Matthew Cerrone’s MetsBlog recently reported that New York Met’s star shortstop Jose Reyes is running sprints at full speed. This isn’t just good news for Met’s fans, but good news to know heading into your fantasy baseball draft.
Reyes let down his fantasy owners last year after missing 4 1/2 months of the 2009 season with hamstring injuries. Prior to 2009, Reyes 3-year average was 16 HR/68 RBI/.292 BA/118 R/66 SB, which resulted in him being a consistent top 10 fantasy player. There is no reason to believe that Jose Reyes will not rebound from his offseason surgery to perform at his pre-2009 numbers; however, early indications are that he is falling into the second round of drafts. ESPNs Triston Crockcroft’s early 2010 rankings even list Reyes as far down as 24.
Based on the news that Reyes is running pain free at full speed, he should begin to move up draft boards. Nevertheless, there is a good chance you will be able to grab Reyes in the 10-15 slot range in most drafts. If you are able to grab him there consider yourself lucky, as his production will most likely return him to top 10 fantasy form. Below are Reyes 2010 predictions according to Bill James and CHONE.
Bill James: 14 HR/ 67 RBI/.285 BA/113 R/57 SB
CHONE: 13 HR/56 RBI/.296 BA/94 R/46 SB
Reyes is an ideal bounceback candidate. He is still extremely young and should still be a big threat on the basepaths. The Mets offense goes when Reyes is clicking and it should be no different this season.