Chipper says Mets chose Wright over Reyes for future

Chipper Jones, who will retire after his 19th year with the Braves, believes that the Mets should make sure that David Wright stays in Queens for the length of his career as well.

“I think that David Wright is a shining star,” Jones said before Thursday's opener at Citi Field, “and when you’re on the worlds biggest stage, you need to keep your shining star.”

Jones seemed to think it would happen eventually. Forced to watch Thursday’s opener from the bench as he recovers from knee surgery, Jones suggested that the Mets tipped their hand when they let Jose Reyes walk to the Marlins.

“I would think so, unless they’re really talking about trimming payroll,” Jones said. “I think the Mets kind of made their decision, you know? They had some decisions to make -- do we keep Reyes, do we keep Wright. I mean, David Wright is a cornerstone. You build teams around guys like him.

“I just think he exemplifies what this town and what this organization is about. Everything that’s good about the New York Mets, David Wright exemplifies that, so I’m a huge fan of his. I hope that the Mets do what they can to bring him back.”

Predictably, Jones was booed loudly during the pregame introductions, but he’s used to the treatment by now. It’s almost as if he enjoys it.

“I’m sure I’ll get booed,” Jones said, smiling. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is what it is. I’m probably, next to John Rocker, the biggest villain in New York.”