JUPITER, Fla. — Despite Ruben Tejada’s continued shoddy play, at least one person close to Stephen Drew believes the free agent shortstop will end up elsewhere.
Drew’s agent, Scott Boras, only acknowledged there is communication between the two sides. But Drew continues to look for a multi-year deal, something the Mets haven’t been interested in offering.
Manager Terry Collins issued his strongest defense of Tejada this spring after Thursday’s game, and took him aside to tell him he’s the team’s shortstop.
Tejada, who started a third straight game in the Mets’ 1-0 loss to the Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium, said the pep talk succeeded in helping him relax, and he managed to escape Friday without making an error — he already has three this spring — and picked up just his second hit (2-for-18).
“My timing was fine and I feel better,” said Tejada, who believed the consistent playing time has helped him.
Regardless of what improvements Tejada is able to make, though, he doesn’t figure to approach the production of Drew, who is working out at Boras’ clinic in Miami.
Meanwhile, Tejada worked with former Met Edgardo Alfonzo before the game.
“He’s a veteran guy,” Tejada said. “He knows the game better than me and tried to help me.”
A large portion of the Mets left for Las Vegas on Friday, departing with mixed feelings.
“It’s going to be interesting to go out there and see what it’s all about,” David Wright said of the two games against the Cubs at the Mets’ Triple-A stadium Saturday and Sunday. “But on the other hand, I do like to be in a routine. I’ll try to adapt that routine. They want me to go, so I’m going to go. It shouldn’t disrupt things too much.”
All things being equal, Collins would prefer his team to stay in one place, but he wasn’t too concerned about the impact on the players.
“I’m not worried about it affecting our routine,” said Collins, who knew some of his stars would be in for a rude awakening when they saw the stadium’s facilities.
“They will not be OK,” Collins said, comparing it to the major league weight rooms his players are used to. “It will get their attention. It’s fine. It’s Vegas. It’s in the desert, so the ball is going to be flying, especially if the wind is blowing.”
Wright was looking forward to breaking up the monotony of spring training, but added: “Obviously, it’s a long way to go for two games.”
With Collins in Las Vegas, bench coach Bob Geren took over managerial duties with the players who remained in Florida.
Pitchers Jacob deGrom and Jeff Walters were optioned Friday. Collins said Noah Syndergaard, who has acknowledged he expects to be sent down, was not considered for Friday’s cuts. That could change after the split squad returns Sunday night following the two games in Las Vegas.