#781) ARGENIS REYES

The New York Mets signed Argenis Reyes as a free agent on November 30, 2007. He had previously spent six years in the Cleveland Indians minor league system. An injury to second baseman, Luis Castillo provided the opportunity he needed to reach New York after starting the season in Triple-A New Orleans. Argenis was added to the Mets roster on July 3, 2008 and made his long awaited major league debut that same day. He entered the game as a defensive replacement for Damion Easley in the late innings of a 11-1 victory over the Cardinals in St. Louis.

The switch-hitter collected his first major league hit at Shea Stadium on July 8th facing the San Francisco Giants. Then hit his first career home run, a 371 foot solo shot to right field, off Brad Thompson of the Cardinals on July 25th.

Argenis is not related to teammate Jose Reyes although they do have an extended history. "I've known him for a long time, since we were kids," Jose would tell the New York Daily News, "We played Little League baseball together. We worked out together in the winter. We live close in the Dominican. I feel comfortable with him and you can tell he is comfortable here." Exceptional defensive skills was something the pair also shared. Although his lack of offense would allow Damion Easley to receive the majority of the starts at second base, Argenis did find his way into 49 games during the final season at Shea Stadium. When he did play the 25 year-old rookie was described by the SNY broadcast team as "seemingly in the middle of everything."

"I want to stay here. But it is not my decision," Argenis summed it up, "I just want to keep doing good so I (can) stay." Reyes forced his way on to the roster until August 27th, when the Mets needed to add a pitcher, but was quickly brought back from New Orleans when rosters expanded on September 1st. Argenis even appeared in the final game played at Shea Stadium. He would resign with the Mets in 2009, and then join the Los Angeles Dodgers by signing a minor league contract on January 11, 2010.

Argenis Reyes signed his card in the set for me before a game when the Buffalo Bisons visited the Indianapolis Indians on July 26, 2009.