Mets SS Francisco Lindor gives himself 'B' grade on season so far

Big-name New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor recently explained how he altered his approach and was no longer "trying to be the hero" following a tumultuous first season with the organization, during which he routinely underperformed at the plate and repeatedly heard boos that he reacted to during the summer months with what became a controversial celebration. 

Things are going better for Lindor and company ahead of this year's All-Star break. Per ESPN stats, the 28-year-old began Tuesday tied for seventh among all players with 60 RBI on the campaign, and he was batting .245 with 15 home runs. More importantly, as it pertains to his long-term goals, the first-place Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-1 on Monday night to increase their lead in the National League East standings to two-and-a-half games. 

Lindor, a four-time All-Star selection, was left off the NL squad for the second straight year. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the shortstop was asked to grade himself for the first half of the season ahead of Monday's victory. 

"I really haven’t thought about it," Lindor responded. "I would say an 'OK' first half. I would give it a 'B.' Health-wise I am there. I have had a healthy first couple of months." 

Lindor, who agreed to a 10-year, $341 million contract extension with the Mets ahead of last season, added he's "happy with where I am at" even though he wasn't named an All-Star. Winning often cures everything in sports, but Lindor likely will want to bolster his average and overall offensive numbers following the break that, for him, begins on Sunday evening.