The New York Mets continue to try and challenge the Knicks for the title of most dysfunctional team in New York.  A day after firing manager Willie Randolph, Jose Reyes is making his own headlines by throwing a tantrum in Anaheim.

After leading off the game with a single, Reyes appeared to be walking a little gingerly around the first base bag.  Interim manager Jerry Manuel (no relation to Charlie), went to see how Reyes was and as a precautionary measure, opted to remove him from the game. Well that apparently wasn’t acceptable to “the most exciting player in baseball,” as Reyes initially walked away from Manuel (he played the “if I ignore him he’ll leave me alone” card), then followed by yelling at Manuel on the field (playing the “don’t you know who I am” card), and finally throwing his helmet at the dugout (the “I lost this round, but I’m not happy about it” card). 

Completely embarrassing…

It’s nice to see after one day the Mets players don’t respect their new manager.  If Manuel (Jerry) had a clue he’d bench his juvenile shortstop, and send a message to other players that that’s not how they should be carrying themselves.  That point is moot, we all know this won’t happen.

Next time Mets fans look at the standings and see themselves 6.5 games out of first place, this is why. 

This episode is a stark contrast from when Philadelphia’s Manuel removed his all-star shortstop from a game.  After Jimmy Rollins failed to hustle on what seemed to be an inning ending pop fly, Charlie Manuel yanked the reigning MVP from the game.  When that happened, there was no dugout drama.  Rollins accepted his punishment, and it was a dead issue.  Rollins understands that Manuel is in charge, and he’s a member of a team, and by not hustling he lets his team down.  Maybe it’s a maturity thing, maybe it’s putting the good of the team ahead of the good of the player.  It’s probably both.

Do you see the difference here?  Imagine how Reyes would have reacted if he were pulled due to lack of hustle???  He might have actually cried (after he threw the Gatorade cooler, and batting gloves).  While amusing, what continues to go on in Flushing is sad.

Maybe Jose Reyes should look down the NJ Turnpike at the Phillies’ shortstop.  Check out what he’s doing.  Then maybe he’ll quit believing what the media tells him (that he is the most exciting player in baseball), and learn something.