Charges Dropped Against Reyes; Changes Little

Sep 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes (7) scores on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Nolan Arenado (not pictured) during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes (7) scores on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Nolan Arenado (not pictured) during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday ESPN reported that prosecutors will drop the domestic violence charges against Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes. According to the report, Jose Reyes’ wife is no longer cooperating with prosecutors. While this benefits Reyes from a legal stand point, by no means is he out of the woods and ready to return to the Rockies clubhouse.

Reyes, who was placed on administrative leave with pay before Spring Training began, remains on leave. MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, has already shown that the league will suspend players even without being convicted of a crime. Aroldis Chapman was suspended 30-games earlier in Spring Training, and is a case that sets precedence for a Reyes suspension. The delay in the Reyes case was due to his pending court date, which was scheduled for April 4th (Opening Day). It would be surprising if the MLB hands down a punishment by then.

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Domestic violence cases in sports has been a rising issue due to public outcry. The MLB would be wise to avoid the fumblings of the NFL when it comes to handing out suspensions; consistency being the main issue. That being said, expect at least a 30-game suspension, if not more pending findings of the MLB investigation. The Rockies could handle the situation internally as well, but seeing that Reyes is the Rockies highest paid player, they’ll probably just go with whatever the MLB hands out. 

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Regardless of any legal outcomes, this changes nothing from the Rockies stand point. Trevor Story who was named the Rockies Spring Training MVP earned the starting spot, there is little doubt about that. Some fans on social media have expressed concern to the rookie Story being ushered out on Opening Day. The Rockies have given the position to a rookie on Opening Day before. In 2005, then rookie Clint Barmes jogged out to the position for the Rox. On that day, Barmes went on to hit a 2-run walk-off HR off Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman, just saying.



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