About a month ago, I explained that each player to sign a free agent contract worth more than $100MM since the 2007-08 offseason capped his walk year with a healthy, productive final month. At the time, Jose Reyes was returning from an extended stint on the disabled list – his second trip to the DL of the season – and his free agent value was far from finalized.
“For Reyes to join Carl Crawford in the $100MM club,” I wrote at the time, “he’ll probably have to show interested teams that he has recovered from the left hamstring issue that sidelined him for the past three weeks. No matter what Reyes does, he won’t silence questions about his ability to stay healthy for an entire season. But if the 28-year-old can finish 2011 with one more month of electrifying play, he’ll have a stronger case for a contract worth $100MM or more.”
Whether or not you agree with Reyes’ decision to leave today’s game after raising his league-high average to .337 with a bunt single, there’s no denying that his final month has been statistically strong and, just as importantly, healthy. Reyes has appeared in 25 of the Mets’ 28 games and has a line of .340/.411/.443 for the month with four stolen bases in as many attempts and a pair of home runs (both homers came yesterday).
His season line sits at .337/.384/.493 and he has a league-leading 16 triples to go along with 31 doubles and 39 stolen bases. He's sixth among NL position players in FanGraphs' wins above replacement and there's a good chance he'll win the batting title over Ryan Braun.
Some teams will shy away from Reyes because of his injury history, but plenty of potential suitors are still out there. Will he obtain $100MM? Recent history says he has done his part. Now it’s up to team owners to make their offers.
Sorry Reyes. no $100 contract for you…EVER!!!!
im sure he’ll make more than a $100
So you’re saying his rookie card is more valuable than the player itself?
His rookie card is only worth as much because he plays in NY. It’ll take a dive now that the Mets probably won’t resign him.
Mets will agree to terms on a deal with him probably around 5yrs/$100mil with 6th yr vesting option if he playes 140games in final year to raise it to 6/$115-120
Reyes means too much to the franchise and the fanbase
I think Collins should not have pulled out Reyes after his single.
Reyes Asked to be pulled, REYES ASKED. I lost a lot of respect for one of my favorite players today.
+$5M for the batting title, -$10M for being a jackass about it
+$5M for the batting title, -$10M for being a jackass about it
I completely agree, totally lame move..
It’s a batting title. That’s all that has to be said.
If I couldn’t hate Jose Reyes any more this punk bunts for a base hit and pulls himself out of the game so he can win the batting title. I’m sorry but that’s bush league and shows the type of player Reyes is.
I hope Braun has a monster night.
… it’s a shame because he has all the talent in the world but he doesn’t play the game the right way and always misses a huge chunk of time.
Yea because Ryan Braun sitting out of the game the other day wasn’t about preserving his batting average, only thing is that he came in to pinch hit. Collins said last night that if Reyes gets a hit early that he would take him out. He will be the first Mets player in franchise history to win a batting title. Stop hating on him without any real reason
Lets be fair, I’m a Reyes fan, Reyes has a lot fewer at bats than Braun, Braun not playing is excused very easily cause his team has clinched the Central, rest him up to play for the games that actually matter. If it worked like this you should be canonizing the Yankees, the Phillies, the Tigers, for resting their players. Reyes being taken out after one freaking hit in the first inning is absurd, he should have at least played half the game.
Oh another thing, Reyes has clearly not been playing as hard as we expect him to do this last month. he doesn’t wanna reinjure himself to stop his super big pay day. It’s been disappointing watching him this last month.
Reyes is also a lead off hitter, whereas Braun has a potent lineup around him to assist with his at bats. I’m not saying Braun doesn’t deserve to win the title. Look at the year he’s put up. I know Reyes hasn’t been playing all that hard and he even said that he doesn’t feel 100% since coming back, why risk getting hurt all over again? Idk the name of the manager for Brewers by heart, but I do remember reading an article that he would gladly and willingly give Braun off to beat Reyes for the batting title. Both players are going for that title and both deserve it, it’s just a little more valuable to Reyes since he’s a soon to be free agent which will pad his wallet a little bit more.
Brewers want fresh players for the post season you homer . How is sitting Braun a game the same thing???
It’s the same thing because the manager of Brewers openly said in an article that he would gladly and willingly sit Braun if it meant he would win the batting title
thats the manager..
ryan braun didn’t ask to be sat..
A reporter asked jose bautista if he would sit to ensure he hit .300 and he laughed in their face and said, no I want to be out there with my team mates and help them win.
i’m actually disgusted with reyes
…yet Derek Jeter did the same thing in 2008 to ensure he hit .300 …with no media hoopla…
thoughts ?
Jeter sitting didn’t make him win anything, its cowardly but atleast it wasn’t derek Jeters last game in a yankee uniform
wait…so fans who paid to see the TEAM CAPTAIN…play in a double-header against THE RED SOX get shafted just cuz he wants to finish the season with a .300 average ?
do you realize how expensive yankee tickets are?
and like another poster just noted…
George Brett did the same thing…bernie williams did the same thing….with batting titles at stake…
thoughts ?
comments ?
they deserved no less criticisms than what reyes has recieved…
Not sure what you are driving at here, but regardless of the player or team, its pretty pathetic, especially if the player requests. The fact that reyes would do it in his last game as a met shows what type of player he is.
so if he resigns with the mets, will u take all that stuff back ?
no.
Did this interview happen in real life????
It’s the same thing because the manager of Brewers openly said in an article that he would gladly and willingly sit Braun if it meant he would win the batting title
Ryan Braun missing a game is to give him a day off before the post season starts. Not to mention the fact that Jose Reyes has played 20-25 less games than Braun.
BTW… Generally when players pinch hit in that type of situation… it’s clearly not about his batting title chances… but hey, why use common sense.
I have every right to “hate on Jose Reyes.” I don’t like the way he plays the game. It’s my opinion and I’m sure I’m not the only person who doesn’t. You can disagree with me, that’s fine but don’t say it’s for no reason because I don’t like a guy. It has nothing to do with the Rivalry in 2007-2008, I just don’t like his attitude and the way he goes about playing the game. I think he’s the most talented player in the game of baseball when he’s on his game.
Reyes doesn’t give a crap about winning the batting title for your franchise BTW. He wants to win the batting title so he gets more money. Which he has every right… and frankly he’d be a fool not to be motivated to do that.
… btw Ryan Braun would be the first Brewers player to win it for the Brewers wouldn’t he?
Ryan Braun batting in that pinch hit situation was because the team wanted the win and Braun was the best bat on the bench to give them the win. The manager of Brewers openly said that he would gladly give Braun nights off if it would help his chances in his pursuit for the batting title. That’s where the problem more or less comes into play, Reyes or his agent or someone probably heard/read what the manager said and then Reyes talked to Collins and decided about doing the same thing.
The batting title is only a little more important to Reyes right now because he’s a soon to be free agent and the batting title adds more Millions into his pocket. Don’t get me wrong though, as Braun is deserving in winning the title but at the same time Reyes has had one of the best years of his career even with going on the DL 2x.
“Manager Ron Roenicke said his decision to play-or-sit Braun would not hinge on Braun’s chances to win the batting title. Roenicke said it was not a factor to Braun, so it wouldn’t be a factor to him.”-ESPN
HEY HOMER!!!! CHECK YOUR FACTS!!!!
Ryan Braun batting in that pinch hit situation was because the team wanted the win and Braun was the best bat on the bench to give them the win. The manager of Brewers openly said that he would gladly give Braun nights off if it would help his chances in his pursuit for the batting title. That’s where the problem more or less comes into play, Reyes or his agent or someone probably heard/read what the manager said and then Reyes talked to Collins and decided about doing the same thing.
The batting title is only a little more important to Reyes right now because he’s a soon to be free agent and the batting title adds more Millions into his pocket. Don’t get me wrong though, as Braun is deserving in winning the title but at the same time Reyes has had one of the best years of his career even with going on the DL 2x.
The Brewers wanted to sit Braun to give him a day off before the playoffs, they only had him pinch hit because the game was on the line.
It’s all the Mets have at this point. I don’t mind it. Think about their team next year and then let them enjoy this moment a bit. on If I was the Mets GM, I would be listening on Wright, Bay, Santana, and Pegan. Not saying they trade them all, but they have to make some kind of move in the offseason.
I wouldn’t listen on any of those players until the trading deadline… unless someone blows them away with an offer.
Pagan’s going to get Non-Tendered
Santana didn’t pitch all year and is owed a ton of money. Ace level pitchers are worth gold at the deadline.
They’re going to pull in the walls in Citi Field. I’d look for Wright to have a bounce back year and make himself a target for teams like the Phillies, Rockies, Angels who are going to need a 3rd baseman at the deadline.
I’d expect a fire sale, if one occurs (which I believe one should… they need the prospects) I’d expect them to make moves at the deadline.
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They can enjoy the moment all they want. My opinion shouldn’t change their minds. My point is it was a complete bush league move that Derek Jeter or a player like that would have never done and that’s what ultimately separates him from the truly great players.
… btw the one of the Mets’ Broadcasters thought it wasn’t the way to go.
What about the Brewers fans who would like to see Braun win the title? The batting title is one of the most prestigious things a player can accomplish. I don’t agree with how Reyes went about it.
I wouldn’t listen on any of those players until the trading deadline… unless someone blows them away with an offer.
Pagan’s going to get Non-Tendered
Santana didn’t pitch all year and is owed a ton of money. Ace level pitchers are worth gold at the deadline.
They’re going to pull in the walls in Citi Field. I’d look for Wright to have a bounce back year and make himself a target for teams like the Phillies, Rockies, Angels who are going to need a 3rd baseman at the deadline.
I’d expect a fire sale, if one occurs (which I believe one should… they need the prospects) I’d expect them to make moves at the deadline.
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They can enjoy the moment all they want. My opinion shouldn’t change their minds. My point is it was a complete bush league move that Derek Jeter or a player like that would have never done and that’s what ultimately separates him from the truly great players.
… btw the one of the Mets’ Broadcasters thought it wasn’t the way to go.
What about the Brewers fans who would like to see Braun win the title? The batting title is one of the most prestigious things a player can accomplish. I don’t agree with how Reyes went about it.
Ty Cobb used to do it… Nobody will ever argue that his “play” was considered “bush league”.
He’s a leadoff hitter, how many bunts has he had over the course of not only this season, but his career?
He doesn’t play the game the right way? His “game” is small ball and speed…
I wouldn’t give him that much. Not that he isn’t great now, but if he ages and his BABIP begins to regress, that low walk rate is pretty scary. Though I guess 5 years and 100 mil wouldn’t be too over the top, but any more years and you’re asking for trouble.
I’m not sure why anyone is angry with Reyes’ decision to leave the game. Why risk losing $5m or getting injured in a meaningless game? At the end of the day it’s only a game and a player’s health and ability to put food on his family’s table takes priority. (I know Reyes shouldn’t ever have a problem putting food on the table but you really never know with some athletes.)
I’m angry with Reyes because he didn’t act like a batting champ. Instead of playing to win the title, he took himself out in order not to lose the title. He didn’t even try to hide the fact. Normally, when he gets on base, he’s a threat to steal in order to help the team. Instead he walked away, not caring about the team. That’s not what a champion does. It would be understandable if he had a big lead over Braun and wanted to maintain that lead in order to use it for free agency negotiations, but what he did was to attempt to back into the title.
As for your point about a meaningless game and risking injury, if that were truly the case, why play at all? He could have hurt himself running down the line on the panty waist bunt he laid down. Big money contract or not, he won’t ever live this stupid move down.
Winning the batting title was more important than winning that game. There’s a reason why there’s a $5m bonus for the title and not a $5m bonus for winning 78 games. In fact, the Mets are probably better off losing the game and getting a better draft pick.
lets not comment on Reyes going 7 for 11 in his last 4 games with 2 home-runs and 2 SB
we’ll just pretend that he didnt earn the title…
Any GM willing to give Jose Reyes $100 million dollars should be smacked. That said, they probably wont get smacked…but they will eventually be fired once it blows up in their face.
Any GM that gives Jayson Werth $126 million should be smacked.
Jose Reyes just won the batting title and people are complaining about how he won it. Reyes hitting .337 while being hampered by multiple injuries this year is amazing. His ability to stay consistent despite being hurt and win the batting crown shows his maturity as a player.
Not to mention that Reyes leads the league in strikeout average, ahead of Placido Polanco. Reyes has finally shown that he understands the strike-zone and is the best shortstop in all of baseball with his ability to influence the game on defense, on the bases, and with his energy.
Give the man his money Sandy.
First off, Reyes did not have any type of clause in his contract that awarded him extra money if he won a batting title and according to Adam Rubin (via Jayson Stark) teams aren’t allowed to put such a clause in a contract.
And while people are sitting here killing Reyes, lets not forget that this has happened before. Just to name a couple examples: Bernie Williams came out of the game for a pinch hitter after going 2-2 in ’98. In ’90, George Brett (.328) and Rickey Henderson (.325) entered the final day of play. Brett had a double header and didn’t start game 1, but came in the game in the 7th after Henderson went 1-3. The only way Brett could have lost it was to stay in game 1 and go hitless and then go 0-4 in game 2. Guess what? He didn’t play game 2, which ensured him the batting title. Acting like what Reyes did is unprecedented is ridiculous.
CHECK-MATE —> In ’90, George Brett (.328) and Rickey Henderson (.325) entered the
final day of play. Brett had a double header and didn’t start game 1,
but came in the game in the 7th after Henderson went 1-3. The only way
Brett could have lost it was to stay in game 1 and go hitless and then
go 0-4 in game 2. Guess what? He didn’t play game 2, which ensured him
the batting title. Acting like what Reyes did is unprecedented is
ridiculous.
San Fran knows they have great pitching but a terrible lineup. I think they’ll give him more then $120 million to get him there. They need a spark plug in that lineup. San Fran is going to go after Reyes aggressively!
San Fran will pay Jimmy Rollins for a nice 4 year 60 mil contract instead…
Hey Jose… the Brewers need a shortstop and probably have money to spend with Fielder out of their price range. Guess what? Brewers management will now have to factor in that a lot of fans don’t want you now. Very good player. Injury risks. Looking for a payday and not much heart? Are you Gary Templeton of this era? I think pulling yourself out just cost you between 2 and 5 million over the next 5 years. I hope it was worth it to you to be able to watch the last 8 innings for 2-5 mil.
So with no Fielder and no Reyes to replace his production…Ryan Braun can happily in between Carlos Gomez and Derrick Lee
I said at the trade dead line that Reyes and the Mets lacked team unity and leadership and received alot of angry responses from Mets fans, but what I said appears to be true. Reyes’ batting title is a bargaining chip for his next contract and if the Mets pay him more than 15 million per year and more than 7 years, they deserve to miss the playoffs every year. Wright will be a Phillie in the next year or so getting what he deserves, a real shot playing for a real team, not a bunch of ego maniacs.