Thursday, August 3, 2006By Mike Steffanos
Note: The official press release on the signing is up on Mets.com.
I was watching Daily News Live on SNY, and there was some opinion voiced on the show that this was a steal for the Mets. I believe that is missing the point. While Reyes is undoubtedly costing himself money during his first couple of years of free agency, he'll still be in his twenties at the end of this and can go for a staggering contract at that point. What this does now is ensures that if his leg injuries return he has financial security. He's passing up on a few bucks to ensure that, and to me that makes him a smart kid. Besides, if he's the elite player 3-4 years down the road we all think he'll be, his agent can always negotiate a raise/extension.
Meanwhile, the team has negotiated some cost certainty going forward. They can better decide what their budget will be because they know exactly what Reyes will make. This is a win - win deal.
Keep in mind that you are only going to sign a player at a "bargain rate" like this if he's one of your own, and you have a very good reason why I am so deeply in favor of the Mets developing their own talent rather than always looking to trade for or buy it.
WFAN's Joe Beningo was on the show, talking about what a good player Reyes is, and how no one is bringing up his on base percentage any more. I know you're a Mets fan, Joe, but a couple of years ago you and Sid Rosenberg were demanding the Mets trade Reyes for Alfonso Soriano. You may have forgotten that, but I can't.
Contract Details from ESPN.com:
Reyes gets a $1.5 million signing bonus; $2.5 million in 2007; $4 million in 2008; $5.75 million in 2009; $9 million in 2010. There is a club option for $11 million in 2011, or a $500,00 buyout on the last year. There also are numerous performance incentives, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports.
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Comments (8)
Poor Joe, he is a frustrated Met fan with a radio show. He's ok, just take him lightly. He reminds me in my drinking days of talking Mets at the bar with the guys. It sounds good at the moment untill the next day then its a different opion on the same team with the same guys. He's Joe BENINGO. You can find a few words to rhyme with that. Amen
Posted by REV AL | August 3, 2006 6:40 PM
I'm not mad at him or anything, Rev, though I screamed a few things at the radio to both him and Sid back in the day.
Posted by Mike S. | August 3, 2006 6:43 PM
Excellent points Mike. I also appreciate you reminding Beningo of his poor judgements in the past. This is the same "fan" who booed Beltran. I love Met fans but you have to speak using your head, not just your heart. You, on the other hand, always has an intelligent and broad view of what is going on. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Joe | August 3, 2006 6:56 PM
I appreciate the kind words, Joe. I used to listen to Joe and Sid every day, and hear all this stuff about what a dynamic offensive player Soriano was (as if hitting home runs was everything) and how they would make that deal in a heartbeat. Taking nothing away from Soriano, I was glad that deal didn't happen then and I'm still glad now.
Posted by Mike S. | August 3, 2006 9:49 PM
Hi MIke- This is a great thing for the Mets, I was happy to hear it. I love Jose's attitude on the field - the kid LOVES to play the game and it shows-I really don't think money matters all that much to him. He comes from such humble beginnings that he seems happy to be getting paid nicely to do what he loves. I just hope he keeps that attitude, and I think he will.
As far as Beiningo- I remember that too, but you have to remember everyone was unsure about Reye's physical make up at that time, for such a young guy to get injured so badly two years in a row made him seem very fragile-who knew if he would ever develop into the player he is today, no less even play a full season. Even now when he gets up from a slide I cringe a little-like the other night with that base running mess with Beltran's double. When he tripped rounding third my heart ent into my throat.
Posted by Shari | August 4, 2006 8:25 AM
Hi Shari -- they were being kind of obnoxious about it -- Sid in particular, who was obnoxious by nature. I agree that we were all worried about Reyes back then, but that was the kind of knee-jerk reaction that this team has done all too often. I used to like to listen to Joe and Sid, but they started sounding too much like Francesa and I tuned them out. To this day I don't listen to Beningo much any more.
Posted by Mike S. | August 4, 2006 11:44 AM
Hi MIke- I used to love Sid and whoever he was partnered with (I knew his family and worked for them back in the day in good old Brooklyn, NY)
They were all nice people and I feel for Sid, I've had my own problems, but got my head on straight-not everyone is able to do that.
I only hope he is doing well on his new station in Florida. I always found him funny and he knew his sports.
Posted by Shari | August 4, 2006 12:20 PM
I have nothing against Sid personally, Shari. I had my own lost weekends back in the day, and don't judge anyone for that. I often didn't care for his take on the Mets, and that's what I felt was obnoxious. I don't know him personally, and my reply was worded somewhat sloppily. Sorry.
Posted by Mike S. | August 4, 2006 2:25 PM