By Matt Snyder Fresh off taking the Batter of the Month honors for June from CBSSports.com's baseball staff, Mets shortstop Jose Reyes received even higher praise -- from a three-time MVP, no less.
Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees was asked by a reporter about Reyes Friday before Yankees and Mets squared off for the first game in a three-game set. A-Rod didn't hold back in his response.
"They have the world's greatest player playing shortstop over there, and the most exciting," Rodriguez said (ESPN New York). "I turn on the TV every time I get a chance to watch him."
The world's greatest part is certainly up for debate, but if we're going on this season alone, Reyes is most definitely in the conversation.
As for the most exciting? I'm not going to argue that, nor would anyone who watches Reyes play often. He gets on base tons of different ways, has extra-base power, steals bases and also sports a youthful exuberance. He came into Friday night leading the majors with 121 hits, 15 triples and a .352 average. He was also leading the NL with 22 doubles and 65 runs. He also has 30 stolen bases and has walked more times (27) than he's struck out (26).
Reyes is probably headed to his fourth All-Star Game in less than two weeks and at the end of the season will likely see a huge pay day, as he hits free agency. Back in the spring, there were reports the Mets were reluctant to re-up with him unless he significantly up his on-base percentage. His career OBP is .340. This season: .397. Your move, Mets.
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