Jose Jose Jose

In considering Jose's season, I've read a lot of comments by different analysts and blogs, with a wide range of opinions as expected. However, one thing I really haven't seen discussed much is the importance of consistency. Look at Jose's #s on the season:

.280 / .354 / 119 R / 78 SB / 12 HR / 57 RBI

On the whole a good year. Not a great year, but certainly not a bad year, when only considering the final #s. The problem is that as is often the case with #s, they don't tell the whole story, the whole story being a brilliant first half and hideous second half. It is no good to end up with those #s the way Jose did. It doesn't help the team if he is that inconsistent during the season, regardless of how great his first half was. I realize baseball is a game of streaks, but the truly great players find a way to smooth those out as much as possible, and minimize extended downturns.

Now, despite the fact that Jose's been in the majors for 5 years, he is still only 24. So perhaps he needs another season or two to fully develop. And one very positive thing is that in almost every category he has generally improved one season to the next. Which gets to my key point: if I'm the Mets, I make sure I have someone emphasizing to Jose the importance of consistency and making that a goal next season. He has always had what seem to be very long hot and cold streaks, perhaps he needs another approach during cold times. Simply slap the bat and try to get a single here or there, it will make all the difference in the world. I think at times a lot of these players either forget or underestimate the value of a simple single. String a few of them in a row, and you've got a bona fide rally. You don't need a 4 HR game to pull yourself out of a slump and endear yourself with the fans again. Getting on base will do that.