Sadly in todays rapidly changing world perception is the new reality. It is seen in politics, the news in which we get our information and in the sports that we watch.
In the case of Jose Reyes all I can say is after watching him this season with both the Blue Jays and the Rockies is that he is not the same dynamic player who once graced the infield of both Shea Stadium and Citi Field. If anything he seems like the shell of the man who once won millions of Mets fans over with his amazing fielding, blazing speed as well as his infectious smile.
Last night I saw balls hit in his vicinity – balls that he would routinely vacuum up just go past him for base hits. And yes he is an average to slightly above average offensive threat (see that home run he hit last night) but he is not that player that won the batting title a scant 4 seasons ago. And his blazing speed seems to be non existent – I know his legs are that of a 32 year old man but there was a ball that he put into play last night that the if he busted out of the box he could have at the very least made it a very close play at first base. Instead in my perception he dogged it.
Honestly me perception is that Jose isn’t enjoying the game anymore. Maybe its because of his balky hamstrings or it is that he was just traded to a team that has a shot for the post season to a team that is mired in last place in the N.L West or maybe father time is catching up to him.
But like I stated earlier ” Perception is reality” and my perception of Jose is that he is no longer a player of a game changing caliber. And I will counter by saying that I feel that Sandy Alderson was right in not even inquiring about his availability at this past trade deadline.
I will always cherish my memories of Jose Reyes as a New York Met but I would rather have those memories of him in his prime than to see him manning short stop everyday for the Mets now. And it pains be to say that!
And with that said….. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!!
Mets alumni celebrating birthdays today include:
Pinch hitter supreme ( and occasional first baseman) from ’06-’07, Julio Franco is 57 (1958).
Primary back up catcher from the ’86 season, Ed Hearn is 55 (1960).
Back up catcher from the ’08 season, Raul Casanova is 43 (1972).
Reserve outfielder from the ’03 season, Prentice Redman turns 36 (1979).
Middle reliever from ’02-’03 Pat “Doctor” is 35 Strange (1980).
Sadly on this date in 2012 spot starter/middle reliever from ’76-’78, Bob Myrick passed away after suffering a massive heart attack.
Other transactions of note include
The New York Mets traded utility man, Gary Bennett to the Colorado Rockies for minor league outfielder, Ender Chavez on August 23, 2001.
MO Vaughn knows where the bodies are buried !!!
lagranderusty you’re not wrong but playing on turf in Toronto has also taken a toll on his legs. and he’s likely devastated by the trade
LRubinson but sometimes you can’t go home again – as much as the fans want it to happen
Holy christ Ed..How many times can you use “My perception” in one post.. I might have to start editing your stuff. And Reyes was very sad Saturday night see us out there chanting JOSEEEE JOSEEEE JOSSSEEEEE….