Valdespin gets the message from Mets

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Mets rookie Jordany Valdespin wore a collared shirt when he appeared in the New York clubhouse for the series finale against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

"He thought it was OK to wear a white T-shirt to the ballpark," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "He learned his lesson."

Valdespin came to AT&T Park wearing a white T-shirt on Wednesday. Afterward he found the sleeves shredded and the front and back were written on.

"Guys sent the message that we dress better than that," Collins said. "There are a lot of things we have to learn and one is conduct. When David Wright was a rookie, he would sit in the corner and watch. Self-policing is what the clubhouse is all about."

Valdespin did not find it funny and yelled at first, thinking the "El Hombre" and "NY Loves Valdy" written on his shirt was a reflection of his playing style.

After meeting with several team veterans, Valdespin came out laughing and wore the altered shirt out of the clubhouse.

"There was no huge damage," Collins said. "If he wants us to replace his T-shirt, I think we can handle that.

"We have a slush fund for things like that," Collins joked.

Updated August 2, 2012