“All we want to do is get the ball in his hands, because then it’s an automatic out.”
—Teammate Steve Trachsel

“He can go down as one of the greatest shortstops in the game.”
—Teammate Al Leiter

“I really enjoy watching that guy play.”
—Teammate Roger Cedeno

“Everything he does is quick.”
—Expos GM Omar Minaya

“Once I saw his size, I realized he could develop into driving the ball.”
—Mets manager Art Howe

“He has great hands and super range and an outstanding arm. His baseball instincts are terrific, and he’s a plus runner. He's got all the tools to be a great one at the major league level.”
—Indianapolis manager and former major leaguer Cecil Cooper

“Reyes is as can’t-miss a player as I’ve ever seen.”
—Former Mets manager Bobby Valentine

“He’s a fabulous talent”
—Former Mets GM Steve Phillips

“I don’t want him to have any unmanageable expectations.”
—Mets owner Fred Wilpon

“He’s very baseball-minded...he’s very athletic and has a natural ability.”
—Former big leaguer Ken Oberkfell

“Reyes is a shortstop to make Ozzie Smith flip.”
—Sportswriter Daniel Habib

“He’s a good kid. He just likes to play baseball.”
—Teammate Ty Wigginton

“The fame has gone to his head a little, but mostly it’s just broadened his thinking.”
—Jose’s cousin Joel Toribio

“Reyes is the real deal.”
—Scout Mike Toomey

“He’s the best young player I’ve seen in 28 years of scouting.”
—Scout Carmen Fusco

“When he’s out there, he’s all smiles. He loves to play.”
—Norfolk coach Al LeBoeuf