In 2007, Jose Reyes of the New York Mets was a terror on the base paths, proving the adage that "speed kills" and disrupts the concentration of pitchers. At just 24, Reyes led the National League in stolen bases and he hasn't even scratched the surface.

He is certainly capable of eclipsing 100 stolen bases a season. Moreover, he can lead the league in total base hits, runs scored and on base percentage. However, Reyes has to become more disciplined in his game plan. In the just concluded season, Jose displayed some cracks in his armor, particularly down the stretch, when the favored Mets blew a 7-game-lead in the National League East with 17 games to play.

As much of a threat as he was, he failed to run out a dribbler down the third base line which he thought was going foul. His manager, Willie Randolph, embarrassed him by benching him the rest of the game. Of course, it's all part of the maturation process and Reyes will learn to adjust.

I believe the emotional pain and fatigue he and his teammates endured toward the end of the '07 season will make him a better player in '08 and beyond. He possesses a golden arm in the field and has boggled the mind with some defensive gems.

Mets fans are absolutely delirious over the left side of the infield, with Reyes and third baseman David Wright providing film highlights for years to come. A thing of beauty is to watch Jose rip a ball down the line or split the gap and circle the bases. He glides with precision, beauty and grace.

Even Rickey Henderson, the all-time stolen base leader and first base coach, is impressed with Reyes' credentials and potential. He reminds baseball fans of some of the all-time greatest base stealer's - Maury Wills, Lou Brock and the aforementioned Henderson.

When Reyes works out a walk or beats out an infield hit, you can sense the tension mounting in the opposing pitcher. More often than not, Jose will produce a run with a stolen base and a pair of outs. It's a great feeling to have Jose Reyes at the top of your lineup.

Learn more about this author, David Skolnik.
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