Jose Reyes is the only reason to attend a Mets game at Citifield. Unless of course, you are a fan of the visiting team.
It was announced on Tuesday that Jose Reyes' three game rehab assignment is 'a go' and he will play with the Double-A club on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He'll then rest Sunday and join the Mets on Monday vs. the Marlins. Three games in rehab? Why would the Mets make a player of Jose Reyes caliber play THREE GAMES in Double-A. That seems like an excessive amount of rehab time for a player you would presumably want back immediately.
I doubt there is a major difference in terms of injury risk when comparing play in the minors vs. the majors. Typically, a player who is on the DL for 30 days or longer needs to play in 3+ minors games. This is because he needs to get acclimated to real-speed pitching and fielding in meaningless games so he's not a detriment to the major league club that is playing "more important" (LOL) games. Reyes only went on the DL on August 8th and should presumably 'hit the ground running' considering he is superior in talent and ability to any other player on the Mets by a GINORMOUS margin. Reyes in a wheelchair is better than 50% 80% of the current Mets team.
So why would a team that can BARELY fill up half of their stadium make the only draw they posses WAIT 3 games or 5 total days before bringing him back to his team?
My theory is that the Mets are intentionally keeping Jose Reyes on the DL as long as possible because this will reduce the total amount of stats he will accumulate and subsequently, his leverage when negotiating a contract this off season. Essentially, the Mets are purposely keeping him in the minors and taking their time with this injury longer than he needs to be. Think about it, do you trust the Mets medical staff to act valiantly, honestly, or even the slightest bit competently in any way? It wouldn't surprise me if Depodesta or Alderson pulled the team doctor aside and 'encouraged' him to recommend an extremely conservative recovery strategy for Reyes.
I think Reyes wants to get back sooner because he knows that his stats this year will directly affect his future compen$ation. The MLB.com article that I linked to above also states that Reyes lobbied to start both games of doubleheader against the Marlins when he's slated to return from his DL stint on Monday. Collins nixed the idea.
The "nickel and diming" Mets will do anything they can to save a few bucks. Who can blame them?
Is my conspiracy theory too wacky? POSSIBLY! Please leave a comment or tweet @NYsportSpace and let me know your opinion on Jose Staying away from the team for 5 days?
Original Story:
http://www.nysportspace.com/xn/detail...
