Jose Reyes

Prior to the 2004 season, he was moved to second base upon the signing of Japanese star Kazuo Matsui to a major league contract. By the end of 2004, Reyes was back at shortstop as Matsui struggled defensively and offensively.

One downside to Reyes's career has been injuries. In 2003, he broke his ankle while sliding into second base. In 2004, he severely tore a hamstring in spring training and then suffered a stress fracture in his fibula during the season. Despite the injuries, he still managed to register 19 stolen bases. Reyes bounced back with a healthy 2005 season, appearing in 161 games, leading the National League with 60 stolen bases and all of Major League Baseball with 17 triples.

Reyes is sometimes criticized for his .303 on base percentage through 2005 which is low for a leadoff hitter. He has been criticized by Mets' manager Willie Randolph for swinging at bad pitches and for hitting too many fly balls and thereby not utilizing his speed. He started the 2005 season with 118 at-bats before getting his first walk. His fielding has also been lacking. In 2005, Reyes led all National League shortstops in errors with 18.

For a period of 10 days during spring training of 2006, the Mets brought in former Met Rickey Henderson as a special coach for José. In particular, Henderson worked with Reyes on two of the skills at which Henderson excelled during his career: getting on base and stealing bases.

Reyes has improved his plate discipline dramatically in 2006, already surpassing his total number of walks for all of last year (27). After winning the Player of the Week honors in the National League for the week of June 19-June 25, Jose Reyes became the first player in Mets franchise history to be named NL player of the week in two consecutive weeks since Jesse Orosco accomplished the feat in 1983.

Reyes' success both at the plate and on the bases was rewarded by the fans who voted him to start at the 2006 All-Star Game. He will join five other Mets, including fellow infielder David Wright. This was Reyes' first selection to the All-Star Game.