Not Sold on Jose Reyes' Health for 2010, N.Y. Mets are Buyers on Infield Market

With news breaking yesterday that Jose Reyes has a torn hamstring, I can't help but think how this injury will change the Mets' plans as they head into the offseason.

While nothing has been confirmed as of yet, it seems likely that Reyes is destined for surgery to repair the torn hamstring. According to David Lennon, a complete hamstring tear could take between three to six months to repair.

But no matter how long the Mets expect Reyes to fully rehabilitate the injury, one thing has become painfully clear: The Mets need to prepare for the 2010 season expecting that Reyes will miss ample time.

It's the only way the Mets can protect themselves from the uncertainty that is Jose Reyes.

Hell, even if Reyes is completely healthy at the start of the season, who's to say that Jose Reyes will be the Jose Reyes of 2006-2008?

As uncomfortable and unpleasant as it is to say, the Mets need to go after (free agency/trade) another shortstop for 2010, one who is capable of starting for a extended period of time in case Reyes is out for a long time or if he needs to be spelled.

That means a number of things:

1. The Mets CANNOT rely on Alex Cora in 2010.

2. The Mets' farm system has no one who can step in long-term right now.

3. On top of finding a left fielder, first baseman (?), relief pitching, a power hitter, and some starting pitching, the Mets NEED to add quality shortstop to that list. Omar Minaya is going to have a busy, busy winter.

There are no easy answers for the Mets here. Jose Reyes is one of their cornerstone players, and with his status up in the air, it's another crushing blow for the Mets in what has been one of the most disappointing seasons to date.

Anything the Mets get from Reyes in 2010 should be considered a bonus.

So whether it's Miguel Tejada, Bobby Crosby, Orlando Cabrera, or trading for another shortstop (Cristian Guzman?), Minaya needs to give the Mets another productive option at shortstop until Jose Reyes fully proves that he's healed.

Thoughts?

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