Usually the transactions are some kind of mild, but today they’re explosive. Two of the most highly anticipated youngsters were called up today.
Jose Reyes is just a kid and the Mets said early on he wasn’t gong to get called up this year. And then said maybe in September. But now Rey Sanchez is on the DL, there is no hope for Steve Phillips and his job and what better time to see what the kid can do.
The Twins Justin Morneau wasn’t really supposed to see the big leagues until next year either. He’s older than Reyes and he forced his way forward by socking Double-A pitchers for a while, then beating Triple-A pitchers up for a while. I saw him in Arizona last fall and he isn’t as explosivley, obviously top notch as Mark Teixeira, but he’s got a fine swing and knows his way around the strike zone.
A third phenom was called up today. Coco Crisp, who saw time in Cleveland last fall, was promoted when Ellis Burks went on the DL. When we were putting together the magazine last winter Coco was my pick for AL Rookie of the Year. He’s done nothing in Buffalo so far this year to make me think the Indians were foolish not to make him their starting centerfielder from the get go.
So, one day, three phenoms. Awesome. Expect Reyes to steal some bases, but unless he breaks very hot he’ll probably return to Norfolk when Sanchez gets back. Morneau is in a more interesting place and could end up with a regular job. And so should Coco Crisp. The rookie of the year race has been joined.