Beltran shows leadership; Reyes follows
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- April
- 17
Which is a more significant development: Jose Reyes playing with a smile or Carlos Beltran telling him to flash the pearly whites again?
Reyes is hitting again, but the last two games he’s also loosening up – at Beltran’s urging. The dancing and homer handshakes are back.
During spring training Reyes said he took responsibility for the Mets’ collapse and admitted to being sensitive to the criticism that came from opposing dugouts. The Florida Marlins said they played with fire in the season finale after watching Reyes celebrate the say before.
For the first two weeks of the season Reyes played with handcuffs on his personality and Beltran thought it carried over to his performance.
“I think he missed himself,’’ Beltran said. “I think we missed him, too. We like what he does. He’s not trying to offend anybody. And if they are offended, we can’t worry about that. He should be himself and the person we need him to be.’’
Did Reyes homer because Beltran talked with him? Probably not, but if he the encouragement from a teammate made him feel comfortable again, then who is to say?
“Did what he said make me hit a home run?” asked Reyes. “I don’t know. Maybe. I feel like myself. I know I do. … He told me I was fake. Not the real Jose Reyes. That’s what he saw. He said, ‘You make everybody better when you do what you do best.’ ’’
I think Reyes is too good a player and would have broken out eventually. What I like here is Beltran taking charge, and this comes on the heels of his “we’re the team to beat,’’ comment in spring training.
What do you think is the more important development?
This entry was posted
on Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 12:14 pm by John Delcos.
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I think they are equally important – Beltran in Big Brother mode and Jose finally paying attention to him. Ithink in general there is too much ‘me’ in today’s baseball – the whole team concept needs to make a comeback. We talked a bit about this last night on the blog.
This is interesting. I think guys have to be themselves. The game is hard enough without always worrying about whether you’re too enthusiastic(Reyes) or not enthusiastic enough(Beltran). Just play and be yourself. Your worries should be on preparing for the game, not on your personality.
Why can’t willie say things like what beltran said? instead of constantly ripping on his own players (ollie, reyes, etc) and always praising his role players, he should maybe try encouraging all of his players.
I find it amazing the cause and effect conclusions trotted out by some people. Like JD said, Reyes would have busted out eventually. Did Beltran really turn the switch on Jose Reyes? The best answer is that no one really knows. Is this the first time Beltran has said something to a teammate that could be construed as “leadership?” Probably not. But the cause doesn’t really matter. Carlos Delgado is being outslugged by every regular except Schneider and Castillo. Sheesh. This team needs the All-Star version of Reyes so badly, and whatever brings him back (not ready to say that he is back after 2 good games), is mere speculation.
When they asked Jim Leyland if he thought the Tigers’ poor start could be attributed to bad chemistry, he responded that “chemistry is a class you take in school, it’s got nothing to do with baseball.” Not sure he is completely correct, or if he even believes that, but it was pretty funny.
Both things are equally important. But I’m not sure if it’s fair to call this a “development” on the part of Beltran as it appears he’s been slowly taking on the mantle of a leader for awhile. Not only is there the “team to beat” statement early in spring training, but he’s taken Pagan under his wings and has helped Schneider with his hitting. It’s a welcome trend.
I think it’s unfair to say Willie is constantly “ripping” his own players. Yeah, he’s a little harder on a few of the younger players, but in some cases he’s needed to be. The idea that he’s to blame for Reyes’ downturn is totally speculative and I don’t think has merit.
I think the media was more the problem that caused Reyes to self-impose a moratorium on his exuberant style of play. In column after column, reporters blamed the celebrations and handshakes on inciting other teams to beat the Mets. Reyes took this to heart and it pained him, blaming himself for his team’s failure to make the postseason when the blame should have been spread around to dozens of others.
I don’t care if the handshakes and dances make other teams want to bash the Mets. I’d rather have the old Reyes back. And I think his celebrations and dances are a part of his personality which is what fuels his performances. He needs to be himself. Let the chips and resentment fall where they may.
Everyone says they lack a leader. Therefore, Beltran showing leadership is the catalyst. I especially like the statement that he made that they should not worry about what the fans or the media say or what other teams think.
I was wondering if and when he would do more (at least things we hear about) after that ST statement. I was concerned it was a one and done statement.
Of course, none of this matters if they don’t hit, pitch, field or run.
I think having the old reyes back is #1. I personally prefer less baiting type celebration, but the players in most sports do not seem offended anymore.
The most important thing from a team perspective is that they have the right frame of mind to win. If Reyes’s actions cause others’ to get up for us and we still win who cares? He is our catalyst, no matter how good Beltran/Wright are.
As for leadership, if Beltran can be a quiet force that is a good thing. Pedro needs to be healthy so he can add his voice.
I heard Wagner say he and Show talked to Big Pelf about pitching.
that’s funny JM, and its even funnier coming from Leyland. So many Met fans want a fiery manager who will rile up his players, yet there is Leyland, the epitome of that, many would say, saying chemistry is overrated, and by the way, managing an immensely talented team to a horrible beginning of the season. Oh the irony…