Ruben Tejada's arrival delayed waiting for visa
Ruben Tejada makes a catch and doubles up a runner on first base for a fourth inning double play at Citi Field. (Sept. 14, 2011) Credit: Newsday/Jim McIsaac
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Jose Reyes is gone, and the transition at shortstop to Ruben Tejada could take longer than expected as he tries to get a visa at home in Panama. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Tejada was expected to meet with the embassy Wednesday and, at this point, was unsure if he'd be late for tomorrow's official reporting date for position players.
The first official full-squad workout is Saturday and the Mets expect everyone else to be in camp -- most of the players well before then. As for the other starting infielders, David Wright, Daniel Murphy and Ike Davis, they have been working out at the spring-training facility for more than a week.
Having Tejada in camp earlier would have been beneficial to help Murphy work on his double-play pivot. Terry Collins reiterated that Murphy will be the starting second baseman, and Justin Turner -- a utility infielder with Ronny Cedeno -- would be a backup at first. "I think Dan Murphy has shown everybody that his bat plays," Collins said, "and it plays real well."
Mookie stays on with Mets
Mookie Wilson was dismissed from his first-base/outfield coaching duties when the Mets shook up their staff at the end of last season. But Wilson has decided to accept an invitation to remain with the organization in what the Mets described as a "role that includes both baseball and business duties." He also will be a spring-training instructor.
Extra bases
The Mets' contingent for Gary Carter's memorial service will include Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, Bobby Ojeda, Rusty Staub, Roger McDowell, Tim Teufel, Wally Backman, Howard Johnson, Sid Fernandez and Wilson. From the current team: David Wright, Bobby Parnell, Jon Niese and Josh Thole along with Alderson, Collins and assistant GM John Ricco.
