Forget Jose Reyes: The New York Mets Need David Wright

This offseason, the Mets are faced with the difficult possibility of losing either of their two biggest superstars, David Wright and Jose Reyes.  In need of a new image, the front office is debating trading Wright and rebuilding, or resigning Reyes to the nine-figure contract he will inevitably demand.  Both players have had their share of seasons compiling All-Star statistics, but from a character standpoint the choice is clear.

Rewind back to Game 162.  Jose Reyes led off the season finale with a bunt single.  After successfully reaching first base, Reyes removed himself from the game in hopes that it would preserve his lead in the race for the batting title.  Later that night, Ryan Braun of the Brewers went 0-4 and Reyes was crowned ‘"champion."

Fictional sports agent Jerry Maguire said it best when attempting to motivate his troubled client, Rod Tidwell.  “Right now, you are a paycheck player…It’s all about who’s got the contract you don’t. That is not what inspires people…Just shut up and play the game from your heart.”

Call me old-fashioned, but as a fan of baseball history, Reyes’ selfish actions were sickening.  In 1941, Ted Williams’s batting average rounded up to the mythical .400 mark entering the final double-header of the season.  His manager offered him a spot on the bench to ensure the landmark accomplishment and reserve a permanent place in the record books, but Williams respected the game and his own talents too much to sit.  To Williams, if he did not finish the season, he did not deserve the accomplishment.

Williams proceeded to go 6-for-8 in those two games and raised his batting average to .406.  But everything in his character suggests his playing that double-dip was about more than hitting .400.  No man can play in the professionals forever; one day he would kill to get those two games back had he sat.

David Wright has seen more difficult times over the past few seasons.  While other cornerstones of the franchise such as Reyes or Carlos Beltran went down with injuries, Wright battled every day for the Amazin’s, declining days off because he knew the void in the Mets' lineup was already too great from the other fallen superstars.  This past season, Wright broke a bone in his back but still played every game for the next two weeks.

Wright’s numbers inevitably dipped, but he would never blame the injury.  When team doctors finally forced Wright out of action, he was on the top step of the dugout every game to cheer on his teammates.  As television cameras focused on the aching All-Star, his mannerisms exuded a burning desire to be out on the diamond.

When I think of David Wright, I think of a warrior.  He is the type of hard-nosed ballplayer that will take a ground ball off the chest, dive into the stands or play through almost any injury.  Wright has the potential to hit a game-winning home run or make a game-saving catch, but he is never happier than after a win.

When I think of Jose Reyes, I think of the thousands of “Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose” chants I have heard echo through Shea Stadium and Citi Field, then visualize him walking down the dugout steps after exiting early.  During his potential New York farewell for the franchise that brought him through the minors and made him famous, the loyal fans watched the last eight and two-thirds innings of a Mets victory without him. 

Both players have had injury plagued seasons and All-Star campaigns.  Ideally, the Mets would keep both superstars and continue to build the franchise back up to championship caliber.  However, if they are to let one player walk away, let it be Reyes.

After all, he already walked away on the Mets.