Carlos Beltran arrived at the Mets' minicamp in Florida on Wednesday and glowed about how excited he'll be to work with New York's young talent, especially shortstop Jose Reyes, whom he said has a chance to be "the best shortstop in the game."

Beltran was probably unaware of the damage Reyes has been inflicting in the Dominican Winter League playoffs, but the 21-year-old shortstop isn't doing anything to diminish Beltran's lofty expectations.

While Reyes' Winter League club, Gigantes del Cibao, continues their pursuit of a league title, the Mets' multitalented infielder is leading the way offensively.

Reyes is batting .414 with a home run, four runs batted in and three stolen bases in 29 at-bats since the playoffs began, an impressive postseason clip that is second only to Major League veteran Julio Franco's .471 average in the league.

2004-05 Winter Leagues

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Outfielder Victor Diaz has been productive in a reserve role for his club, Aguilas Cibaeña. Diaz has three hits, including a homer, and four RBIs in just five at-bats for a team where plate appearances have been scarce -- Reds prospect Wily Mo Pena, a dangerous offensive presence like Diaz, also has just five postseason at-bats.

Right-hander Manny Aybar, who will be in spring camp on a minor league contract, has pitched exceptionally well in the postseason for the Licey Tigres in the Dominican -- a talented team on a hot streak.

Aybar is 1-0 with a 1.54 ERA in two games, including a six-inning, one-hit performance against Reyes' Gigantes earlier this month. Aybar has struck out 13 and walked only five over 11 2/3 innings.

Another of New York's top prospects, soft-tossing righthander Yusmeiro Petit, is now done after a winter of baffling hitters in the Venezuelan Winter League. The 20-year-old Petit held hitters to a 2.15 ERA in 11 starts for Magallanes, displaying his trademark control by walking just eight over 50 1/3 innings and striking out 53.