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Jose Reyes – He’s No Jimmy Rollins…
By J Platt on June 18th, 2008 12:00 PM |
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The New York Mets continue to try and challenge the Knicks for the title of most dysfunctional team in New York. A day after firing manager Willie Randolph, Jose Reyes is making his own headlines by throwing a tantrum in Anaheim.
After leading off the game with a single, Reyes appeared to be walking a little gingerly around the first base bag. Interim manager Jerry Manuel (no relation to Charlie), went to see how Reyes was and as a precautionary measure, opted to remove him from the game. Well that apparently wasn’t acceptable to “the most exciting player in baseball,” as Reyes initially walked away from Manuel (he played the “if I ignore him he’ll leave me alone” card), then followed by yelling at Manuel on the field (playing the “don’t you know who I am” card), and finally throwing his helmet at the dugout (the “I lost this round, but I’m not happy about it” card).
Completely embarrassing…
It’s nice to see after one day the Mets players don’t respect their new manager. If Manuel (Jerry) had a clue he’d bench his juvenile shortstop, and send a message to other players that that’s not how they should be carrying themselves. That point is moot, we all know this won’t happen.
Next time Mets fans look at the standings and see themselves 6.5 games out of first place, this is why.
This episode is a stark contrast from when Philadelphia’s Manuel removed his all-star shortstop from a game. After Jimmy Rollins failed to hustle on what seemed to be an inning ending pop fly, Charlie Manuel yanked the reigning MVP from the game. When that happened, there was no dugout drama. Rollins accepted his punishment, and it was a dead issue. Rollins understands that Manuel is in charge, and he’s a member of a team, and by not hustling he lets his team down. Maybe it’s a maturity thing, maybe it’s putting the good of the team ahead of the good of the player. It’s probably both.
There are currently 18 responses to “Jose Reyes – He’s No Jimmy Rollins…”
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Didn’t Gil Hodges once walk out to left and escort Cleon Jones off the field for not hustling in a game? Can’t think of any current manager who could pull that off today, or would even try.
And it would seem that Jerry is no Charlie.
Ummm…
Maybe you should wait for the morning to write this story. Manuel went and talked to Reyes, Reyes apologized to his teammates, and explained to the media after the game how badly he wanted to stay in the game for Jerry. Handled pretty nicely, sounds like.
And, just so we don’t lose the point here: Reyes was upset because he insisted he wasn’t hurt and wanted to keep playing; Rollins was too lazy to run to first base. And we’re giving Rollins credit and criticizing Reyes? Really?!?
Sorry, Steve…I hate to say it, but I agree with Jay’s take. No, I’m not about to laud Rollins, but Jose’s behavior was inexcusable. He came across like a ridiculous 5-year-old brat. In fact, I was hoping the organization would show some chutzpah and suspend him for a game. Naturally, in hindsight, that would have been a mistake given Reyes’ performance tonight. Way to go Jerry!
Steve – I should have waited to write anything on Reyes acting like a spoiled brat at a toy store because he had a good game? Come on buddy… Just because “Reyes wanted to stay in the game” doesn’t excuse his behavior and maybe Reyes needs to relaize he doesn’t run the show in Flushing.
Also, I never praised Rollins for not hustling. I said he can learn something from Rollins (which he could). You’re totally missing the point.
It isn’t about why they were pulled. It’s how they reacted. The fact is when it happened, Reyes needed to shut his mouth and walk off the field. If he has an issue with it he should take it up with Manuel on his office, not by first base. His stunt tuesday night was embarrassing for him, his manager, and the organization as a whole. This team doesn’t need any more distractions.
The Mets live and die by Jose Reyes. Unfortunately Jose VERY immature. He’s either smiling and dancing in the dugout or pouting. He needs to grow up, focus, and listen to his manager.
On another note, is the state of the Mets so poor that they rally to beat the Angels and the media treats it like they just won the World Series?
Don’t mind Jon and Jay – They’re just cranky that the Phillies haven’t won a series since June 8th and now host the Angels to see if they can fair as well as the Mets did. Lookin’ forward to July 4th, boys…
I might be a little late joining in here, but Steve, sticking up for a crybaby? Really? He stomped his feet like a little sissy. Man, I’d hate to meet you in a dark alley.
I never defended how Reyes acted on the field, but I did defend (a) how Manuel handled it and (b) Reyes apologizing to his manager and teammates almost immediately afterwards.
The point I was making, that everyone missed, is that both players showed momentary lack of judgement, and owned up to it afterwards. Yet one is praised and the other a pariah. Also, if you reread my post, I never commented on the game Reyes had the following day – it was irrelevant to my argument.
Otherwise, the only comment I have, is that the Rollins’ Myth (TM) has really reached ridiculous proportions when we applaud him for not hustling badly enough to be pulled from a game and then not complaining.
And finally, before we go nuts on Reyes emotional reaction, let’s remember that Paul O’Neil was a hero in NY for the same behavior. Of course, he was a Gamer (TM) and Reyes is a crybaby. Of course.
you didn’t really sway me until you brought up the Paul O’Neil comparison. critics did call o’neil a crybaby, and four championships later, yankee fans could care less. i’m sure mets fans would feel the same about reyes if he had those credentials.
difference is he doesn’t have those credentials so its not the same
Are you F-ING crazy? You don’t see the difference between O’Neill’s tantrums and Reyes’s?
ah, it’s so easy to get Magnum riled up
What can I say, Pauly left a big huge hole in right field, and in my heart.
NY Post’s sports columnist Kevin Kernan talks about the Mets and the Yankees on ESPN. Kernan covers Jose Reyes‘ ‘tantrum’ and compares him to Paul O’Neill.
http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=f2cfc6dd-4d4c-4b1d-b506-4296d3ffd801
“He was mad at himself for making an error.” Kernan’s comparison was in reference to Reyes’s tantrum after throwing the ball away. The comparison had nothing to do with Reyes being mad that Daddy pulled him from his little league game.
Not the point – it’s just interesting to see Steve’s point echoed in the Post. I hadn’t heard the O’Neill comparison before this conversation.
If the team were any good, people would spin Reyes’ outbursts in the other direction. Perception is the only reality.
on another note, is there an odder looking character than Kevin Kernan?
No one in the public eye.