Mets have worked Jose Reyes out in centerfield

Jose Reyes has worked out in centerfield for the Mets for the first time this Spring Training.

In the words of John Fogerty, “look at me, I can be, centerfield.” Do I think Jose Reyes has this song stuck in his head during his workout in center? No. Did I have this song stuck in my head when I heard that Reyes worked out in center? Yes. I mean… it kind of can be Reyes’ motto?

Well, not entirely. With David Wright already diagnosed with a shoulder impingement and questionable for Opening Day, Reyes will obviously be seeing a lot of time at third in his absence. But, for the first time this Spring Training, Reyes worked out in centerfield on Wednesday. He fielded fly balls.

What did Reyes have to say about it? Well, according to the New York Post, Reyes is “pretty excited” about it.

"“I like to run a lot. I like to chase the balls.” Reyes had to say about it."

It makes sense. No, Reyes isn’t as fast as he was a decade ago, but he still has some pretty good speed. Reyes will still need to get use to centerfield, especially in terms of knowing where to position himself and what not, but now is the time to get that practice in. However, as mentioned above, centerfield will not be his focus, as third will.

Reyes will be practicing sporadically this spring in centerfield though.

Will we be seeing Reyes start for the Mets in center this season? No. Terry Collins even acknowledged that. But when could we possibly see Reyes in center?

"“He’s the guy, you’ve got to double-switch and need somebody to go out there in center field, he might be the guy. He’s not going to get a lot of playing time, but as long as he’s comfortable that is all that matters.”"

Next: Lucas Duda resumes swinging a bat

I’m curious to see Reyes in center. He has the speed. He enjoys running around. He’s willing to play the position if needed.

But, of course with Wright already questionable, this is not the priority, and shouldn’t be the priority right now.