Maybe a Day Off Will Bring Reyes of Hope for Jose

It is without a doubt that the Mets have become more aggressive on the bases since Ricky Henderson took over as first base coach.  And much to our delight, Jose Reyes not only leads the Majors in steals this year, but he has already broken the Mets single season steal record, previously held by Roger Cedeno, when he swiped 66 bases during the ’99 season.  However, even though the Mets are playing well and winning ballgames, doesn’t it seem as if Reyes is not himself lately?

Jose’s on-base-percentage is slowly dropping – reported as .367 as of today on Mets.com.  He is not finding his way on base like we all know he can.  He seems angry upon every out or caught stealing.  And he obviously is beginning to get tired.  So, if the catalyst can’t get it going, could we be in for some serious trouble?

On Mike & the Mad Dog on WFAN today, a listener called in and asked Mike and Chris if they thought maybe Ricky was working Reyes too hard.  Please, he is 24 years old and getting paid millions to run, run, run his little heart out.  Now I understand that the season is long and the weather is hot, and even young bodies need a rest from time to time.  But what is everyone so worried about?  Once the Mets clinch, Reyes will have plenty of time to rest and prepare for the next step in the Mets journey to World Championship.  Besides, rumor has it that he will sit out tomorrow afternoon’s rubber game in Cincinatti.  And with a travel day on Thursday, Reyes is guaranteed to come back Friday night against the Astros and do what we love watching him do – get on, get over, and get in.  (And might I add, do a little dance on the top step of the dugout!)  After all, they don’t call him "crazy legs" for nothing.