Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Justin Who?

If any of you are still watching the New York Mets play you might notice that their lineup isn't particularly full of household names. Injuries have been the Mets nemesis this season, sidelining their starting first baseman, third baseman, left fielder, center fielder and two of their starting pitchers for most of the season. However, all the injuries have created opportunities for young players to shine. In the month of May, former Baltimore Oriole, Justin Turner has been one to step-up with most of the starting infield missing.

The second baseman has not only played out of position, filling in for an injured David Wright, but he has excelled making just one error in one hundred and eight chances. Turner leads all NL Rookies in batting average this season at a .308 clip. In May alone, Turner hit .325/.378/.458 with 20 RBI. He set a Mets Rookie Record by having an RBI in seven straight games (May 14-21) and followed that up with a six game RBI streak (May 25-30). By driving in runs in 13 games during a 15-game stretch, he became the first rookie to do so since 1930, and the third in major league history.

Turner became the first ever Mets Rookie to win the National League Rookie of the Month Award. The Red Rocket currently leads NL Rookies in hitting and is third in RBIs and Steals. If you have an empty roster spot on your fantasy baseball team be sure to pick up Mr. Turner. He's 2B and 3B eligible, and with both Wright and Davis out until July he will continue to get regular playing time.