SSI Mainframe:  Yes, it's easy to visualize that.  Considering Reyes' nagging leg injuries already in his 20's, that's reasonable.  

 

But!  Check this out and I'll bet it will raise your comfort level.  Here is a tremendous article out of Mets Nation.

 

The IM - Text Message version of their analysis:  Players like Jose Reyes age very well.  You even get a signoff from Tom Tango on it.

 

You do project Reyes for -5 runs loss per year, starting at age 29, which projects him to be worth about 6/$115 or 7/$125 over the life of his next contract.  Remember he's starting at +62 runs.

 

Granted that Reyes will be stealing 30 bases from here out, not 70.  But you can probably feel comfortable with Reyes giving you 130 games per year.  (And these kinds of players, including Eric Davis, remain excellent despite part-time play.  Eric Davis had huge years at ages 34 and 36, the only two post-30 years he stayed healthy.)

 

You probably don't have to worry about Reyes hitting a wall suddenly, in Jeff Cirillo fashion.  Speedy, low-BB players who hit LH* are not known for losing their games at age 30.

 

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SSI Mainframe:  Yeah.  His legs are probably going to be bothering him more as time goes on, and you don't really want to pay much for his basepath exploits as he hits age 30. 

 

But supposing you pay only for his bat at SS ... well, Jose Reyes' established level of performance is 6.5 runs per 27 outs, triples or no triples.  He's essentially the 2004 Derek Jeter, albeit with 15 fewer walks per year and more speed.

 

Reyes has been playing in a mondo tough ballpark and the Mets fans think he's better than Seaver and Piazza.  :- ) Don't undersell this guy's game.  He is, more or less, Johnny Damon or Ichiro! playing shortstop.

 

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