Coleman: Mets' Tejada Touches Down In St. Lucie
By Ed Coleman
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Yes, Ruben Tejada did finally make it to Mets camp on Sunday - not officially late, but not Tom Coughlin early either. Manager Terry Collins recounted the conversation he had with Tejada at the end of last season that he thought would bring the shortstop to camp a bit earlier than this.
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There wasn't a lot of back and forth in the conversation that Collins and Tejada had today after he arrived - but it wasn't contentious either.
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Tejada played both 2B and SS last season, so the manager feels there's no way of knowing what his ceiling is until he plays a full year as the replacement for Jose Reyes.
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Now Tejada can get to work with Daniel Murphy, learn each other's tendencies, and the young shortstop can make Murphy feel more comfortable around the second-base bag.
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Johan Santana took a solid step in his rehab process on Sunday, throwing another bullpen session (72 throws overall, 31 meaningful) while simulating rest between innings.
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While not swinging, batters did step in on both sides of the plate to give Santana a more realistic look.
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And Santana does feel that those adjustments are coming.
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The tentative plan for Santana goes thusly - a couple of days off, long-tossing on Wednesday, live B.P. (facing swinging batters) on Friday, and then an exhibition game start next Tuesday against the Cardinals. So how does one know exactly where Santana is at right now? Collins says you can't.
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So the games and the recuperation from those outings will tell a lot more, but Collins is quite content that the early returns are good.
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Good day indeed. So good that the manager got excited just thinking about the offensive capabilities of his club - if everyone can stay healthy.
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David Wright was very happy for his close friend Ryan Zimmerman, who received a 6-year $100 million extension from the Washington Nationals. Wright said the Mets have not approached him, nor has he or his agent contacted the club about a possible extension. Wright has a contract through this season, with the Mets holding an option for 2013.
The Mets will wear a patch on all their uniforms this season to honor the late catcher Gary Carter. The insignia features a black home plate with KID 8 in white letters. Owner Fred Wilpon presented the patch to Carter's widow Sandy on Friday night at the memorial tribute for the catcher in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Monday marks the first full-squad workout for the Mets this spring. All players are in camp.
C U soon
Eddie C.
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