Note: Ruben Tejada and Alex Cora, and Russ Adams
Adam Rubin of the Daily News says, Jerry Manuel appears to prefer going with 20–year-old Ruben Tejada at shortstop over Alex Cora, “at least if he shows he can handle it the next three weeks of spring training.”
In his talk with reporters on a conference call yesterday, Mets GM Omar Minaya said, “The good thing is Ruben Tejada’s playing pretty well. I know Jerry’s been playing him. And that’s one of the reasons we went out there and were able to get a guy like a Cora.”
To read quotes from Cora, who says people forget he played last season with torn ligaments in this thumbs, read Rubin’s report, here.
…ok, but, how do his thumbs keep him from getting to a ball hit five feet away from him… this is why, to me, tejada should get the edge, because right now, with reyes off the field, tejada is the best defensive middle infielder in camp… no question…
To learn everything you ever wanted to know about Tejada, read Rubin’s blog, here.
…like i said the other day, he reminds me of a Macier Izturis type… you know, play short and second, hit .280, maybe .300, a .350 or so OBP, five home runs, lots of doubles, double digits in stolen bases, and a good, not great, player who will always have a role on the team, be it for moments like this, where he can start from time to time, or as a utility middle-infielder…
…and so, this is a perfect opportunity for him, since Jose Reyes could be gone all season, or be back any day… the thing is, he’s 20 years old, though he did play a full 134 games in Double-A last season, where he hit .289… i didn’t watch him very closely while i was in st. lucie, because i just assumed he would end up back in the minors… he’s starting today at second base… i look forward to watching him more closely over the next few weeks…
By the way, SS-2B Russ Adams has six hits, including a triple and a home run, in 10 at bats.
