Paul Lo Duca, C NYM
News: Paul Lo Duca hit a home run Friday night in the Mets' 2-1 loss at Washington. After the game, a reporter started a question by saying, "It's certainly been a trying week for you," and Lo Doca cut him off. "Stay away from that. Stay away from that, OK? Stay away from that. Enough," Lo Doca said. Gambling allegations, adultery claims, a former Playboy model wife and misspelled e-mails from a 19-year-old woman, a perfect tabloid recipe to rip open the All-Star catcher's personal life during his first season in New York.
Analysis: Lo Duca's homer was his first since May 13. Going into the game, he had been the top hitter in the majors since July 1 -- the day after his wife filed for divorce. Lo Duca batted .413 in that span, the Elias Sports Bureau said, and clearly emerged as a leader on the team with the best record in the NL. Consider the veteran backstop a solid option even in smaller mixed leagues because of his consistent contact bat and his everyday status as the No. 2 hitter in one of the most dynamic offenses in baseball. Despite a thumb issue, Lo Duca figures to see regular duty down the stretch -- although more rest could come in late September in preparation for the postseason.
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