Internet bookmaker odds will be a little bit lower when the Mets get shortstop Jose Reyes back into the starting lineup. The Mets started the season with a win vs. the offshore betting odds without Reyes but if they are to contend in the National League this season they need Reyes at the top of their order.
Internet bookmaker lines are expected to include Reyes beginning this weekend. Reyes went 2-for-5 with two walks while playing all nine innings in an extended spring training game in Port St. Lucie, Florida on Tuesday. He could return to the Mets and be in the lineup for Saturday’s game against Washington.
Reyes began the season on the disabled list due to a thyroid condition. Last season Reyes missed a lot of games with a hamstring injury and New York simply was not the same team without him. Last season the Mets were 22 games under .500 and never a part of the National League East race. The Mets started this season with Reyes and Carlos Beltran on the DL and questions regarding the health of Johan Santana. The Mets got a nice start from Santana on Opening Day and now they are getting the good news about Reyes. Is there hope for New York in offshore betting?
The Internet bookmaker is giving the Mets some respect. Santana went six innings in the opener against Florida as the Mets won 7-1. He allowed just four hits and one run while throwing 103 pitches. “He believed in every pitch he threw,” catcher Rod Barajas said, “He had a great fastball and change-up. He was fun to catch. He was doing what superstars do.” Santana is 30-16 for the Mets, with an ERA under 3.00. He was great in his first year with the Mets but he has been just average since that time. Last year he was 13-9 with an ERA of 3.13. If he is healthy again then perhaps Santana can get back to his All-Star form. The early results are encouraging. “He was where he wanted to be,” said manager Jerry Manuel, “He sets the tone for us. It all begins with starting pitching and hopefully the rest will feed off him.”
If the Mets are to contend this season they need Santana and Reyes to lead the way. And the signs are at least encouraging early in the season that both players will be healthy.