MLB Player News

The Mets appear willing to offer free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew a one-year contract with a club option, but even if he accepted those terms, the two sides remain apart on the dollar amount, a source told the New York Post.

Also, there appears to be some opposition from inside the organization, as some believe Ruben Tejada will bounce back and essentially become the equivalent of Drew and at a much lower cost.

One major-league talent evaluator believes the Mets' line of thinking is ill-advised.

"They are totally overvaluing Ruben Tejada," the evaluator said. "Especially with all their young pitchers, Drew would be a great addition for the Mets."

Terry Collins gave mixed messages about the Mets shortstop situation on Friday. He insisted that Ruben Tejada will compete with Omar Quintanilla for the starting spot, then indicated the former had all but nailed down the position.

"Ruben has rededicated himself," he told his team website. "He's ready to show people he's the starting shortstop."

Tejada did nothing of the kind in 2013. He batted just .202 with no home runs and 10 RBI in 208 at-bats and committed eight errors in limited opportunities, leading some to call for the Mets to sign a free agent such as Stephen Drew.

Cuban acquisition Alex Guerrero is the preseason favorite to start at second base for the Dodgers, but Don Mattingly has set nothing in stone.

"That's just an area it's hard for us to say we can make a decision on that," he told the Orange County Register. "We have to take a look at the combination of guys - what guys look like in camp, could it be a platoon type situation, is one of those guys a utility-type player who can play a lot of second? I just think there's too many questions for us to be able to kind of say, 'I want an every-day guy' and force that."

Dee Gordon and Justin Sellers are also in the mix at that position.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson once again spoke highly of shortstop Ruben Tejada during an interview with WFAN Tuesday. Alderson was particularly pleased with Tejada’s offseason work, according to ESPN.

"I think given the realistic opportunities at this point, we’re happy as of the first day of spring training," Alderson said about the shortstop position. "That obviously could change over time, during the course of spring-training games and what have you. But I’m optimistic we’re going to see a little bit different Tejada going into this season."

The Mets continue to be linked to free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but it doesn't sound like Alderson is going to bring in an external candidate to compete with Tejada.

"I think you’ve got to be realistic about that," Alderson said. "Look, we continue to talk to clubs about shortstops that may be out there, available in trade. There aren’t that many. And the price and what you have to give up is always a consideration. But those conversations have continued. 

"It’s just hard to predict what will happen over the next week, two weeks, three weeks. But, in the meantime, Ruben demonstrated a real commitment to getting better by working out in the offseason up in Michigan. I’m anxious to see how that translates on the field."

The Mets have avoided arbitration with shortstop Ruben Tejada by signing him to a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday. The deal is worth $1.1 million, The Star-Ledger reports.

Tejada is the favorite to start at shortstop for the Mets in 2014 unless another infield option is brought in. He hit .202/.259/.260 with zero home runs and 10 RBI in 208 at-bats last season.

The Mets appear ready to move forward with Ruben Tejada as their starting shortstop, despite Tejada coming off a poor season in 2013. It has been rumored the Mets have shown interest in free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but it seems unlikely the team will sign him.

"I'd say that trade possibilities -- just with the passage of time and knowing more about various situations -- a trade is probably less likely now," Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told MLB.com. "The same three alternatives exist: sign a free agent, make a trade, or go with what we have subject to probably bringing in a backup to Tejada. I'd say right now, it's probably more likely that we will go with Option C, which is Ruben at shortstop with the addition of a backup."

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Wednesday the candidates for the starting second-base job this spring will be Alexander Guerrero, Miguel Rojas and Dee Gordon. Although, Colletti added Guerrero "is certainly leading the pack."

The Mets are not particularly interested in upgrading at shortstop, special assistent J.P. Ricciardi told WEEI.com Friday. The team appears to be planning to enter the season with Ruben Tejada as the starter, despite a disappointing 2013 campaign.

"I think we are," Ricciardi said. "He's a young player."

Tejada hit just .202/.259/.260 in 208 at-bats for the Mets last season, but Ricciardi said a thin shortstop market limits their options to upgrade. Tejada is still just 24, despite having over 1,200 major-league at-bats under his belt. 

The Padres have traded outfielder/first baseman Jesus Guzman to the Astros for infielder Ryan Jackson, the teams announced Wednesday.

Guzman, 29, hit .226/.297/.378 with nine home runs and 35 RBI in 288 at-bats with the Padres last season. He has played 113 games at first base, 93 games in left field and 13 games in right field in four seasons with the Padres.

Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Astros in November after spending five years in the Cardinals ogranization. He hit .278/.352/.346 with three home runs, 34 RBI and nine stolen bases in 442 at-bats with Triple-A Memphis last season. Jackson has spent most of his minor-league career at shortstop.

The Mets may open the season with Ruben Tejada at short, according to ESPN.com.

Tejada was injured for most of the season, and there were reports about some bad blood over the team's handling of the injury. While the Mets may have explored trades for shortstops, that doesn't seem likely at this point. Tejada hit .202/.259/.260 in 208 at-bats.