It’s almost like Jose Reyes and Sandy Alderson read my post from earlier today.
I described how the Mets need to focus on figuring out the shortstop’s demands. New York would then be able to decide if they were willing to shell out the cash needed to keep Reyes, or if the team would be better served trading the 28 year old/letting him walk.
Well, Reyes has apparently put an end to any chance of that happening. Today the former All-Star came out and said that he does not want to discuss his next contract with the Mets until after the season.
"“Right now I don’t want any distractions,” Reyes said. “I just want to continue to play. We’re going to have plenty of time in the offseason to make this happen.”"
Reyes is certainly not making things easy for Sandy Alderson.
It now seems the Mets GM will have to take any knowledge he has so far accumulated on the situation and make a decision. Alderson will have to choose whether to trade his star before the year is over, or risk letting Reyes walk by waiting until after the season to begin discussions.
According to Alderson, Reyes is a special case. The shortstop’s availability come July will not depend on how the Mets do over the next couple of weeks.
"“All I wanted to suggest was if we’re playing lousy, it doesn’t mean Jose is gone,” Alderson said. “That’s basically the point I’m trying to make. If we are playing lousy, are we a seller? Generally speaking — maybe, probably.”"
Well that just makes things clear as mud, thanks Sandy!
Though Reyes is saying he wishes to just play baseball for now and start negotiations with the club after this season, he does state that he wishes to remain in Flushing for the long haul.
"“Nothing changed,” Reyes said. “I want to stay here. Like I’ve always said, I want to be a New York Met all my career.”"