Will David Wright Pass the Post-Beaning Test in 2010?

The Mets already know that they will be without Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes for Opening Day 2010, and that means that once again, David Wright will be last man standing as far as core position players.

Yes, Jason Bay hitting behind him should give him some protection, but is that enough reason for pitchers to not go after hitting Wright or at least backing him off the plate?

Last August, when Wright was already flu-ridden and battling leg injuries, Wright was nailed by a 94 MPH fastball by Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants. 

Wright had enjoyed success against Cain in the past, but it was purely accidental, Cain apologized and Wright accepted, no ill will between them.

Although he walked off the field on  his own, Wright was very shaken and in a great deal of pain, but only time will tell if the beaning and concussion suffered are a thing of the past close to nine months later.

While there should be no intent to injure Wright, there is a belief that once Opening Day comes, MLB pitchers will be testing Wright's comfort level in the batter's box.

This past winter, Wright bulked up his upper body but trimmed down significantly over all, he looks far more imposing than in prior years so far has hit two home runs already in Spring Training.

Other than the first two games after his return he has not worn the new Rawlings helmet that he had endorsed the days before he was beaned.  The helmet is mandatory this year in the Minor Leagues, but still optional at the Major League level.

Little did he know that day that the helmet he was asked about would be worn upon his return from the Disabled List. 

When asked about the size and bulk of the new helmet,  his response was "I don't care how it looks as long as it protects my melon."

Mets fans need David Wright to be healthy and productive, but there is no doubt he will be tested this year more than ever, he knows that MLB pitchers have a job to do and that is to exploit any weakness that a hitter shows in the batter's box.

Other than a few additions made, this article was originally posted on DailyStache.com