The Mets hired Glenn Sherlock to be their third base coach in November, hoping his expertise as a catching instructor would help Travis d'Arnaud behind the plate. And, the organization's theory continued, if d'Arnaud's defense improved, it would lift a burden and clear his head for better production at the plate.
Instead, d'Arnaud has thrown out a career-low 15.4 percent of would-be base stealers this season (4 of 26) -- even if the pitching staff shares in that responsibility. And his batting average currently sits at .226 with a .288 OBP, nine home runs and 26 RBI.