Terry Collins told reporters that he has no problem with Jose Reyes being critical of Ruben Tejada.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with one of your peers challenging you once in a while,” Collins said
“Reyes is a guy who gets ready to play. I think the world of Jose Reyes. Apparently, he may know something I don’t. They were good buddies when they were here and I think Jose might know some things that I don’t know.”
Tejada also responded to the criticism.
“He tried to push me up and tried to help me. And that’s the way to take that comment.”
“I try to do my best and come every day to work hard.”
February 27
Former Mets shortstop Jose Reyes had some harsh words for Ruben Tejada for failing to grab hold of the starting shortstop job with the Mets.
In an interview with reporter Anthony Reiber of Newsday, Reyes expressed disappointment in Tejada believing his former teammate didn’t do enough to win the job and keep it.
“He had the opportunity to be the everyday shortstop for a long time there in New York. You have to work, man. When you’re younger, you think you have everything there for you. But if you do something wrong, it’s going to go away. Quick.”
“Do the right stuff, work hard, and you’re going to be here in New York. Because the talent is there. You’re so young. And now he’s in a tough position because he doesn’t even have a position.”
“Something’s wrong,” Reyes said. As recently as a couple of weeks ago, Reyes said he tried to tell Tejada he had to try harder or risk becoming an afterthought at age 25.
“Every time I talk to him I try to give him some advice,” Reyes said. “What can I do? I try to push him to do stuff. I don’t know if he gets it or not.”
In 2013, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson publically criticized what he felt was Tejada’s reluctance to do extra work. The team also has expressed unhappiness with Tejada’s conditioning, although that doesn’t appear to be an issue now.
Terry Collins said earlier this week that Tejada will get every opportunity to win the starting shortstop job believing he could still be an All Star offensively.
However, Wilmer Flores is expected to earn the Opening Day job according to recent statements by Sandy Alderson.
