Watch CBS News

Carlos Delgado: Mets' Jose Reyes A 'Game-Changer'

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- If anyone knows how important Jose Reyes is to the Mets, it's Carlos Delgado.

The retired slugger shared the infield with Reyes during New York's run to Game 7 of the NLCS in 2006. New York fell just shy of making the World Series, thanks to a Yadier Molina home run and a wicked Adam Wainwright curveball.

Delgado, in New York for his "Extra Bases" foundation, thinks the Mets should think twice about falling short on Reyes.

"I never like to play GM, but Reyes is a good player. He's a game-changer," Delgado told the New York Daily News on Monday. "It's not my checkbook. I'm not making the decisions. But if I had a team, I'd pick Reyes."

"He's a good kid. He's got some tools. His speed ... that's not going to go into a slump," Delgado added. "He plays good defense, he's got good attitude. He loves to play the game. What else can you ask for?"

Many Mets fans share the same thoughts as Delgado on Reyes, and they might have reason for optimism.

On Monday, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon ratcheted up his support of the team, saying the Mets may be buyers -- not sellers -- at the trading deadline. That is, if they remain in the thick of the NL playoff chase.

"(GM Sandy Alderson) will have all the opportunity in the world to bring anybody he wants in," Wilpon told the New York Post. "The way for him to do that is to bring the ideas to us and we'll talk about it. But he does not have restrictions. We'll deal with everything on a case-by-case basis."

Wilpon even admitted there's hope Reyes could be knocking triples and stealing bases at Citi Field for the Mets next season.

"There's a long time between now and next year," he said. "A lot of things that can happen in a lot of different directions."

Are you with Delgado, or do you want Reyes traded for prospects? Sound off in the comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.