9
2009
Let Jose be Jose
An article by 
Last night I was watching the Miami Hurricanes and Florida State Seminoles add another chapter into the book of their great rivalry. Prior to the game, there was a video montage of the Miami Hurricanes of old. You know, the teams everybody just loved to hate. They were mean, they were cocky, but they were real, real good.
I wish I could remember who said it, but the quote was, “If you don’t like my dancing, keep me out of the end zone.” It occurred to me that this is the attitude the Mets need to have with Jose Reyes.
In 2006, the Mets got beat. They didn’t beat themselves like in 2007 or 2008, they just got beat by a team who’s time had come. Were the Mets better than the Cardinals in 2006? Most likely, but when you push an LCS to a Game 7, and that game is close going into the late innings, anything can and usually does happen.
After the Mets lost that series, a much publicized celebration went on in the visitor’s clubhouse at Shea Stadium in which the St. Louis Cardinals mocked the Jose chant that Mets fans cheer when Reyes is up to bat in a big spot. They certainly were not mocking Reyes for a poor series performance. Reyes hit .281 in that series, and single handedly set the tone for Game 6 (I was there) when he lead off the bottom of the 1st with a Homerun. They weren’t mocking Reyes, they were mocking us.
We all know what happened in 2007 and 2008. The Florida Marlins in particular wanted to beat the Mets more than anything. They hated how guys like Reyes acted in the dugout, and as they congratulated teammates for their achievements. The Phillies have made comments about this as well, and even though the defending champion Phillies couldn’t take care of the Mets themselves in 2008, they have guys saying that Reyes wouldn’t fit into their clubhouse, and they don’t like how he acts when he’s in uniform. (Never mind the fact that Chase Utley dropped an F bomb directed at NY/All Star Game fans in 2008 when they boo’d him… dancing is worse I guess)
The constant discussions and debates about what the Mets need to do in 2010 can grow tiring. The only way to know what the Mets can do in 2010 is to wait and see what the winter holds not only for upcoming free agents, but also players who may or may not become available.
In 2006, Reyes had his best year to date at the plate. He was exactly what the Mets were hoping and expecting him to be. He brought energy not only to the Mets on the field, but to the fans sitting in the seats. When the Cardinals won that game, the attention shifted to whether or not the Mets should tone it down in the dugout. The handshakes, and the dancing all started to dwindle down because our opponents didn’t want this team to look like they were having fun while winning. It’s impossible to please some people. Most say they want to see a team with character, and see a teams true personality out there. Then, the business men and naysayers claim this is a business and they should take it seriously. It seems to me in the year that Reyes wasn’t taking it “seriously,” he was also hitting .300 and finished 7th in NL MVP voting.
Anybody who thinks trading Reyes (assuming he’s 100% healthy by April) is out of their mind. He is 26 years old, and when he’s on his game he is one of the best SS’s in all of baseball. He brings something very few players in the game can bring right now to a team. Sure, he’s going to make mistakes. Not everybody can be Mr. Perfect on the field. Inside Citi Field, if healthy, Reyes will put up numbers that Mets fans have only dreamed about. Citi Field was built for two types of players. Pitchers, and Jose Reyes.
I’m tired of hearing the complaints about how the Mets “act,” or how other teams don’t like the Mets. You know what? Good. You think teams like the Yankees? Of course not, but you know what? They win, because they don’t cater to their critics or how other teams in their league view them. As for free agents wanting to play for teams they “dislike”, I call bluff on that as well. No free agent is going to turn down a winning Mets franchise because a few of their players like to dance.
The Mets need to quit trying to act like other teams, and get back to what they were good at. They were better than everybody else in 2006, they played like it, and they acted like it. They knew they were the best team in the NL, and they didn’t care what the Cardinals, Phillies, Marlins or Nationals thought about them. You know why? Because at the end of the day, the story was that those teams just lost a game to the team they hate. It starts with Reyes. If teams do not like his dancing, and his handshakes, then you know what? Keep us out of the end zone. The Mets need to let Jose be Jose, and as John Stearns put it, let the monster out of the cage.
About the Author: Michael J. Branda
I work for a non-profit organization, working closely with all of our fundraisers in hope of one day finding a cure. My time with MMO began in July of 2009 when I wrote a Fan Post defending Omar Minaya (before it was cool to do that.) I grew up a Mets fan with the mid 1980's teams. My favorite Met of all-time is (and was) Wally Backman. When it comes to sabermetrics versus old school thinking, I like to think I meet in the middle. I believe thinking of new ways to get answers is helpful, especially when the same way has not produced results. However, I think over-thinking certain situations can get you into trouble. I'm excited for the new regime, because I believe they have pieces in place to focus on several aspects of the Mets organization. I've waited this long for a World Series, waiting a few more years for another chance isn't going to kill me.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals | 26 | 18 | .591 | - |
| Braves | 26 | 20 | .565 | 1.0 |
| Mets | 24 | 21 | .533 | 2.5 |
| Marlins | 24 | 21 | .533 | 2.5 |
| Phillies | 23 | 23 | .500 | 4.0 |
Last updated: 05/25/2012
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Great job and I am in total agreement. Screw the Phillies, Braves and other teams who have a problem with Reyes. If they don’t like it than they can try and beat us, but the bottom line is that Reyes must be allowed to be the exciting player he was back in 2006 and part of 2007. Back then he was having fun and the Mets were winning, and then all the maturity talk started. Reyes needs to grow up, and he’s so immature, etc, etc, etc. The worst part was that it was mostly coming from Mets fans who had been duped by the media who made light of every single mistake he made. We finally had a player who played the game with all the enthusiasm you could ever hope for and talent to match, but that wasn’t good enough for some of you. For shame. Leave the guy alone, before he takes off for free agency in 2011 and leaves us high and dry and begging for a superstar at SS.
I couldnt agree with you more. I for one liked that Jose Reyes. I liked that team. And KNOW that Reyes will have an absolutely amazing season next year. So let the guy be happy. Let him have fun. Get off his back and he will hit .300, have 200 hits, 20 triples, score 120 runs and steal 60 bases. This idea that MOST Mets fans have right now, that they have to change it all up isnt my opinion at all. Do they Mets have work to do??? of course. And I honestly believe what is needed is 1 power bat in the middle of the lineup. I prefer a Prince Fielder for 1st base. I like an outfield of Pegan, Beltran and Francouer. And 1 top of the rotation pitcher. Someone to go along side Santana. And the most important piece is a pitching coach to get everything he can get out of Pelfrey, Maine and Perez. Dave Duncan would be ideal.
What I as a Mets fan am looking for, is not easy but, doable. And this idea that this team can not win next year or the year after is complete crap.
I can not wait to see Reyes rounding 2nd after hitting a ball in the gap of right center, dive head first into 3rd. Stand up and clap his hands. I want to see the Reyes of 2206 and 2007. He is an outstanding baseball player and when he is happy and “dancing” so are we as Mets fans.
Great piece Jessep. I couldn’t agree with you more. If you remember after 2006 it was said that Willie Randolph was telling Reyes to knock it off with the dancing and handshakes, at least that was what reports were. I really think Willie hurt this team by trying to make them in the Yankees VOL 2 instead of letting them find their own identity.
I remember last year Beltran told Reyes to go out and fun, do what you do best.
Reyes needs to lay off trying to hit HR’s, that was the one thing I noticed about him before he got hurt, he seemed to be swinging for the fences too much, especially at home, he can hit line drives, with his speed at Citi singles turn into doubles and doubles turn into triples. I really think Jose will have a big year next year.
Jessep, you just threw open the window, stuck your head out and exclaimed, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not taking it anymore.” Good for you, man!
I’m serious – sick as $hit of the media heads disrespecting our organization. We’re just a few pieces away from being competitive for years. However, to get there we absolutely must move Omar out.
If we did nothing in the off season but get healthy, we would be very competitive. Here ya go:
Pagan
Castillo
Reyes
Wright
Beltran
Murphy
Francouer
Santos/Thole
Bench: Thole/Santos, Tatis, Evans/Chris Carter, A. Hernandez, Sullivan
Rotation: Santana, Pelfrey, Maine, Niese, Nieve
Bullpen: K-Rod, Stokes, Parnell, Figgy, Feliciano, Bostick, Misch
Presuming health, this is a very competitive ballclub. Give the other guys, such as Ike Davis, Brad Holt, Eric Nieuwenhuis, Reuben Tejada, Familia, Mejia, Chris Carter, F-Mart & Havens another year to mature without rushing them – call up one or two in the second half of 2010 and then see what we got for 2011.
By 2011, we’d have a groundswell of talent, which is an opportune time either to promote a few guys or trade for a key player. Free agency should be used very conservatively, almost reluctantly, in order to maintain healthy draft picks each year.
Patience is the key. Patience and Jose’s dancing in the dugout.
CAPSLOCK=DISABILITY ACCOMODATION
TOMMY, LOOKS GOOD 2 ME; BUT AREN’T U FORGETTING SOMEONE? OLIVER PEREZ? HE’LL BE THERE SOMEWHERE. DID U REALIZE THAT EXCEPT FOR REYES & WRIGHT EVERY SINGLE PLAYER ON YOUR LISTED TEAM IS THERE DUE TO OMAR MINAYA? & U WANT TO TOSS OUT THE ARCITECT? WHO’S DOING THAT JOB?
ANOTHER QUESTION IS THIS…POWER SUPPLY? THEY NEED A 30HR PRESENCE & I DON’T SEE ONE ON YOUR TEAM. PERSONALLY, I’D HOPE DELGADO’S BAT SPEED IS STILL THERE(LAST 2 WKS) THOUGH I EXPERCT LITTLE PRODUCTION DUE TO TIMING ISSUES; BUT BAT SPEED IS THE KEY. I WOULDN’T BE OPPOSEDE TO RESIGNING HIM GFOR 1 YR 5M WITH INCENTIVES UP TO THE LEVEL OF ’09(12M) HIS RECENT INJURY & LACK OF ’09 PLAYING TIME MAY WORK IN OUTR FAVOR ALONG WITH AGE IN TAMPERING DOWN COMPETITIVE INTEREST. IF HE COULD BE THE ANSWER, I’D RELEGATE MURPHY TO WHAT WAS TATIS’ JOB LIMITED TO B/U 1B,3B & PHing; BUT NO OUTFIELD FOR MURPH WHILE HERNANDEZ TAKES CORA’S MID INF B/U ROLE. BOTH IMPROVE AGE & BOTTOM LINE PAYROLL. LOOK AT WHAT’S AVAIL @ 1B F/Acy, AFTER DELGADO LaROCHE IS BEST OPTION LIKELY TO TAKE BIG HOMETOWN DISCOUNT FROM ATL. PAGAN’S 4th OUTFIELDER MATERIAL NOT STARTER CALIBER, SEE SWH ENDY OPTION. GIVE ME A 30 HR HITTER, A #2 SP OF EITHER LACKEY OR MARQUIS & I’M READY TO GO TO WAR!
Jeesep, I agree with your article asking to unleash Reyes. I believe Jose’s downturn started when mgmt put the cuffs on him. We allowed the other teams to take away our fire. It was a stupid thing for mgmt to take away Jose’s sense of fun as he competes. I thought so at the time and I continue to think that. I just hope that Jose returns next season in great shape completely restored. If he has lost a step or two because of injury, it may all be moot. We really need Jose’ to come back with all his abilities and to be free of excessive control by mgmt.
Again the main point is not being addressed.
In my opinion, Jose Reyes can dance, shake his hips, & cha-cha-cha all he wants. My problem with him is he folded in when a title was at stake 3 years in a row. He also has to get his head out of his butt when he’s playing too.
I liked Jose Reyes all the way up until the 2007 pennant race. He folded like a lawn chair during the race and gave us plenty of attitude that September. Remember the talk that maybe Ricky Henderson was a bad influence? Didn’t Ricky play cards again in the clubhouse that September?
If memory serves me correctly Reyes also came up short in the 2006 playoffs, too.
He also went out with a wimper in the September 2008 race. I don’t care what his numbers were, the numbers are just that…numbers.
Jose is a 6 year VETERAN with a world of offensive talent and a very good arm and will give us good offensive numbers and help us win games. But until he helps us win games WHEN IT COUNTS (big difference), until he stops turning back to look at a ball he’s just bunted, until he stops looking at the catcher when he’s stealing, until he stops throwing his glove when he makes errors, until he STARTS stealing bases in big spots the same thing is going to happen. Exciting Mays, Junes, & Julys but disappointing Septembers.
I hope he’s back and I hope he’s grown up a little but guys like that tend not to change. We’ll see.
You make a great point and it shows how poorly the Mets manage. Mgmt gets bent out of shape about celebrations, but takes no action in the areas where mental mistakes should be corrected. Has Jose’ ever been spoken to regarding the bad habits you have listed? Probably not otherwise they would most likely have been corrected by now. The Mets have a way of dealing with the window dressing, but not the real issues.
CAPSLOCK=DISABILITY ACCOMODATION
BAYIONE, U SOUND LIKE THE MILLIONAIRE COMPLAINING HIS GOLD ISN’T SHINEY ENOUGH. WE MET FANS TEND TO BUY INTO ALL THIS MEDIA SMACK, THEY CRITICIZED STRAW THE SAME WAY, “PLAYED TOO SHALLOW”, “DIDN’T DIVE” & DOC “COULDN’T HOLD RUNNERS” ALL COMPLAINTS ABOUT LACK OF PERFECTION. ANYBODY EVER WONDER IF TOO MUCH IS BEING EXPECTED? STOLEN BASE CROWNS HISTORICALLY BELONG TO BIG BODIED OUTFIELDERS, EVEN RICKEY WAS BUILT MORE AS RUNNINGBACK THEN SPINTER. PERHAPS 160G & 161G SEASONS ARE A TAD TIRING, YA THINK? WHY IS BEING ONE OF THE BEST NOT GOOD ENOUGH? WHY DO WE LISTEN TO THE REYES HATERS LIKE BENINGO? NOW THAT WE’VE SEEN WHAT A REYESLESS TEAM LOOKS LIKE WITH MUNDANE,ADEQUATE SS & LEADOFF HITTERS WHY IS IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REALIZE HE MAY ALREADY BE AT HIS BEST & THAT’S GOOD ENOUGH. PERHAPS THE PROBLEM IS NOT WHO’S BATTING #1; BUT #2 SHOULD BE A HITTER TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF A FASTBALL DIET, NOT A SLAPPER/BUNTER TYPE AS CUSTOM DICTATES. ME? I BELIEVE REYES WILL REACH MORE PRODUCTION WITH BELTRAN #2 INSTEAD OF CASTILLO. IMAHINE THAT CATCH-22 FOR OPPOSING PITCHERS? FASTBALLS TO BELTRAN OR OFFSPEED WITH REYES ON BASE. SORRY GUYS, I HATE TO SAY IT; BUT I THINK THE SPONTANAITY OF REYES HAS PASSED, HE’S NOW BEEN MADE SELF-AWARE & U CAN’T UNRING THAT BELL NO MORE THAN WE CAN RETURN TO THE NAKEDNESS OF EDEN.
Nicely written. People need to remember that there is a reason it’s called a GAME.
this is a great piece and im happy u brought this up. he has his faults but it is what it is. he is the energy of this team. when he gets on base, good things happen for the mets. this guy can steal bags, throw pitchers off and add a lot of pressure to the defense. if he wants to clap and dance, let it happen cuz no one on this team can bring the same to the table.
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A positive article about Jose.
I co-sign this article to the fullest.
I’ve been saying for the last 3 or 4 year, “why should the mets think what other teams think of them”.
What’s wrong with Jose and the Mets having fun?
The Mets organization and Jose should not let these teams get into their collective minds.
Teams would prefer a Jose Reyes that is docile and stoic and boring like Jeter.
That’s not Jose and that’s not his game.
Jose is one of the top 3 shortstops in the majors and at least 25 teams would love to have him.
A true Mets fan wouldn’t want to trade Reyes, only those idiots who love to have something to complain about.
CAPSLOCK=DISABILITY ACCOMODATION
GREG, THE BIG ISSUE, TO ME, IS FROM WHAT I CAN ASCERTAIN BY WATCHING/LISTENING TO OUR GAMES ON OPPONENT’S FEEDS, THERE IS MUCH MORE RESPECT, ENVY & ADMIRATION COMING FROM OPPONENTS THAN THE NEGATIVE DERISION THE NYPRESSCORPS WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE BECAUSE THEIR WAY SELLS MORE PAPERS & HITS. THE REASON J-ROLL & HANLEY ALWAYS “GET UP” FOR GAMES Vs NYM IS THEY’RE TRYING TO MEASURE UP AGAINST JOSE IN THE NY BUBBLE.
WHERE I LIVE OUTSIDE CHARLOTTE,NC MY ZIPCODE IS CLAIMED BY BRAVES,GNATS,REDS AS HOME BROADCASTING TURF MEANING EVEN WITH THE XTR-INNINGS PKG & SNY MY SAT FEED BLACKS OUT SNY IN FAVOR OF “LOCALS” I GET MUCH MORE POSITIVE FEEDBASCK ON OUR TEAM FROM THESE OPPOSITION “HOMERS” THAN FROM GARY,RON, KEITH. KEVIN. THIS IS TRUE NATIONALLY SINCE LONG BEFORE SATELLITES I’VE LIVED OUTSIDE PHL, OUTSIDE ATL & IN L.A. OVER THE PAST 25 YRS. THE BIGGEST NEGATIVES HAVE ALWAYS COME OUT OF ATL CRITICIZING OUR LACK OF HOMEGROWNS & RICHES TO USE ON F/A.
Couldn’t agree more with this article. The 2006 Mets were what the Phillies are now. As I said, I don’t think it’s reyes that held this team back for the past two years, it was other players. The lack of having grinders and adding a one, two big boppers on the team hurt us. If there was a trade for reyes, would I do it? Maybe. But reading this article made me realize how good of a talent we have. Reyes came out the gates fast with his play, something I haven’t seen since his days back in ’05 and ’06. The Mets need new faces, grinders and FA agent signings. Get rid of Delgado, Sneider, Beltran, Oliver, Maybe Wright and start a new.
CAPOSLOCK=DISABILITY ACCOMODATION
J-ROD, YOU’RE RIGHT! BUT I COULDN’T DISAGREE WITH YOUR SOLUTION ANY MORE VEHEMENTLY.
THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE COREW BUILDING BLOCKS; BUT MORE THE BRICKS & MORTAR PLAYERS PUT AROUND THEM. I BELIEVE, WE WERE CLOSER TO THE RIGHT MIX THIS YR AFTER THE CHURCH/FRENCHY DEAL; BUT THE CORE REMOVAL BY INJURIES HAS MASKED THE POTENTIAL RESULTS. THIS CORELESS TEAM ISN’T BEING OUT HUSTLED OR OUT PLAYED; BUT OUT TALENTED. WITH AN INFUSION OF TALENT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR OF REYES,BELTRAN,DELGADO THEY CERTAINLY WOULD’VE OVERCOME THE ROTATIONAL ISSUES ESP WITH THE STRONG PEN RARELY ALLOWING ADDON RUNS.
CONSIDER WHO ON THE RIVAL TEAMS ARE THE ONES TO HURT US MOST OFTEN, PHL IT’S WERTH,VICTORINO, ROLLINS MORE OFTEN THAN UTLEY,HOWARD,IBANEZ(BURRELL EARLIER) ATL IT’S USUALLY KELLY,DIAZ MORE OFTEN THAN McCANN,CHIPPER; FL- ANYBODY NOT NAMED HANLEY(LOL) MOST OFTEN. WE NEED A MORE INTENSE,TALENTED SUPPORTING CAST AROUND REYES,WRIGHT, DELGADO,BELTRAN. VALENTIN,EASLEY,CORA,TATIS ARE ALL ‘NICE’ BACKUPS; BUT WHERE’S THE FIRE? THEY’RE ‘OLD SAGES’ AS WITH MANY OLD-PROS THEY’VE SEEN IT ALL & THAT’S GOOD & BAD. THEY’RE LEAST LIKELY TO GET EMOTIONALLY HIGH OR LOW. TOO OFTEN WE’VE NEEDED “HIGH!” TOO OFTEN I’M HEARING EVEN REYES’ SUPPORTERS SAYING THEY’D DEAL JOSE FOR HALLADY, THOUGH QUITE UNDERSTANDABLE & TEMPTING, ANALYZE IT IOVER A FULL SEASON WHAT’S THE MOST POSITIVE EFFECT U CAN EXPERCT FROM HALLADAY, 25 Ws? MORE LIKE 15 ONCE U TAKE AWAY WHAT MOST #2 CAN BE COUNTED ON, HELL PELF GAVE US 10 Ws. HOW MANY Ls WILL CHANGE TO Ws OVER A FULL SEASON OF REYES @ LEADOFF & SS? I’D GUESS MORE THAN 15, MORE THAN 25! IT’S THE OLD CONUNDRUM OF ACE PITCHER Vs EVERYDAY STAR VALUE. SURE THE ACE IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT IN SHORT POSTSEASON SERIES; BUT U HAVE TO PLAY 162 TO GET THERE. THAT SP CAN EFFECT APPROX 20% WHILE THE POSITIONAL 90%+
Very good point Mets62. They need something, lol. I mean we need to catch a break, lol.
J, DIDN’T WE CATCH TOO MANY BREAKS ALREADY THIS YR? BROKEN REYES, BROKEN DELGADO,BROKEN BELTRAN, BROKEN SANTANA,BROKEN MAINE, BROKEN NEISE, BROKEN NEIVE, BROKEN PAGAN, BROKEN SCHNEIDER, BROKEN PUTZ, BROKEN CHURCH, BROKEN PEREZ, BROKEN BATS! LMAO THROUGH THE TEARS!
We cant let other teams dictate what our behaviour should be. Do you think the 1986 Mets werent just as brash and openly celebrated a homerun? Those guys didnt give a shit what anyone else thought about them, and these current Mets could learn a lot from them.
If other teams hate some aspects of the Mets such as their dancing, their fans, etc., then so much the better. Baseball is NOTHING without rivalries, a little bad blood, and passion. If the other teams were unopinionated about the Mets, this would be one boring sport to spectate.
The Mets need more bravado, more personality, and more swagger. Other teams have plenty of these.
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