Orioles' Tejada wants to stay in Baltimore
Miguel Tejada first started dealing with the trade rumors while he was Oriole during the 2005 season and they never stopped until the former shortstop was dealt to the Houston Astros in December 2007.
Not all that long into his tenure with the Astros, he was hearing that he could be on the move again although that’s where he stayed until he signed with the Orioles for a second stint in January. With the Orioles carrying the league-worst record, Tejada signed to just a one-year deal and the organization’s projected future third baseman Josh Bell already on the Major League roster, there is again speculation that Tejada could be traded before the July 31 deadline.
“I’ve already gotten use to that [trade talk],” said Tejada who entered tonight hitting .283 with six homers and 32 RBs. “The last two years in Houston was always the same thing. There were always rumors that I was about to get traded. But one thing I’ve always done is I don’t pay attention to what can happen. I just take it one day at a time I love this game and I don’t let anything distract me or take me out of my game.”
The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams looking for help at third base though the Phillies’ need is more immediate with injuries to both third baseman Placido Polanco and second baseman Chase Utley. Both Tejada and teammate Ty Wigginton have been mentioned repeatedly as fits for Philadelphia.
However, Tejada said that if he got his way, he’d stay in Baltimore, not just for the rest of the season, but for the next couple of years.
“I’d like to stay here,” Tejada said. “I love being around this group of young guys. It’s the best group of young guys that I’ve been around. They listen a lot and they love playing – [Adam] Jones, [Nick] Markakis, [Matt] Wieters. You can really see it, and I love that. Even though we’re not winning, they’re always upbeat. If they want me to be here, I’m staying here. I definitely like it. I live in Florida, but I’ve always said, Baltimore is like my home. I signed my big contract here and the fans really have treated me this time like they did last time. I love playing at Camden Yards. But there’s nothing I can do. It’s out of my hands.”
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Sorry Miggy, no room
Posted by: Shane | July 3, 2010 6:59 PM
I have to interrupt this response about Tejada to comment on an exceptional happening. Albers relieved Guthrie in the 5th inning Saturday and threw 11 straight strikes. ELEVEN! No balls. no walks, no hits... Must be an Oriole best for this year, maybe for this decade. I doubt Albers has thrown 11 straight strikes to win a big fuzzy toy at a carnival! Incredible!
Posted by: DonM | July 3, 2010 8:58 PM
Just another case of a guy saying all the right things.
There's absolutely no way Miggy really wants to lose for the last few years of his career. You've got to imagine that, away from the microphones, he's hoping, and maybe asking, for a trade to Philly.
Posted by: not brooks | July 3, 2010 8:59 PM
The fact that B-12 Miguel is being listened to by the young players is reason enough to get rid of him as quickly as possibly. He may be a nice person for all I know, but his approach to hitting (swing at everything) is exactly wrong. This team will never improve until Tejada is gone. And he is right. The decision is not in his hands. About like a ground ball to third.
Posted by: robertl | July 3, 2010 9:01 PM
Jeff,
Any rumors on who the Phillies might offer up?
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Jeff Z's reply: I haven't heard yet, but the Orioles will obviously ask for a lot early thinking the Phillies are desperate with their injury situation. Doesn't hurt to ask, but the reality is I can't imagine them getting more than a couple of decent prospects in return.
Posted by: birdsteelers | July 3, 2010 9:12 PM
I have seen other posts from people that don't like Tejada, but count me on the side that likes his energy and intensity.
For a guy playing third base for the first time in the majors, I think he has done pretty well. And wihile his hitting seems on the decline, maybe feeling more comfortable in the field will mean he will regain some of those hitting skills next year.
We need some veterans on the club and I'd like for him to stay. We need people at first, second, and shortstop. Let's fill those positions first.
And on any given day, I think we get more out of Tejada that I see from Jones or Wieters.
If we can use leverage on Philidelphia or the Twins to get someone that will REALLY help us for the future, then OK...but, otherwise, I think he should stay.
Posted by: VeryFrustratedFan | July 3, 2010 10:25 PM
The best thing for the team would be Tejada getting traded. His lack of an approach at the plate is a horrible example for the younger guys.
Posted by: Chris in Hawaii | July 3, 2010 11:00 PM
Tejada and Wigginton have both been a important part of what little offense the Orioles have had this year. The Orioles don't have a major league ready prospect at SS or 1B. Bell appears to be on schedule to be ready at 3B, next year. The 2011 Free Agents are going to want an arm and a leg to come to Baltimore. And it's certainly easier to sign a player who wants to play here. Both Tejada and Wigginton can play a couple positions plus they can be the DH. I hope the Orioles can re-sign at least one of them.
Posted by: Cecil | July 4, 2010 7:21 AM
THE O'S SHOULD KEEP TEJADA AND DRAFT THE 3RD BASEMAN FROM RICE, ANTHONY RENDON. THEY SHOULD THEN PACKAGE BELL, TILLMAN AND ACOUPLE PROSPECTS FOR PRINCE FIELDER OR ADRIAN GONZALEZ. THROW IN REIMOLD OR SNYDER FOR GOOD MEASURE. IF NOT CONVERT BELL TO FIRST BASE.
Posted by: DRE | July 4, 2010 9:46 AM
How does keeping Tejada the rest of the season effect the draft pick situation? If we offer arbitration and he walks, don't we get an extra pick?
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Jeff Z's reply: Depends if Tejada is a Type A or B free agent and if O's offer him arbitration. Too early to determine on both.
Posted by: James | July 4, 2010 10:46 AM
The Phillies need help but given the size of Tejada's remaining contract, the Orioles will not get the Phillies to pick up all of his remaining salary and add a blue chip prospect for a 3 month rental player. If The O's pay the majority of the salary, the quality of the prospect goes up. You won't get both.
Posted by: Philliesfan | July 4, 2010 11:50 AM
Tejada would be a good pick up for the Phillies. He has handled 3B rather well, mostly. He doesn't have the dazzling power he once had but he is getting older..Problem is the Orioles need mid-infield help and the Phillies don't have a lot of that (which may be why they are looking at a trade).
Posted by: DonM | July 4, 2010 1:14 PM