Mets Reyes called up

[southsider2k5]

Now this is a guy that I would like to see us go after.

 

The New York Mets have given Jose Reyes an early birthday present.

 

The Mets on Tuesday purchased the contract of the highly touted shortstop from Class AAA Norfolk of the International League.

 

One day shy of turning 20, Reyes has been touted as the best prospect in what is considered to be a weak minor league system.

 

At Norfolk, the speedy Reyes was leading the International League with 26 stolen bases. He was batting .269 with 13 RBI.

 

Reyes was given an opportunity to join the Mets after the team placed starting shortstop Rey Sanchez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 6, with a strained left thumb.

 

Mets general manager Steve Phillips, who has come under fire this season, does not expect Reyes to be with the Mets long before he returns to the minor leagues.

 

"We expect Jose's stay with the major league club to be of the short term duration," Phillips said. "With Rey going on the disabled list we thought this would be the perfect opportunity for Jose to get his first big league experience. We expect Jose to go back to Norfolk when Rey returns."

 

It is the second stint on the DL for Sanchez, who was sidelined with the same injury earlier this season. He is batting a disappointing .225 with 10 RBI in 38 games.