Last week, Ruben Tejada failed to do something he wasn't required to do. This bothered Terry Collins, who met with Tejada this morning to discuss the situation. Here is an exclusive transcript of that meeting.
Collins: Ruben, would you come here for a minute please? We need to talk about your flair.
Tejada: Really? I have 15 pieces on.
Collins: Well, 15 is the minimum, okay?
Tejada: Okay.
Collins: Now, it's up to you whether or not you want to just do the bare minimum. Danny, for example, has 37 pieces of flair on today. And a terrific smile.
Tejada: Okay, so you want me to wear more?
Collins: Look, Ruben.
Tejada: Yeah?
Collins: People can watch baseball anywhere, okay? They watch the Mets for the atmosphere and the attitude. That's what the flair's about. It's about fun.
Tejada: Okay. So, more then?
Collins: [exasperated] Look, we want you to express yourself, okay? If you feel that the bare minimum is enough, then okay. But some people choose to wear more and we encourage that, okay? You do want to express yourself, don't you?
Tejada: Yeah.
Collins: Great. That's all I ask.