Recently, there has been massive coverage in the sports world of the recently developed rivalry between Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook. This rivalry has been caused single-handedly by Durant, who chose to depart Westbrook’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Many were under the impression that Westbrook and Durant were great friends, which propelled the storyline of their breakup even further. Many in the sports world acted like this was the first time that one star teammate left the other star teammate for grass that appeared greener. Fans of the Mets know that this was not the first time it happened, though.
Facing the trade deadline during the 2011 season, the Mets had an important decision to make. Star shortstop José Reyes was an impending free agent following the conclusion of the season. While trade rumors swirled, no deal for Reyes ever materialized. After winning the NL Batting Title, Reyes departed the Mets for the rival Miami Marlins in the offseason. Reyes’s departure not only left Mets fans without a star shortstop but also left David Wright to a team without much potential or star power.
Beyond the fact that Wright and Reyes were teammates, it was well known that they were best friends as well. The dynamic duo came up through the minor league system together, teaching each other their respective languages while simultaneously building a strong chemistry in the field. Through the late 2000’s, you could not find a finer shortstop-third baseman combo in the league. The two appeared to be the future for the Mets, and that they would the team to prosperity in the near future.
For Reyes, 2011 was the last season that he made an All-Star team. After only completing one year of his contract with the Marlins, Reyes was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. He had small success in Toronto, and when he was starting to feel at home there, the Blue Jays then traded him to the Colorado Rockies at the 2015 trade deadline. He was then released by the Rockies in 2016 following a domestic violence charge that was placed on him during the 2015-2016 offseason. The Mets then signed Reyes to a minor league contract and eventually brought him back to the big leagues in July of 2016.
As we all know, Wright took a different approach following the split of the two stars. Wright decided to stay with the Mets long term and signed a massive extension in the 2012-2013 offseason. Wright then started a slow decline after the 2013 season, and often suffered many setbacks due to the multitude of injuries that he has acquired. Whether or not Wright will be able to contribute to the Mets at any level this season is yet to be seen.
It has been a bittersweet reunion for Wright and Reyes. They are often photographed together while working out or taking BP down at Spring Training. It even seems that their friendship hasn’t even skipped a beat, though. The thought of what could have been if Reyes hadn’t left the Wright still lingers in the heads of many Mets fans. The fact of the matter is that Reyes jumped ship for the warm water of rival Miami, and left Wright alone with no help in New York. Although they are back again on the same roster, this breakup was hard to endure when it happened. So, Thunder fans, don’t worry. You will one day get over the loss of your star. And he may even come back to you one day.
Nice article. Players leave teams and teammates all the time across different sports for many different reasons. It is a pretty bad look that Durant left in the manner he did and for the team he did. Unfortunately this was not necessarily the case with José Reyes as the Mets never had any intention of bringing him back. They could only afford one between Wright and Reyes due to their dire financial situation and they made a business decision (nota baseball decision) to extend and thus retain the more marketable commodity. Whether Reyes signed with Miami one day or one month after the season ended the most pronounced circumstance is that the Mets were not bringing him back. As a result they have suffered ever since in mightily struggling to replace him in multiple areas. It wasn’t until last season that they actually found a viable SS replacement in Asdrubal Cabrera and it wasn’t until Reyes returned that they were adequately settled in the leadoff position of the lineup.
I was heartbroken when the Jose left the Mets…and I know that’s a goofy way for a Grown Man to react to a Baseball Player he’s never Met.
Jose is just a few years older than my Oldest Son, who was a great soccer athlete…an absolutely electric and fun to watch goal scoring machine with a tremendous personality–so, I identified with Jose as my “Baseball Son”.
I am so happy that he’s back…. if there is a player who “belongs” in a place, it’s Jose…in NY…With The Mets!
Jose, JoseJose…Jose…Jose!!!!!!!
As Sinhalo27 points out, the money to sign both wasn’t there. Alderson spent the entire season telling us how speed guys start slowing down in their early 30’s; how Reyes was often injured; and how Reyes was brash (and not to Alderson’s liking). Indeed look at the players the Mets have: Not a single one that Alderson brought in has an open personality. All are just “play and shut-up” types.
It’s a shame Reyes got hurt in early July because he would have gotten the Mets a ton of talent in return. But, while the Thunder wanted to re-sign Durant and gave him a max contract offer, Durant wanted bling, and so he went to San Francisco and took less money. The Mets never even met with Reyes’ agent. If you want to remember that off-season, think of how many offers they made Murphy. None. And don’t bother reminding me of the QO that we all knew Murphy would turn down.
I can’t fault SA on the “type” of players he’s invested in, the clubhouse seems solid, professional, good-hearted.
Also, Noah is writing his own script.
Cespedes too.
What I find interesting is that although SA came here championing plate discipline, and was always frustrated by Murphy’s lack of walks, and Reyes’ lack of walks, when it came time to win he had to go to Yoenis: a pure athlete who did not conform to a cherished “type.”
One of the things I love about baseball is that it takes all types of players and personalities blended together. Too much of any one thing and it all goes bland.
And yes, again, I personally find Jay Bruce to be the blandest, most boring player we’ve seen in a Mets uniform in quite some time.
Who wants to make that list? All-time most boring Mets? Willie Montenez doesn’t get a spot. Boring doesn’t mean “bad,” btw. I think my SS would be Raphael Santana. No flash there.
So far:
1B) Mike Jorgensen.
2B) Kelvin Chapman
SS) Ruben Tejada
3B) Butch Huskey
C) Alex Trevino
LF) Kevin McReynolds
CF) Don Bosch
RF) Jay Bruce
P) Steve Trachsel
Closer) Doug Sisk
Manager) Art Howe
Bench Coaches) Jeff Torberg, The Wrong Joe Frazier
I like the concept.
I wouldn’t put Huskey on the team. Can a black guy with freckles be boring? I’d put Mike Cubbage there, instead.
I wouldn’t put either Trachsel or Sisk either. I’d classify both of them more infuriating than boring. I’d nominate Randy Tate and Rick Baldwin.
I understand McReynolds because he seemed bored to be here, despite playing pretty well. I think if Jay Bruce put up a full season like what he did for the Reds before being traded, there’d be no way he’d be on this list. Hopefully we can get to find out. In the meantime, I’d put Joe Orsulak there.
Actually, McReynolds came off as a hick that just would be happy to suck straws and watch the sun rise and set, but he actually was quite a prankster.
McReynolds almost hit my sister and I with his car as he rushed out of the players parking gate in centerfield after a game. We never lingered after the last out of a game in order to beat the traffic. McReynolds was better. Bland and never seemed to like NY.
Brian, we might differ on the concept.
McReynolds, for example, was a great player. An excellent all-around game. But dull as dishwater.
Yesterday Jay Bruce was interviewed by Steve Gelbs and it had to be the lamest, most boring conversation ever recorded on television. I actually had to turn it off for a few minutes until it was over. I don’t care how many HRs Bruce hits, the guy is boring.
I stand by Trachsel.
Fair enough and since it’s your concept you should have final say.
However, a bland interview by Steve Gelbs shouldn’t be held against anyone.
LOL!!
Upon reflection, I think the word is “bland.” And it’s certainly, for me, probably more about personality as it is about what they did on the field.
Also, I don’t think it’s fun (or accurate) to come up with a list of bad players who never did anything on the field.
Cubbage was really boring. Good one.
George Bamberger
Olerud would be at First… a great player and a Yawn Fest….. a better and more boring player than Duda
I thought of Olerud too, it knew that Jorgensen was not exactly a party animal.