Did Jose Reyes do the Right Thing by Sitting?

Jose Can You Sit?

Motivation Mets Style

I’m having trouble understanding why everyone’s “going Guillen” over Jose Reyes’s decision to take himself out of the season finale. First of all, it’s the Mets so they needed a little something to get excited about (other than Ron Darling’s Emmy) and a batting title was a major accomplishment for a minor league team. Second, Reyes was just playing by MLB rules and had already satisfied the 502 minimum at bat threshold, as well as the Met’s team rule of at least one extended DL stint. He went into that last, meaningless game, got his hit, and then took a well-deserved rest as I’m sure he was fearful of pulling his hamstring again. Jose was just employing some strategy for a guy that will most likely never win another batting title and is looking to cash in this off-season as the most sought after position player (next to some guy named Pujols). I love the arguments that people have surfaced around Ted Williams playing in both ends of a double-header when he was already hitting .400. Guess what McFly, it’s not 1941 any more and Reyes will never be able to carry Teddy Ballgame’s jockstrap. Let’s face reality, the majority of players today are more concerned about their stats and banking accounts (i.e the accounting firm of Barry, Manny, and Sammy) then the sanctity and honor of the games they play. Third, do the Met’s even know what protocol is in these kinds of situations, since they have never before had a batting champion before and have spent more time fielding questions about Bernie Made-Off then the team on the field. Next, if Reyes’s esteemed counterpart in the Bronx had done the same thing would there have been this kind of uproar or  would we just chalk it up to Captain Intangibles needing a break after getting his 3000th hit or that he always hustles to first base, yada, yada, yada. I vaguely remember Mr. Jeter skipping the All-Star game so he could help Minka Kelly move out of his Florida palace. I didn't hear half the fuss as this situation.

You're hot in all Minka but I'm not making the same mistake that Tiger did. Would you like an autographed ball for the road?

Finally, what’s the difference between what Reyes did and an NFL team running out the clock after they built a 4^th quarter lead or to keep it consistent, with an MLB team who’s already clinched first place and decides to rest their starters before the play-offs. It’s a long season in baseball (unless you’re a Mets fan when you know it’s over in April), so Reyes got his hits, built his small lead, and decided to put the pressure on Ryan Braun. Jose, congrats on your achievement, take the summer to rest your braids, and good luck next year in San Francisco. Oh by the way, I hear Victor Conte has a great new “clear” product for hamstring injuries. Check it out!

Gee Davey! I'm going to miss those Abercrombie & Fitch photo shoots!