I was saddened to hear the news of Jose Reyes signing a 6-year contract with the Miami Marlins this week. He has been a superstar for the Mets, and a fan favorite. He has an electrifying style of play and will be a tough player to replace.
When facing the realization that losing Reyes to free agency was a real possibility, the Mets were unwise not to trade him. The organization would have had, at the very least, the opportunity to consider other prospects to rebuild the talent on the team.
I strongly believe the Mets must be strategic in the offseason and take the necessary precautions to remain healthy once the season begins. Injuries plagued both the star players and the players that stepped in to fill their void on the team throughout the season. The key to success in the upcoming season is playing hard and keeping healthy.
As many of you know I have been an avid basketball fan for many years. I was thrilled to hear the NBA organizations and players reached an agreement to end the lockout that threatened to shelve the 2011-12 season. I am excited for the official season to begin on Christmas day and am looking forward to learn where stars like Chris Paul and Dwight Howard end up. Hopefully NBA teams like the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets will take note of what happens with players like Reyes and not repeat the mistakes of the Mets. It’s important to ensure you’ll be signing talent of your own. It is going to be interesting to see the result of the Los Angeles Lakers offering up Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum to land Howard and Paul.
My love of baseball and sports in general inspired me to open up a place where the neighborhood could come together, enjoy great food and watch the big game. I opened Strawberry’s Sports Grill over a year ago and am thrilled with the community’s response. Make sure to stop by the restaurant located at 42-15 235th Street Douglaston, NY 11363. We’re right next to the Douglaston LIRR train station and only minutes from the LIE and Cross Island Pkwy. You can watch all the NBA action unfold on one of our 16 HD TV’s and you never know when I may pull up a chair for some of our award winning chili, or to just relax and watch the game.
