By Bill Ballew
January 14, 2003

Want More? Does 10 prospects per team only whet your appetite? How does 30 sound? If you want the more of in-depth information you're finding here on three times as many players, Baseball America's 2003 Prospect Handbook is for you.

1. Jose Reyes, ss

Age: 19. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 170. Signed: Dominican Republic, 1999. Signed by: Eddy Toledo.

Background: After finishing fifth in the low Class A South Atlantic League batting race in 2001, when he was the youngest regular in any full-season league, Reyes was even better in 2002. He stood out in big league camp before reporting to the high Class A Florida State League, where he earned a quick promotion to the Double-A Eastern League. Managers in both leagues rated him the top defensive shortstop, strongest infield arm and most exciting player. He also was MVP at the Futures Game after stroking a bases-loaded triple, appropriate, as Reyes led all minor leaguers with 19 triples while ranking fifth in runs and sixth in steals. He has emerged as the best shortstop prospect in the game.

Strengths: Reyes surprises people with his solid physique. His dedication to improving his strength, along with natural maturation, have transformed him from a skinny kid into an impressive specimen. He drives the ball more consistently to all fields. Reyes’ plate discipline improved in high Class A before slipping after he reported to Double-A. He’s an excellent baserunner with plus speed. He has demonstrated Gold Glove ability throughout his career, with a strong arm and tremendous range.

Weaknesses: Reyes needs to make improvements that should come with experience. He’ll need more consistent strike-zone discipline to succeed against better pitching and to become the true leadoff hitter the Mets need. Reyes also is prone to making youthful mistakes in the field, though part of that stems from his exuberance. While he’s a prolific basestealer, he can become more effective after getting caught 24 times last year.

The Future: Reyes is the Mets’ best everyday prospect since Darryl Strawberry blazed through the system in the early 1980s. Though the organization shuns comparisons to other players, Reyes’ all-around ability and athleticism remind scouts of Alfonso Soriano. The Mets unloaded Rey Ordonez to the Devil Rays in December, clearing the way for Reyes in the long term. The club did sign Rey Sanchez as a stopgap to give Reyes some time in Triple-A to make final preparations for New York, if he needs it.

2002 Club (Class)	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
Binghamton (AA)	.287	.331	.425	275	46	79	16	8	2	24	16	42	27
St. Lucie (A)	.288	.353	.462	288	58	83	10	11	6	38	30	35	31