That the New York Mets planned to honor shortstop Jose Reyes when he made his return to Citi Field as a member of the Miami Marlins Tuesday is no surprise. That they honored their fans by beating Miami 2-1, however, seems much more appropriate, if you ask me.
The Reyes-Mets split this past offseason was strictly business, nothing personal. But there's no reason for the Amazin's to reinforce the notion that they're going to be National League East doormats in 2012 by laying an egg before Reyes and his new teammates.
Mets ace Johan Santana (no decision) made certain that no egg would be laid, striking out 11 batters while allowing one run and three hits in 6-2/3 innings. New York lost six out of eight games before opening its three-game set vs. the Marlins, so Tuesday's matchup was a must-win, period.
For Mets fans, it shouldn't be about sour grapes as it concerns losing Reyes to free agency, to a division rival. It should be about your team's ability to remain competitive.
New York loves a winner. Who doesn't? It also appreciates those who aren't pushovers, those who refuse to lay down and let the competition have its way. Stay in the mix, long enough to get healthy, and go for it.
