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Somebody had to do this post, so it might as well be me. After three blood tests, it was confirmed that Jose Reyes has an over active thyroid. Firstly, I'd like to thank Phillie & Met fans alike on this site for not jumping to conclusions or engaging in some of the classlessness I've seen around the internet. Everything from he was on PED's to actually taking joy in Jose's heath woes before it was determined that his issue is not career threatening (or life threatening for that matter). So Kudos WTTTB.
So the diagnosis is that Jose can not do any physical exertion for 2-8 weeks until his hormone level normalizes. Apparently this is the best diagnosis he could have received. If this truly is an imbalence caused by all the seafood Reyes has been scarfing down lately, then he should be just fine and possibly be ready by opening day. However, this is the Mets we are talking about so why do I get the sneaking suspicion that after 8 weeks of rest, his hormone levels will remain elevated and be forced to go on some medication (which could have been given to him from the get-go) and delay his return even further? Anyway, I digress.
Two things bothered me throughout this whole process. First was the media trying to fan the flames of the Beltran Vs. Mets medical staff mess by trying to portray that Reyes was yet another met to contradict the front office. ESPN, Daily News & NY Post all printed stories as did countless bloggers using this quote as there basis.
The specialists who took care of me in New York have told me that I'm fine and that there's nothing wrong with my thyroid.
However, this was his entire quote:
The specialists who took care of me in New York have told me that I'm fine and that there's nothing wrong with my thyroid. The test [taken to follow one conducted during his physical] showed that I'm fine. We just have to wait for the results of the additional test. The [doctors] found inflammation in my throat and no medicine to treat the thyroid or any other condition has been prescribed.
While Reyes thought he would be on the field in a couple days rather that a couple of weeks, his quote is in line with what the Mets have been saying. He does not need any medication for his thyroid, and he attributed his raised hormone levels to an "inflammation in his throat". But when do facts ever get in the way of some good ol' Mets bashing?
Secondly--and more importantly--is now the Mets have the prospect of having the WORST middle infield defense EVER with Cora & Castillo. This does not bode well for a pitcher like Mike Pelfry that relys on infield defense with that sinker of his. Omar Minaya--who I am hating more and more every day--actually had the balls to say in the press conference that "this is why he went out and resigned Alex Cora". Really Omar!? You predicted Jose would have a thyroid problem? Listen, it doesn't take Nostradamus to predict that Jose may have a baseball related issue with his legs after last season. For those of you that don't remember, Cora was the first player that Omar resigned and over-paid for. I was always under the impression he was signed for his leadership and less for his abilities on the field for, you know, a below replacement level hitter and defender. But there was Omar, patting himself on the back for this signing when there were three better options that could have been had for cheaper.
What's more, is that it has come to light that Cora has a clause in his contract that automatically triggers a player option for 2011 based on playing time. So if Reyes has any setbacks, and they use Cora as the primary backup, he could be diving for missed balls up the middle at SS/2B next year too. So Omar, if you take credit for this signing now, you certainly have to take responsibilities for his certain failure if he is exposed as an every day player. If Jerry and Omar are smart, and Jose starts the season on the DL, do the right thing and give 20 year old Reuben Tejada the bulk of the starts at SS. He is a far superior defender, and any offensive shortcomings (if there are any compared to Cora) will be made up two fold in the field. Hear me now! CORA IS A BACKUP & A CLUBHOUSE LEADER. Nothing more. If Jose is out for an extended period of time, and he's used as the primary SS, he will get injured. He simply can no longer handle the rigors of an everyday player.
On the bright side, this could be nothing. But if it is something, this could hasten the long over due departure of Omar (which I guess would be a net gain). Even without Beltran & Reyes in the lineup recently, the Mets have been raking--which is interesting considering that pitchers should be ahead of the hitters at this stage of spring training. I am excited about Davis, Mejia, Thole et al. However, if Bay or Wright gets injured while Beltran & Reyes are out, we are in the same situation we were last year. And instead of seeing the rookies, we could see the likes of Cora, Jacobs & GMJ! I watch the Mets to see our stars and home grown players play (and to win of course). If they can't play, I'd rather see our young future than old stop gaps. It just makes for more interesting baseball.
So, well see how this all shakes out. If you are a Mets fan, this is just another hurdle that we need to overcome. It's nothing new to us. But it would be nice to have an organization that assembles a lineup by putting performance and talent over "intangibles". Hey, a man can dream, can't he? Right? Right?!
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BUT, I don't think we have to worry about Cora and Castillo. Jerry has said that he prefers to go with Ruben Tejada assuming he doesn't suck the rest of spring training. He's only 20, but he hit well in AA last year and he is a much better baserunner/fielder than Cora. He doesn't have a very high ceiling, but I think he can be an effective stopgap. At times he will probably be overmatched but I'm excited for him.