Mets IF Jordany Valdespin took a Justin Verlander fastball to, well, the balls yesterday, an unfortunate incident that gave the former’s manager an opportunity to deliver an etiquette lecture, as transcribed by the New York Post’s Mike Puma.
Collins has told Valdespin this spring to eliminate some of his antics, warning that he might become a target for pitchers. One such warning came two weeks ago after Valdespin faked a bunt leading off a game against Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg. In the same at-bat, Valdespin singled and received a glare from Strasburg as he ran to first base.
“We’re going to settle some of that stuff down,” Collins said. “[Valdespin] has been told a lot in the last couple of years about how to handle himself on the major league field, especially when you are a young player. He understands it, he’s adjusting to it and once in a while you always get caught up in the moment.
“When you’ve been doing some things your whole life sometimes you have a little difficulty making some adjustments, but he will make them. We’ve got some good veterans on this team. They will make him.”
Both Collins and Valdespin said they doubted Verlander was throwing at the player.