A player like Jose Reyes will never win a Triple Crown, he’s not a slugger and right now doesn’t bat in a part of the lineup with a lot of RBI opportunities. We count the success of players like Reyes with runs scored and stolen bases over home runs and RBIs.
So how does Jose Reyes stack up in the Leadoff Hitters Triple Crown as of 6:00pm on Sunday when I’m writing this? He leads the National League in average at .346. He’s currently 2nd in runs, one off the lead held by Drew Stubbs and Ryan Braun at 48. He’s second in stolen bases, six behind Michael Bourn of the Astros who has 26.
The season is a little over a third over, so there is still a lot of time left. Still, Reyes certainly looks like a solid candidate for my newly created Leadoff Triple Crown. He’s leading in hitting right now, although Joey Votto is only .007 behind him and having an unbelievable season as well. He’s currently got a .466 OBP. He’s on base more than 9 times out of 20.
Reyes is only one run scored off the lead, which is doubly impressive when you consider Stubbs has Votto behind him driving him in and Braun has Prince Fielder. Reyes has had to deal with injuries to Ike Davis and David Wright, and has often had Jason Bay, who’s not hitting at all, batting cleanup.
Michael Bourn is leading Jose in stolen bases. Bourn has been the leader in each of the last two seasons while Jose was dealing with the injury in 2009 and the lack of a Spring Training in 2010. So far this season he’s playing decently above his career average, and perhaps will tail off in stolen bases opportunities and allow Jose to pass him. Or maybe Jose starts stealing more.
Yes, Jose Reyes is having a monster year. He’s easily one of the most exciting players in baseball and the best shortstop in the league. Ultimately the Mets are going to have to work out an extension with him and resign him, but in the mean time we’re getting to enjoy one of the best seasons we’ve ever seen from a Mets position player. Getting to the tv for first pitch when the Mets are on the road is a necessity, because if you’re late you may miss Reyes doing something amazin’.
The 7 train sometimes makes local stops, but Jose Reyes is always express.
