2
2011
What If Jose Reyes Had Switched Agents?
Before you read this, understand that I want nothing more than to see the Mets re-sign Jose Reyes (within reason). That said, I want to shed some light on all the latest Jose Reyes news of the last 2-3 days with the caveat that I do so not as a biased Mets fan, but as an impartial and objective observer.
Some facts:
- Over one month into the process, and Jose Reyes has only been courted by one team – the Miami Marlins.
- The Mets have yet to even make an offer to Reyes, but continue to monitor the situation.
- Jose Reyes has one number in his head and it’s $100,000,000.00.
- Jose Reyes declined to discuss a deal with the Mets when his agents were asked for a starting point.
- Sandy Alderson decided the best strategy was to let other teams set the market for Jose.
Those are some of the facts that we’ve learned over the past six weeks. What shocks the hell out of me is that in all this time, Jose Reyes has just one offer – one. He’s only met with one team – one. Does anyone find this a little odd? Why the lack of interest in a 28-year old shortstop who plays good defense and just won a batting title?
If you ask me, I think his agents have done a lousy job handling this whole situation. Do any of you remember back in May when it was learned that Scott Boras was trying to recruit Reyes to his camp?
Reyes actually held a press conference before a game and ended any speculation of a potential partnership with Boras and announced that he would stay with his current agent, Peter Greenberg.
“No chance,” Reyes said. “Scott Boras and I talked a couple of times on the phone. He’s always tried to get me since the minor leagues, but like I said, I’m happy with my agents. I’m happy with Peter.”
Not for nothing, but if there’s one truth in baseball it’s this, if you want the big-bucks go with Scott Boras.
Boras has an incredible way of showcasing his star clients with 100-page presentation binders, a highlights DVD, autographed 8x10s, etc. that he sends to all 30 teams, AND he is the aggressor. He picks up the phone and contacts every team especially the ones that he knows could use his client’s talents. He is like the ring master who controls the entire show.
If someone calls him and asks him for a number, you can bet that team will get a number. It might not be a number you want to hear, but you’ll get a number – that’s for sure.
I think Reyes goofed by sticking with Greenberg. If he wanted all the money he could get, he should of gotten an agent who thrives on that kind of a challenge.
Sorry Jose, but when all is said and done, I don’t think you’ll get that $100 million contract you so desperately wanted.
Reyes sticking with Greenberg improves the Mets chances of re-signing Reyes at a reasonable amount.
About the Author: Drew Staley
On June 1, 2012 Johan Santana officially became my favorite current Met! I'm a Queens native who grew up in the shadows of Big Shea. I was a huge Ron Darling, Dave Magadan and John Olerud fan. Honored to be a part of such a great site for Mets fans. Ya Gotta Believe!
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An article by 72MetsFan




I’m pretty sure he and Greenberg are tight outside of the world of baseball. I am pretty sure Leible which is also one of Reyes’ agents through the agency is a Godfather to one of Reyes’ kids.
But regardless, I agree with you. I think his agent has done a terrible job. There’s a reason why Boras is the best in the business.
Keep in mind, 3 of Boras’ biggest clients (Rodriguez, Texiera, Beltran) have all jumped ship in the last year. Maybe Reyes saw something with Beltran that turned him off toBoras.
And Greenberg and Associates has no trouble tracking down big money. They do represent Santana, after all. Reyes may not want the negative perception that comes with signing on with Boras.
Right but worth noting all 3 of those guys had Boras as their agent when they received their biggest pay day. It was only AFTER they got their contract that they parted ways.
I know somebody who has worked within the Boras Corp. The man is easily the best in the biz, that doesn’t mean he’s for everybody though. I mean heck, Werth only hired Boras a few months and look what that did for him.
When Tex left Boras he said “Sometimes, business relationships just run their course. Now that the contract is over with, I don’t want to be “Scott Boras client.” I want to be Mark Teixeira, baseball player, helping this team win championships. Scott did a great job getting me my contract. I wanted to be in New York from the beginning, and everything that I’ve asked for has come through so far. And from here on out, there’s no reason to worry about the contract. It’s all about winning championships and helping out the community.”
How many times did you hear “teams will be lining up for him” from fans and pundits alike? So far that has not been the case unless things are awfully secretive behind the scenes.
Seems like this is a market for closers rather than a supposed once in a lifetime player at a skilled position like shortstop. Actually, it might have a lot to do with both performance and durability questions.
Has Prince Fielder met with any teams yet? Have we even heard about any offers made to Fielder yet? I heard about the Cubs being interested in Pujols but has he met with any teams yet as well?
I’m not sure what you’re getting at. Are you suggesting the market for high priced 1B is that not large? We already knew that.
I doubt the Cubs would really match STL’s offer, they could be meeting to jack up the price a bit but in reality what large market teams needs a 1B so bad that they’d pay 180+ mil?
One of them could go to Chicago but one of them is either staying put or landing in a place like Washington or Miami or someplace that just shells out a ton of $
Again the fact teams aren’t beating down there doors proves that as of right now STL, MIL, NYM are winning the hot stove market for their own guy
Ultimately the marketplace determines value in just about every case. For the same player with the same stats, the marketplace can vary from year to year. It includes what a player does on the field, the player’s history, the player’s age, etc. The marketplace also includes the general economic conditions and interest rates (yes, interest rates play into this!).
Having said this, I think when a player sets a ‘demand price’ before a professional evaluation of the marketplace is completed, which is likely what happened, it sends out the wrong message to the green shades money people who are consulted on all big moves for every team. Boras has blown some negotiations and now I think Greenberg needs to reevaluate his strategy for Jose. Fans and sportswriters typically buy into the demand price set by a player. It’s a mistake.
Here’s hoping that Jose gets a good contract and that Greenberg has learned a bit.
Boras is the best agent no doubt to “rape” teams in free agent signings. While players should be well paid based on their talents, the salary’s are absurd. If you like paying ridiculous ticket prices, 5 bucks for a Diet Coke and 20 bucks to park your car that explains why these salary’s can skyrocket.
Jose Reyes and his agent have obviously a desire to sign a big deal but have probably decided that there is no point in being angry that the Mets didn’t jump and initially make a zillion dollar offer. They are aware of the reality of Jose’s injury history and are being patient with the Sandy Alderson to make a good offer when the market has settled on his value.
Maybe, Jose and his agent have some scruples about dealing in a professional and realistic way!
Silly article. Who are you to think you know what is in Jose’s mind? How do you know that salary is his primary consideration or want? Perhaps Jose’ is more interested in a personal relationship with his agent and not with one who is controversial. Perhaps he is more interested in other aspects of his employment than solely salary? Who says Jose’ DESPERATELY wants $100 M? In actuality, such speculation is of little value and interest. What counts for Mets fans is whether Jose’ will be retained by the Mets or not. I, for one, could care less about Jose’s relationship for his agent and do not care to speculate about it. What I want to know is WILL JOSE’ CONTINUE TO PLAY AS A MET ? All this other stuff is irrelevant.