What Do You Make of Jose Reyes?

During the first couple of weeks of the Mets' season, dopey reporters and broadcasters were all talking about David Wright and Jose Reyes, the foundation of the Mets for the next ten years.

I laughed. Wright is, indeed, the real thing. He will probably hit over .300, smack 30 homers and 100 RBI and have an OBP of .400 for the foreseeable future. But Reyes?

Did you know that Jose Reyes made more outs last year by almost 100 than the next biggest out-maker? His OBP was .300, pathetic for a leadoff hitter. After his torrid start this year, he has gone into a deep funk. His OBP is now about .270 (the league average is about .330).

On the other hand, he is a smooth fielder, a very effective base stealer (about .80% success) and gets a ridiculous amount of triples.

Last night illustrated the issues. He didn't hit a lick all night but with a man on third and two outs, he took a weak swing at a ball out of the strike zone and bounced it over the head of the pitcher. Because of his amazing speed, there was no chance of getting him out. Single and RBI on a desperation, two-strike grounder.

Unless he learns the strike zone, he will never be a real star (although the New York media will continue to treat him as one if he continues to steal bases and hit a few triples).

While I'm on a roll, same thing for Robinson Cano. Although he is batting in the mid .300s now, he has walked like three times this year and his OBP is hovering at about the same level. They are both sure to come down. And, he is no fielder.

Finally, a word on Anderson Hernandez. Again the media keep talking about him as the Mets' solution at second base for the next ten years. Before he got hurt, he had six hits in 40 at bats and had yet to walk once. His avergae and OBP (the same) are below .150. I don't care how well he fields. He ain't the ten year solution. He's a journeyman.