Jose Reyes Gets A Second Chance With The Mets

[caption id=”” align=”aligncenter” width=”623"]

Kathy Willens/AP Photo[/caption]

-David Strobach-

The New York Mets have signed free agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, to a minor league deal after clearing waivers with the Rockies to reunite the two parties. Jose Reyes was a star for the Mets from 2003–2011 and left for a $106 million contract spanning 6 years with the Marlins. He was then traded to the Blue Jays, then the Rockies acquired him in the Troy Tulowitzki deal. Reyes was suspended without pay (lost $6.25 million) through May 31 for his domestic violence incident last October where he grabbed his wife by the throat and pushed her into a glass door while in Hawaii. He was arrested, but after his wife was uncooperative with the prosecution, the charges were later dropped. Even though he was never formally charged, he still violated the MLB domestic abuse policy which led to his suspension. The Mets GM Sandy Alderson feels Jose has learned from his mistake, served his punishment, and deserves a second chance saying:

“I did meet with Jose personally. We talked for about an hour. Obviously, this domestic abuse issue was the focal point of that conversation. I came away feeling that he had taken responsibility for this mistake on his part, that he was remorseful. He obviously has paid a penalty for this, both financially and in terms of his career. He, I believe, is committed to ongoing counseling and support of organizations working against domestic abuse. And obviously, in addition to this personal meeting, we had a lot of internal conversations. [Chief operating officer] Jeff Wilpon was directly involved in this every step of the way. We were aware of the possible controversy this would generate. We’re also fully aware of the responsibility we sort of have to be leaders in this area of fighting domestic abuse.” Sandy also said, “At the same time, Jose was a member of the Mets organization for 12 years. He was signed at 16 years of age. He was a solid citizen during all of that time. And so, if you think of it in those terms, us as a place where Jose grew up, almost as a surrogate family, we felt that he deserved a second chance, and that second chance was most appropriate with us.”

Also saying:

“We fully understand there will be differences of opinion about this. Some people will feel strongly and differently. I think we accept that. We respect that. All I can say is both Jose and the organization will be held to a standard going forward that recognizes the seriousness of domestic abuse and a commitment to stand against it.”

Reyes expressed regret for his actions and is looking forward to future saying below:

“As I have expressed in the past, I deeply regret the incident that occurred and remain remorseful and apologetic to my family. I have completed the counseling required by MLB, have been in ongoing therapy, and will continue with counseling going forward. I appreciate the Mets organization for believing in me and providing the opportunity to come back home to New York.”

[caption id=”” align=”aligncenter” width=”432"]

Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger[/caption]

The Mets are hoping this second chance for their former star helps a line up desperately looking for a boost as well as add depth. He will spend around a week in the minors to recalibrate his skills before joining the MLB roster. The Rockies are responsible for the $39 million he’s owed and the Mets only have to pay him the league minimum of $507,50. This is a great low-risk, high-reward opportunity for New York. His role will not be as shortstop with the Mets as Asdrubal Cabrera blocks him there. He will be playing 3rd and even work in the outfield. Reyes should be slotted into the leadoff spot to boost the Mets order. He will also bring a much needed speed to a team barren of it. It is unfair for anyone to expect his 2011 batting title days coming back as Alderson said on his expectations:

“Do we expect him to win the National League battle title this year the way he did in 2011? No. Has he lost a step — maybe? Is he the premier shortstop that he once was? It doesn’t really matter — he’s not going to play shortstop. So we’ve taken all of those things into account. We think he can help us. You know, from a motivational standpoint, I don’t think we would be able to find a player who is more determined, more highly motivated to perform than Jose is today.”

I personally used to be a fan of Reyes, but lost all respect for him after his altercation with his wife. With the statements from Alderson, it seems that the Mets have and are continuing to handle the situation well. It is great to see the MLB as a whole handling domestic violence seriously. I hope Reyes has truly learned from his mistake. Based on the statements, both parties feel that he has. It is good to see that his counselling will continue while in New York. Even though I will never look at him the same like many others and rightfully so, I wish the best for him and his family and hope he grows from this experience. You can spend your life working hard, building up your reputation, and respect, doing great things — but it only takes one regrettable act to have it all come crashing down. Any man that hurts his wife is not a man at all. However, I do believe in second chances.

Like me on Facebook!

Follow me on Twitter: @BleacherBoy10

Email me: thebleacherboy@yahoo.com