Say It Ain't So, Jose

It is being reported that the Florida Marlins have signed (former) Met shortstop Jose Reyes to a six-year, $106 million deal.  The Mets weren't close, apparently not willing to commit to the money or years given, as the Times reports, that they "lost $70 million in 2011" and have "other financial burdens hanging over the club," which includes, of course, their entanglement with Bernie Madoff.

The Mets made what is probably a wise business decision but as a baseball move, it sucks.

Jose Reyes, only 28 years old, is one of the most exciting players in baseball and had long been the heart and soul of the Mets.   Since he first arrived in 2003, he has played with passion, joy and fire that has not only made him a delight to watch and root for, but often carried a team that has otherwise lacked those qualities.  The Mets have been a pretty miserable team since their devastating playoff loss in 2006, but it wasn't because of Jose.

I don't blame him for taking the years and the money (see Free Agency Floodgates), but I do blame the Mets ownership for their prior  atrocious decision-making and poor judgment that put them in such financial distress that they couldn't or wouldn't make Jose a seious offer.