Reyes Gets Green Light

New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes has been cleared to return to baseball activities and will do so on Wednesday.  It's the kind of news that will prevent Reyes' sagging fantasy value from sliding further than it already has...or at least prompt a sigh of relief from those non-die-hard fantasy owners who were oblivious to the fact that he had been out of action lately and drafted him in the second round already. You know who you are.


Reyes had been sidelined since early March because of a hyperactive thyroid -- a condition that prompted doctors to prescribe rest and a change in his diet. There is still no telling when he might return to the lineup or if he will before Opening Day; however, when he does he will do so as their lead-off hitter, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Mets manager Jerry Manuel had been tinkering with the idea of moving Jose to the third spot in the batting order. However, Reyes' inactivity this March has altered those plans.

After playing in just 36 games last year because of a torn hamstring tendon, Reyes' fantasy value was no longer that of a first-round pick as it had been prior to 2009. The thyroid issue hasn't helped, but Jose is still being selected by the middle of the third round in most standard mixed leagues. Let me just say I have my doubts. He obviously has a ton of raw talent, but I'll find my stolen bases elsewhere and avoid whatever drama may come of his return from last year's leg injury and the health weirdness he currently faces.