Now it would be kind of heartbreaking that the last memory of Ruben Tejada in a Mets uniform is him limping out to the introduction line during the playoffs. But there is a report out that Tejada might be released or wheeled prior to Opening Day this season.
One club source said Tejada is on the bubble to make the team, while another said he should make the roster. No clear role for Tejada has been outlined yet as a potential sixth infielder.
“I come here ready to play and ready to work,” Tejada said. “I don’t make any decisions about who plays. I come here in good shape and start this season and stay focused all the time.”
Tejada appears to have a leg up at the moment to secure the final roster spot, but the Mets could choose a different route.
First off … “leg up”? Clever.
Second, I guess this is indicative of the type of problems the Mets have these days. In the old days, a .202 hitter who played one position was indispensable. Now, a .261 hitter who proved himself as a capable backup might find himself off the team. These two hypothetical players aren’t hypothetical at all … they’re the same guy, just different incarnations.
Third, I know he’s become the mascot of sorts. The rallying cry of the Mets 2015 playoff run. “They broke Ruben! You bastards!” But hard decisions must be made. And with Asdrubal Cabrera in as the starting shortstop and Wilmer Flores as the primary backup at all four infield positions with enough experience at only three, Tejada is probably a redundancy. And if he could be flipped for a right handed hitting first baseman to back up Lucas Duda, that might be the best use of his services. Sure, it seems nitpicky to worry about the 25th roster spot on the team. But that’s the kind of good problems the Mets have. And if Tejada can be flipped for a part that can/will contribute more, then it’s time to do it.
Now, because I have a sense of humor and I’m evil, here’s what I propose: Trade Tejada to the Dodgers for Scott Van Slyke. One, because Van Slyke mash lefties and give Duda a spell. Second, because I want Chase Utley to look across the locker room and see Tejada burning holes in Utley’s soul with his stares. I want constant reminders to haunt Utley in his nightmares every day until May 9th. Screw that guy and his feeble gifts of redemption. He can be redeemed with bruised ribs, and no golf outing with Erik Goeddel can change that.
Goeddel said Utley knows how mad the Mets were after the play. “He understands. He definitely knows there is something coming,” Erik Goeddel said. “He said ‘Just don’t peg me in the head.’ So he knows.”’
I now hope Goeddel is the one to hit him. First with a pitch, and then with a golf club.
(Editor’s note: I know the Dodgers would never take that deal. Some of you take me too seriously, as if I ran a real blog here. Calm down.)
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