Jose Reyes benched to preserve batting title -- bush league?

1. 63

   I am DB Cooperposted 12 years ago

   Mets manager Terry Collins sent in a pinch runner for Jose Reyes after he bunted safely for a single in the 1st inning of today's game -- the final Mets game of the season. By taking him out of the game, Reyes preserves his .337 batting average, which leads the Brewers Ryan Braun by .0025. Braun would need to go at least 3 for 4 in his game today to overtake Reyes.
   
   What does everyone else think of this? It seems a little bush league to me, and an insult to the Mets fans who came out to the game today to see stars like Reyes play. The Mets will not be going to the postseason, so this game means nothing for the standings. Why not let them see Reyes hit a few times more before a long offseason (they won't be watching a meaningful Mets game again until opening day, 6+ months from now)? It seems very possible that this was Reyes' final game in a Mets uniform after having been with the organization for all 12 years he's been in professional baseball. Is this any way to leave? Does a batting title really mean that much?

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2. 59

   optimus grimlockposted 12 years ago

   On one hand its risky because braun could easily go 4 for 4 tonight and overpass him. On the Other hand Reyes could of gone 1-4 giving the title to braun. As far as Reyes being a free agent I dont think he cares about the fans to much because he wants his money and thats more inportant. Collins has been around for along time and they did talk about what to do and this is what they went with so its not a big deal.

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3. 81

   The Suburban Poetposted 12 years ago

   From Wikipedia:
   
   " Before the game on September 28, Williams was batting .39955, which would have been rounded up to a .400 average.[61] Williams, who had the chance to sit out the final, decided to play a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics. Williams explained that he didn't really deserve the .400 average if he did sit out).[63] Williams went 6-for-8 on the day, finishing the baseball season at .406"

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4. 67

   MikeNVposted 12 years ago

   I think Professional Sport is about money and having league leaders on your team helps the marketing department pull in more money.
   
   This is certainly not Old School when players go paid, but not so much that they would do this kind of thing.

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