Collins irked that Tejada is tardy

Ruben Tejada will have a doghouse awaiting him when he arrives to Mets spring training on Saturday.

Though the shortstop is not technically late in reporting to camp, manager Terry Collins views it differently, considering Tejada is a young player starting a new job as he replaces Jose Reyes.

"I am a little surprised," Collins said Wednesday. "A lot of it is just selfishness on my part. I take great pride in the game itself and respecting the game and I wish everybody had the same respect for it where they wanted to get started as early as possible."

Tejada was having visa problems in his native Panama stemming from the fact he was late making an appointment to receive the documents. He is scheduled to arrive in camp Saturday, the deadline for position players to report.

Last season, Collins became agitated when Luis Castillo was among the last position players to report. The manager had wanted Castillo to make a strong early statement that he was serious about claiming the second base job. He was ultimately released in spring training.

"I know Ruben will come in great shape and I know he'll be ready to go," Collins said. "I just wish he was here."

Collins was asked if Tejada knew he should come early.

"I didn't spell it out. I pretty much suggested he get down here early," Collins said. "I probably should have spelled it out."