Phoenix ? Miguel Tejada wants his two children to have a stable education in the United States, and that’s why he says he is so eager to get a long-term commitment from the Oakland Athletics.

Once 3-year-old Alexis starts kindergarten, Tejada doesn’t want her to be switching schools.

“I love Oakland. It’s a great city,” said Tejada, who can become a free agent after this season. “I know everybody. It’s like a family.”

The reigning American League MVP reported to the A’s spring training facility Saturday after being delayed for two days because he was caring for his ill son.

Tejada missed only two full-squad workouts, and manager Ken Macha wasn’t too concerned that the shortstop will be behind, because he had been playing winter ball for his native Dominican Republic.

“Tejada’s here!” someone hollered through the clubhouse when he arrived Saturday morning. He was greeted with several handshakes and hugs as he dressed for his first practice of the spring.

After taking the field to cheers from a couple dozen fans, he ran up to several players to say hello.

“It’ll be nice (having him back),” second baseman Mark Ellis said. “It feels a little different not having him here. He’ll be ready. He has a lot of energy and entertainment.”

Tejada’s contract status is expected to be a big topic of conversation during spring training. The 26-year-old Tejada has said repeatedly he wants a long-term contract to remain with the A’s.

Tejada has not said how much money he will ask for. He made $3.65 million last season and will get $5 million this year.

He hopes to start negotiating a deal soon, but is leaving that to his agent and the A’s.

“All I can do is play baseball,” he said.

Urbina’s arrival delayed

Surprise, Ariz. — Closer Ugueth Urbina did not make it into the Texas Rangers’ training camp Saturday as expected because of travel delays.

“He reported he’s still in flight,” team spokesman John Blake said. “He will be here in the morning for workouts.”

Urbina, a two-time All-Star who signed a free-agent contract in December, has been spending the offseason at his home in strife-ridden Venezuela.

Green undeterred by shoulder

Vero Beach, Fla. — Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Shawn Green put together a powerful batting practice display Saturday despite a sore left shoulder.

Green said the shoulder feels better than last year and he dismissed it as a nagging problem. He underwent an offseason MRI that revealed nothing more than tendinitis.

Ankiel impresses Cardinals

Jupiter, Fla. — Rick Ankiel had another successful throwing session. Facing batters for the second time this spring, Ankiel threw 30 pitches Saturday as he tries to overcome bouts with wildness and injuries and make the St. Louis Cardinals’ roster as a reliever.

“It was all right and I’m where I should be,” he said. “It’s too early to say much about how I will fit in the bullpen.”

Reds sell out opener in new park

Cincinnati — The Cincinnati Reds’ first regular-season game in their new ballpark is a sellout. The 42,256 seats for opening day against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 31 at Great American Ball Park sold out in an hour Saturday, team spokesman Rob Butcher said.

The game is scheduled to be the third played at the ballpark. The Reds open their new home with two exhibition games March 28-29 against the Cleveland Indians.