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Mets' Long On WFAN: David Wright 'A Lot Like Jeter'

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Kevin Long knows a thing or two about Derek Jeter from his eight years as hitting coach in the Bronx.

Now with the Mets, Long -- who has already compared veteran slugger Michael Cuddyer to the future Hall-of-Fame shortstop -- is heaping some Jeterian praise on yet another member of the Amazin's: injured captain David Wright.

"Well, he's a tremendous player. He really, really does a lot of things well," Long told WFAN's Suzyn Waldman before Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Yankees. "He's a leader; a lot like Jeter. When he's around and he's in the lineup, good things are going to happen. You want him up to bat. You want him playing defense."

Jeter retired in 2014 after 20 seasons and five World Series titles with the Yankees. Long was fired after the sendoff, which didn't include a trip to the playoffs, and landed in Queens.

"I watched David for a lot of years when I was with the Yankees and always admired him from afar," Long said of Wright. "And now, being in the clubhouse and seeing the leadership and seeing his skill level and skill set, and how he handles the bat, and how he plays defense, I just -- I'm blessed to watch him play every day."

Wright, 32, has been out since suffering a right hamstring strain on April 14. He's expected to begin baseball activities Monday in Florida and is eligible to come off the disabled list Thursday, though he'll likely need some extra time to return to the lineup.

The Mets have gone 9-2 without Wright, with both losses coming against the Yankees in the Subway Series.

"We're getting him back in about 10 days and it's like getting a mid-season trade already," Long said.

Listen to the entire interview below for Long's thoughts on the Mets' hot start, his departure from the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez's presence in the Bombers' clubhouse and more:

Mets Hitting Coach Kevin Long

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