I said last week I had no problem with David Wright talking championship and Johan Santana exuding confidence about his position as one of the games top pitchers. Since positional players have arrived you hear more good news about the Mets “fresh attitude.”

Kevin Kernan talks about Jason Bay and how not only his bat, but honesty and accountability, will help a Mets clubhouse once led by the politically charged Carlos Delgado. In talking to someone in the know earlier this winter they mentioned how Delgado often played favorites in the clubhouse and was sometimes more divisive than inclusive. Bay admits he is “a leader by example” and if what is presents is hard work, playing every day, and staying positive then he is worth every penny. It helps that he provides similar, if not better, offense than what Delgado produced during his tenure.

Jeff Francoeur, always criticized for a low OBP, clearly has won over the writers with his infectious personality. More importantly, he seems to have taken a liking to David Wright. It’s always helpful to befriend the team’s best player, just ask Herb Williams and David Wingate who spent time with the Knicks, but more importantly Francoeur challenged Wright to step up and take a leadership role with the team. It’s one thing for me, the media, and management to make the missive to Wright, and quite another for one of his peers.

I talked yesterday about how leadership helps keep everyone on the same page. The Yankees always had accountability during their championship runs, they didn’t care if you were a star or a ten day call up. You either were on the program or out and the players made sure those who had other agendas were dealt with swiftly. I can see Alex Cora being one of those types with this team, and if so, he will be worth the $2 million dollars given out this winter.

Obviously this type of behavior is more complementary to the big keys: Runs, hits, defense, and solid pitching. Without that, we are talking about a harmonious, but bad, baseball team. Don’t discount leadership, however intangible, especially with this ballclub. They will be tested early without Beltran and they will need to believe in the cause if things get rocky.

The front office is still dubious, the manager a question mark, but some of the early signs of leadership from this club have to make you feel good about the New York Mets. That is something that we haven’t said in quite some time.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Alex Cora, David Wright, Jason Bay, Jeff Francoeur, New York Mets