With the conclusion of the St. Louis Cardinals’ championship parade we have finally reached the off-season. The long, torturous months of August, September, and October watching other teams compete have finally come to a conclusion. Now instead of seeing L’s compile on the field, we get to embark into months of hot stoves chatter which will shape the future of the Mets.
With all of that in mind, I want to set something straight. Jose Reyes is not currently, nor will he ever again be the New York Mets shortstop. I originally thought the chances were generally good that he would return and don the Orange n’ Blue again. However, those days have been left behind in the summer time.
All the chatter at the moment is that Sandy Alderson will offer four and definitively no more than five years to bring the shortstop back. Considering the skill set that Reyes possesses, his position, and most importantly team’s like the Brewers with money to spend—Reyes’ days as a Met are over. Short of him taking a MASSIVE hometown discount, Reyes won’t be playing baseball in Queens for more than a series or two a year from here on out.
Let me just say though—this is a GOOD thing. Investing 100-plus million dollars in an injury-plagued shortstop would be a awful move for this franchise at the point they are at. What is the point in having a make or break player, when your team is nowhere near the make or break point?
Honestly, I am not convinced this team will be that much worse next year with Ruben Tejada holding down the 6 spot compared to Reyes. Tejada is more durable than Reyes and probably plays even better defense. Obviously he is not the game-changer that Reyes is, but for the price I’ll take it.
The best possible move with all the money freed up by Reyes will be to go out and throw an incentive laden contract at Grady Sizemore. If he can stay healthy, I think Sizemore will be as productive as Reyes next year—just for nowhere near the same price. Yes there is a lot of risk in the former-Indian, but the contract won’t be overwhelming so it will be a shot worth taking for the Mets.
Original Story:
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October 30, 2011
