GM: 'Almost a privilege' to watch Reyes
Jose Reyes of the New York Mets signals two outs against the Pittsburgh Pirates. (June 10, 2011) Credit: Getty
PITTSBURGH -- Sandy Alderson isn't ready to open up the vault -- if the Mets had one to open -- and sign Jose Reyes to a lucrative contract extension. But that doesn't mean the general manager isn't impressed by what Reyes is doing on the field this season.
"He's been great so far," Alderson said Monday night. "It's hard to draw any other conclusion."
When asked if Reyes' level of play has surprised him, Alderson said: "From what I read, it sounds like his level of play has surprised even himself. I think we're all obviously very pleased with how he's performed and my opportunity to observe him over the first couple months or so of the season [has been] almost a privilege. It's been great to watch."
Reyes went into Monday night's series finale against the Pirates batting .346 with three home runs, 25 RBIs and 20 stolen bases.
Reyes also has been getting more love from All-Star voters. He moved past Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies into second place in the latest voting for the NL squad, which was released Monday.
Reyes trails Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki by nearly 590,000 votes. No other Met is within sniffing distance of getting voted in by the fans.
K-Rod a finisher
Francisco Rodriguez went into the game on pace to finish 61 games; a $17.5-million contract extension for 2012 kicks in if he finishes 55. But manager Terry Collins said there has been no talk about that from the front office.
"Nobody's come and said, 'Why'd you use him or you can't use him or you shouldn't use him,' " he said. "All I know is he's helping us win games."
Extra bases
Alderson said Ike Davis (bone bruise, ankle) will be re-examined June 22 and David Wright (lower back stress fracture) will get checked out two days later. Neither is doing any baseball activities . . . Former Mets manager Jerry Manuel has signed on as a commentator for MLB Network.
