Behnd the Mask

One great story early on this season, even if it is kept quiet for the most part, has been the play of catcher Josh Thole.

Thole's entering his second season as starting catcher but was doing so with a bit of a short leash.  When he entered the majors near the end of 2010, Thole was a contact hitter.  He was able to slap the ball the other way and was good at working deep counts.  However as last season came and went, Thole was not the same hitter.  He struggled offensively for most of the season, unable to maintain a high, or even overly respectable, average.

So far 2012 has been a great bounce back year for the backstop.  Thole is tied with David Wright for the highest batting average on the team at .362.  Going into tonight's game at Colorado, Thole is carrying a nine game hitting streak.  He has been a steady presence at the bottom of the Mets lineup which is very important because it'll allow the team a good chance to clear the pitcher's spot and turn over the order.

Very early in the season indeed, but a start the Mets wanted to see.