Brooklyn welcomes back Reyes as Cyclones get a rough start

On Sunday June 26, a packed MCU Park enthusiastically welcomed back Jose Reyes on a minor league contract until the former New York Met shortstop is in playing shape to make his way to back to Citi Field to join the Mets’ lineup at third base to replace the recovering David Wright.

After his serving a suspension for domestic violence and his subsequent release from the Colorado Rockies, the Mets are willing to take a flyer on Reyes, hoping that his bat and speed can add a spark to the team’s recent lackluster offense.

Addressing the media after playing six innings in which he struck out, grounded out and reached base on a fielder’s choice, Reyes thanked the Mets’ management for giving him a second chance and “to come home” to New York and the Mets. Telling the media that one mistake shouldn’t be allowed to define a person, Reyes stated that he was ready contribute in any way he could for the team that practically raised him as a 16-year-old after recruiting him from the Dominican Republic.

“I think that he’s going to be a good influence in the clubhouse and the guys can learn from him,” said Cyclone Manager Tom Gamboa a day before Reyes’ Sunday debut. In fact, just as Gamboa had stated, Reyes was on the field the next day working with the young Cyclone team providing them tips during batting practice. “He gave us tips on base running and showed us how to stretch out a lead at second,” said first baseman Darryl Knight. “He also kept things light in the clubhouse for us.”

As for the Cyclones, it was a rough 2016 beginning for the Mets’ Short Season Single-A Brooklyn affiliate going 3-6 over the past week that was split between home and the road. However, Manager Gamboa still sees a bright spot looming with the potential of a better hitting team on this year’s roster. “We’ve got more speed and contact potential with this team.”

Gamboa’s comment was prompted after losing a 20-inning extra inning marathon 3-2 to open the season against the Staten Island Yankees, and then being no-hit in 10 innings by the Yankees in their home opener 2-1. After securing their first 2-1 win of the season over Tri-City, the Cyclones again lost to the Valley Cats in another extra inning contest, 10-9 in 16 innings. Going on the road to play the Connecticut Tigers, the Cyclones would lose two of three games and return home to lose to the Tri-City Valley Cats for their 3-6 start.

Remembering that seasons can turn around very quickly, Gamboa has not pressed the panic button so far, recalling that last season the Cyclones were 14-5 to start the season with just a weak hitting team that often would win or lose by one or two runs that eventually fell under .500 by mid-August. “This team has a lot of proven college hitters and should be good once they get their feet on the ground and used to the pro game,” said Gamboa.

On the Cyclone alumni front, a slumping New York Met Michael Conforto (Cyclones, 2014) was sent down to Triple-A Las Vegas to find his stroke that catapulted him to the majors last season. After starting this season as one of the top 10 hitters in the National League, Conforto’s numbers dropped off while chasing pitches out the strike zone.

Oddly enough, taking Conforto’s roster spot was Brandon Nimmo, another first round (2011) draft pick who starred with the Cyclones during the 2012 season. Based on his ability to drive the ball and to go deep in the count, Nimmo earned the call based on his .328 average, five home runs and 37 RBIs with Triple-A Las Vegas 51’s.