BLOG

You notice it everywhere Mark Reynolds plays these days. As soon as he steps into the on-deck circle, a sense of anticipation begins to build. The aimless chatter in the stands subsides and fans en route to the concessions swiftly return to their seats. Everyone, it seems, knows about the Arizona Diamondbacks slugger's astounding tape-measure blasts and the sheer quantity of round-trippers he's jacked into the stratosphere this season. And no one wants to miss a moment of his at-bat.

How many stars in Major League Baseball command this kind of respect and attention from fans, even in visiting ball parks? Albert Pujols, certainly. Alex Rodriguez, though fans are as likely to boo A-Rod as cheer him. Prince Fielder? Ryan Howard? Maybe.

It's been an amazing breakout season for Mark Reynolds, dimmed only by the fact that his team won't be making a trip to the 2009 MLB postseason playoffs. Everyone knew that Reynolds, now closing out just his third season in the big leagues, had the potential to rocket to stardom. But 44 home runs (just three behind all-world slugger and MLB leader Pujols) and 101 RBIs? Two National League Player of the Week Awards? That's a big-time leap into the spotlight, one that has resulted in a starring role for Reynolds on nightly MLB highlights shows across the nation.

Hitting the ball at a torrid clip from Opening Day on, Reynolds has solidified his station among the game's elite third basemen. His prodigious stat line as the season winds down (44 HRs, 101 RBI, a .552 slugging percentage, 24 stolen bases) has many observers comparing him to the likes of fellow third basemen Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees, David Wright of the Mets, and Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays. In addition to ranking second to Pujols in HRs, he's among the top twenty in total bases (311), extra-base hits (74) and OPS (.906). To top it all off, Reynolds' recent 481-foot blast off Phillies closer Brad Lidge is unofficially the longest shot in Major League Baseball this season.

 

"Supreme Protein gives me the protein and nutrients that I need to recover from workouts faster and to maximize performance on the field. I definitely always carry a few Supreme Protein bars in my equipment bag wherever I go."

Reynolds, who just turned 26 years old in August, says he has never felt better or stronger than he has this year. Much of the credit for his physical conditioning goes to an extensive and precision-targeted workout program, with a little assist from his favorite protein bar. "It's a long season, and it's important for me to support lean body mass and weight so that I can maintain my strength and stamina," Mark says. "Supreme Protein gives me the protein and nutrients that I need to recover from workouts faster and to maximize performance on the field. I definitely always carry a few Supreme Protein bars in my equipment bag wherever I go."          

Reynolds recently signed a promotional deal with the makers of Supreme Protein, a relationship that grew out of his preference for the elite-quality bars, forged during his lower-profile early days in the big leagues. "It's great to be able to put in a good word for a product I really believe in," Reynolds emphasizes. "Every Supreme Protein bar gives me thirty grams of a premium protein blend, powered by whey isolate. That's an important nutritional edge against muscle wear and tear over a long season. And the flavor and texture of the Supreme Protein bars is just out of this world.

"With other bars, I never wanted to eat them, which leaves you tempted by other higher-carb, less nutritious alternatives. The Supreme Protein bar tastes better than any candy bar I've ever eaten and each one has all the ingredients I need to perform at a high level."

As for his future in the big leagues, Reynolds is looking forward to building on his phenomenal progress this year and to helping his team ascend the standings and reach the playoffs. "I feel like I'm in a great position to help my team win more games next year," he says. Clearly, for Reynolds in 2010, the sky is the limit.