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Saturday, 21 August 2010 10:49 |
By Dennis Lowe
On a roster which includes David Wright, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Jason Bay and Johan Santana, surprisingly the most consistent New York Mets player all season long has been outfielder Angel Pagan.
Pagan ruled centerfield in the absence of Carlos Beltran who sat out the first half of the 2010 season recovering from off-season surgery. While Beltran’s return loomed closer, Pagan became more of an asset with timely hitting and aggressive fielding.
Pagan, 29, is enjoying his most productive season since entering the major leagues back in 2006 as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Pagan, originally selected by the Mets in the fourth round of the 1999 Amateur Draft, was purchased by the Cubs before returning to Flushing after a two-year stint in the Windy City. In his first three seasons with the Mets, he has seen playing time increase but more importantly his productivity increase.
“I was very happy to come back to the organization and have this opportunity to prove that I can contribute on a regular basis,” said Pagan.
The Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico native has taken full advantage of that opportunity. He is currently in the Top 10 in hitting in the National League holding his average over the .300 mark for most of the 2010 season. Pagan is also ranked among the league leaders in hits, triples and stolen bases.
Pagan has been one of the bright spots in a season that has had many up and downs. He has been a steady defensive outfielder as well as a catalyst in the top of the Mets batting order.
“He has been consistent all season long,” said manager Jerry Manuel. “He knew we were really counting on him with Carlos [Beltran] out and he didn’t let us down.”
A true contender for the team’s MVP, Pagan continues to get the job down day in and day out. With All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes in the leadoff spot, it’s a one-two punch at the top of the order giving opposing pitchers headaches and Mets hitters the opportunity to drive in runs.
On July 8 of 2010, Pagan was honored at MCU Park in Brooklyn where his career began back in 2001. His uniform #35 was unveiled on the top level of the ball park and the day was proclaimed as “Angel Pagan Celebration Day” by Borough President Marty Markowitz. Pagan also threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Cyclones’ game.
One of the most popular players to ever wear a Cyclones’ uniform, Pagan batted .315 while driving in a team-high 46 runs and setting a franchise record of 30 stolen bases during the 2001 season.
“I have such unbelievable memories from my time there,” said Pagan. “It’s great to go back and see so many familiar faces. We all had a special relationship with the fans.”
Off the field, Pagan has been very involved in the community throughout the New York area. During an event for City Harvest, Pagan accepted donation for the charity while signing autographs and posing for photo.
“It’s a great cause,” said the outfielder. “We like to help the people in need which is important to me and the Mets organization.”
Pagan, along with teammates, coaches and volunteers, planted trees and vegetables in the Pleasant Avenue Community Gardens as well as assisting Mayor Michael Bloomberg in the assembly of new picnic tables in the Bronx.
Pagan has been nothing short of a role model both on and off the field. He is a true Angel in the Outfield.
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