Matsui declares himself Amazin'
NEW YORK -- If Jose Reyes was truly upset about having to switch positions in the wake of Kaz Matsui signing with the Mets, there's one person who would know. And according to that person, Reyes has handled the situation beautifully and is looking forward to the challenge.
Nelson Silverio is the Mets bullpen coach as well as the general manager of the Gigantes del Cibao of the Dominican Winter League. Reyes has played on his team the last few seasons, and the two have become extremely close. So close that Silverio was brought in as a coach with the Mets last year to help the youngster's transition to the big leagues.
So when Silverio says that Reyes is OK with the change in positions, it's easy to believe him.
"The kid is fine," said Silverio on Monday during a telephone interview from the Dominican Republic. "He just wants to play ball. He's going to be OK."
Silverio said that New York general manager Jim Duquette told him of the plan to move Reyes to second base last week, during Duquette's visit to the Dominican Republic. Silverio said that as a coach, he backs whatever the front office decides, but he was quick to add that he thinks the move will pay off.
Jose Reyes
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Whether or not Reyes will get a taste of second base this winter for the Gigantes remains to be seen. He is still bothered by the severely sprained ankle he suffered at the end of August and isn't 100 percent just yet.
"He still has a little pain," said Silverio, "but the Mets trainer is here and he's working with him. But if he's not 100 percent here, we're not going to let him play. He's got to be 100 percent to play here.
"He comes to the park and he watches. He's getting stronger with his ankle, and he's taking batting practice. He's doing great, but I don't know if he's going to be able to play winter ball."
Silverio said that he wasn't sure how much second base Reyes had played other than an appearance at the position in a Class-A All-Star game two years ago.
"If Jim wants him to play second base here, then he'll play second base," said Silverio. "I'll recommend it. If he's going to play there in the Major Leagues, why not start him here? I just don't know if he's going to be able to play."
Silverio added that he, along with Reyes, expects to be at the Mets mini-camp next month in Port St. Lucie.
Kevin T. Czerwinski is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
