Jerry Manuel has said, "If his team goes to the finals, that will be a high level of intensity for him at that period in time. I've got to get that back, and in order to get that back, I need to give him a break. That won't leave me much time to do what I need to do. If they get eliminated early, then it gives me some flexibility with that.” This was said in regards to Reyes batting lead off or third. Manuel says if he get Reyes back early, he will use him in the third position more, if the DR goes far in the WBC, when Reyes comes back, Manuel will have less time, so Reyes will return to his natural lead off position.
Reyes has hit well from the #3 position this spring, and Luis Castillo has done well in the leadoff. What does this all mean? NOTHING. I can remember a bright young player who showed tremendous power every spring…the name – Butch Huskey. Huskey never amounted to his spring showcases, and I believe the same can be said for Reyes batting third. Reyes’ best attribute is his speed, and he and the Mets won’t be able to utilize this from the #3 position. If he goes to steal, that will take the bat out of the hand of the #4 hitter. Reyes is the Mets lead off hitter. Despite some of his faults, he is still one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball, and makes things happen when he gets on base.
I like that Manuel thinks outside of the box, but as with most major decisions, discretion must be used.
Thanks to David Lennon - Newsday for the information.
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