Turning On The Jets

A week ago, the quest for 20-70 appeared dead. Jose Reyes had 19 homeruns -- getting one more seemed likely -- but was stuck on 57 steals.

He'd entered September with 55 steals. Having achieved single months with double-digit steals seven times in his brief career, the 70 mark looked like a stretch, but still within reach.
Then Jose stopped running. From September 1st to 22nd he recorded just 2 stolen bases in 7 attempts. Moreover, he recorded just two doubles and one triple. His legs and his judgement were failing him.

All that changed this weekend when the Mets were at home to Washington. Although his team lost three of the four games Reyes was up to his old tricks, stealing five bases in five attempts and getting on base at a .600 clip. He became the first Met to steal 60 bases in consecutive seasons.

He continued his run tonight with a lead-off single and steal against John Smoltz. That brings Reyes up to 19 and 62, still a far cry from 20-70. With only 5 games left, and the Mets preparing for the playoffs, it seems improbable that Reyes will close the gap. But his late-season surge has given us reason to hope.

	9/26/06	On-pace
HR	19	20
SB	62	65