David Wright's primary residence now is in Manhattan. And the transplanted Virginian indicated he would cheerfully help recruit free agents to the Mets if asked, especially because he's in town.
"I live here most of the offseason," Wright said before serving as host for a Nov. 12 charity event at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. "If the organization wants me to be a tour guide or make a phone call, I'll be more than happy to do that." With Billy Wagner sidelined for 2009 following Tommy John surgery, the Mets will be in the market for a closer. And Wright suggested the Mets couldn't go wrong with free agent Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes.
Wright's ninth-inning single in Anaheim during interleague play last June scored Jose Reyes and dealt K-Rod just his second blown save of his record-setting 2008 season.
"I think the numbers speak for themselves," Wright said about Rodriguez. "He's a guy that can throw two or three pitches in any count. You don't see too many pitchers have the faith and the trust in two or three pitches to throw in any count. Obviously, he knows how to win. He's been one of the most dominant closers in the game. You can't say enough good things about him."
The Mets appear in a good position in pursuing a closer because the number of top free agents available (Rodriguez, Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman) exceeds the number of big-market clubs in pursuit.
"I think Fuentes is right up there -- the same caliber," Wright said, contrasting the former Rockies closer with Rodriguez. "You've got a guy who's got overpowering stuff."
