPA: .336
Game Result: Mets 4, Rockies 2
In Game Two of a doubleheader at Coors Field, David put the Mets ahead after Eric Valent tied the game in the 8th inning with a solo blast. Mike Stanton earned the win with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball.
9. 7/17/2008
Play: Two-run homer off Francisco Cordero in the 9th inning
WPA: .349
Game Result: Mets 10, Reds 8
This homer, off one of the better relievers in baseball, tied the game. RBI hits from Carlos Delgado and Fernando Tatis followed, giving the Mets their tenth win in a row.
8. 9/23/2006
Play: Three-run homer off Mike O'Connor in the 5th inning
WPA: .360
Game Result: Mets 12, Nationals 6
2006 was David's most "clutch" season yet and for that reason it seems most fans think it was his best. Half of the moments on this list came from 2006. This one came after the Mets already clinched the NL East, and was part of a 17 hit attack on the hapless Nats' staff.
7. 7/18/2007
Play: Three-run homer off Scott Linebrink in the 8th inning
WPA: .371
Game Result: Padres 5, Mets 4
This is the only Mets loss on the list. Joe Smith blew the game in the bottom of the 8th and Trevor Hoffman notched a 1-2-3 top of the 9th.
6. 5/19/2006
Play: RBI single off Mariano Rivera in the 9th inning
WPA: .388
Game Result: Mets 7, Yankees 6
David's career OPS vs. Rivera: 1.000
5. 5/5/2006
Play: RBI double off Jorge Sosa in the 14th inning
WPA: .392
Game Result: Mets 8, Braves 7
This double won the game, sparing the Mets' bullpen (8 IP, 3 runs). Jose Reyes went 5-7 with a walk and a triple.
4. 6/18/2006
Play: Grand slam off Adam Loewen in the 5th inning
WPA: .421
Game Result: Mets 9, Orioles 4
David has four career grand slams and this one helped Glavine to his 10th win. Ramon Castro also homered.
3. 8/7/2008
Play: Two-run homer off Heath Bell in the 9th inning
WPA: .436
Game Result: Mets 5, Padres 3
Bell has owned the Mets in his career (12.1 IP, 2.19 ERA) but on this day he gave up a walk-off. Scott Schoeneweis previously blew the save in the top of the 9th, surrendering a long-ball to Mets nemesis Jody Gerut.
2. 7/9/2006
Play: Three-run homer off Logan Kensing in the 8th inning
WPA: .528
Game Result: Mets 7, Marlins 6
The Mets were up 12 games in the NL East heading into the All Star break after this Sunday win. David participated in the Home Run Derby the next night.
1. 9/12/2009
Play: Two-run homer off Ryan Madson in the 9th inning
WPA: .715
Game Result: Mets 10, Phillies 9
This is probably the second best moment of the 2009 season, behind Omir Santos's blast off Jonathan Papelbon. No matter the Mets' record, it's always nice to beat the Phillies in the 9th inning at CBP.