Since 2005, Mets fans have been used to seeing the same man run out to shortstop every day. They have been used to seeing the same guy go diving into second base safely on a steal. They have seen the same guy round second and head for third for a triple a dozen plus times a year. They have been used to the same guy being called at the top of the lineup every day. They have been used to the same man teach them new Spanish words every home game. Now, yet another man will be taking his talents to south beach.
Jose Reyes will now be a member of the Miami Marlins. Reyes signed a 6 year, $106 million deal on Sunday night. The deal includes a $22 million option for a seventh year. Reyes will leave the Mets for the team that looks to have a lot of promise in the future. The Marlins have already signed closer Heath Bell. They have been in contact with Albert Pujols and are prepared to make a huge offer. Also, they are going to be looking for a starting pitcher, with Mark Buehrle being a definite option. Not to mention, they have a brand new stadium next season and have changed their name from the Florida Marlins to the Miami Marlins. This move obviously changes the Mets team completely as well as the National League East. The Phillies, Braves, and Marlins are now looked at as the major contenders in the NL East while the Nationals and Mets seem to be on the outside looking in.
Mets fans saw it coming. They knew there was no way the Mets could bring an offer higher to the table than what the Marlins brought. The Mets just do not have the financial room to keep Reyes and then add more pieces, which they clearly need after having an extremely disappointing last couple of seasons at Citi Field. Losing Reyes completely changes up everything in Queens. It ends an era of one of the most exciting players we have ever seen in baseball. Reyes was exuberant on the field and a one of a kind type player. From his stolen bases to his triples to his flashy fielding, Reyes will be missed in every sense of the word. Taking over for Reyes as shortstop will be 22 year old, Ruben Tejada. Tejada got a good amount of playing time last season playing in 96 games and batting .284. For Mets fans, it will never be the same. Reyes is a guy that you do not see everyday. He is a special player and a guy who changes the face of the team. Tejada will not be that guy and still is developing as a player. The Mets lose a leadoff hitter, a leader, and an all star and replace him with a bottom of the lineup type hitter who is solid defensively. The Mets will learn in the coming seasons that nobody can replace what they had in Reyes and it is a tough road ahead for the Mets, who seem to be in a rebuilding mode.
For at least the next six years, Mets fans will now have to watch Reyes compete against them 18 times a year. Fans have to see Reyes run out to shortstop nine times a year at Citi Field….in a Miami Marlins uniform. For nine times a year, the first pitch at Citi Field will be made to Reyes. It is going to be a bizarre feeling for Met fans. It is a tough loss for the Mets to swallow, but it is time for the Mets to move on and try and build pieces to somehow replace one of the best shortstops of our era.
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