Jose Reyes, the Mets’ star shortstop, was criticized heavily last year for what people deemed “non-professional” behavior with his elaborate celebrations and superfluous enthusiasm. Isn’t that ironic considering one of baseball’s greatest traditions is positive reenforcement via ass-smacking? Jose has now gone on to repel his instincts and subdue that hightened passion, but fellow mate Pedro Martinez doesn’t think the kid is making the right decision. Plus, he’s offered Reyes’ an idea on how to amp up his already uber-celebrations.

“This is who Jose is, why should he change?” Martinez said. “He’s not hurting anyone, he’s just having fun. He’s like me, trying to keep the team loose. I’ll do anything if I think it helps the team; I’ll do naked jumping jacks, whatever.”

Or start giving your teammates wedgies in the locker room when they’re wearing nothing but jock straps and stirrups. Wait, what?

Mets’ Reyes stepping up [North Jersey]
Image [Boston]