Panamanian big leaguers heading for spring training

PANAMANIAN  Ruben Tejada  has arrived at spring training with the New York Mets where he has  teamed up for practice  with another big leaguer from his home town.

"You have to do it the right way. That is why I came early to work with my colleagues," said the Santiago Veraguas native, who started Monday despite not being required to attend practice until Saturday.
Manager Terry Collins said he was pleased that Tejada showed up early. Tejada has also been working with another Panamanian José Reyes, from Santiago, who played for the Mets but who is part of the Toronto Blue Jays.
One of the areas in which Tejada seeks to improve is in stealing bases.
"Every little thing can make a big difference," said Tejada, who hopes to increase his offensive production.
Last season he hit hit .289 with 26 doubles and a home run.