Wright, Alderson: Marlins' Reyes Deserves Warm Reception From Mets Fans
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Mets, as we all know by now, have a video tribute planned for Jose Reyes' return to Citi Field on Tuesday.
Though some fans may be upset with the idea of honoring a now-division rival, Mets third baseman David Wright thinks Reyes should get a good hand from the Flushing faithful.
"It stung after he signed with Miami," Wright said Monday. "But ... he should receive a positive response, just what he meant to this organization and what he meant to this franchise for so long."
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson agreed, saying the Marlins shortstop "deserves a warm reception."
"He was a dynamic, exciting player for us," Alderson said.
Without ever receiving a formal offer from the Mets, Reyes signed a six-year, $106 million deal with Miami in December. Many have wondered if something similar could happen with Wright, considered by most to be the face of the franchise.
"Miami got a great player and Jose got a contract that he deserved and that he earned," said Wright. "I'm pretty sure he's happy over there and I'm sure there are little things he misses from over here and misses some of the guys here. But I hope he's happy with his decision and I think he's going to have some monster seasons."
Wright was glad he didn't have to learn of Reyes' decision from the team's beat reporters -- or in the morning papers.
"He called and let me know about his decision and was very, very classy," said Wright. "(Reyes) wanted to let me know what it meant to him playing together for so long. I thought that was a real nice move on his part."
"I consider him one of my closest friends in baseball," he added, "and that's no different now."
Are you going to the game tonight? How will you -- or how would you -- greet Reyes? Sound off below!
