Can't wait to see Miggi
Miguel Tejada is due in camp today for the first full-squad workout, but there always seems to be an air of mystery about him this time of year. Everybody loves Miggi -- I think that was the actual working title for Ray Romano's sitcom until the network suits insisted on something more mainstream -- but he kind of marches to his own drummer. Though he probably should have come in a few days early to start the conversion to third base, he'll wander in today and light up the clubhouse.
Really, he will. That's the thing about Tejada. Just when you start to wonder about him, and this is not the first time he has been one of the last players to report to camp, he shows up and his energy is infectious. His teammates love playing with him. The coaches can't help but smile, even as they scurry off to the local Best Buy to get him an alarm clock.
He'll be the talk of the camp today as he begins work at third base. He'll have extra fielding drills with infield coach Juan Samuel either before or after the regular workout. He'll be fine eventually, but I remember Melvin Mora taking some lumps before he settled in as a pretty good defensive third baseman.
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Comments
I definitely remember what you are talking about with Mora. What did have, like 8 or 9 errors in April that year that he switched?
Posted by: Justin | February 23, 2010 10:27 AM
Pete, There was only one thing that I vehemently disagreed with about the offseason moves and that was the decison to bring back Tejada. Macphail couldn't wait to get him out of town the first time. It was pure expediency, as he fell to the Orioles, or whoever wanted to take him and his personal baggage.
He should have reported early to show that he is ready to lead and to hustle, but NOOO he has to drag ass in at the last possible moment to create drama. Mark my words, before this season is over Andy Macphail will regret bringing him back.
Yeah, Yeah I know he lights up a room and is fun to be around. He will give all of the scribes plenty of attention. he is bubbly and effervescent and full of energy...except when running out a two hopper to short or an infield fly.
Maybe he had Visa problems and we will find he has aged yet another two years.
Posted by: tony | February 23, 2010 10:29 AM
Mora Good 3rd baseman? I'd still take DeCinces today at nearly 60!
Posted by: Anonymous | February 23, 2010 11:59 AM
I agree w/Tony. Miggi was the least mobile sloppy playing short stop I have seen in a long time. I think we all agree that he was brought here orginally for his bat. We suffered through his poor defense counting on his offensive "prowess" I guess we also forget that as the seasons wore on and the team started losing more, he pulled a Roberto Alomar and began to become disengaged. Where is the logic in mixing this guy with a young rebuilding team and putting him in to play a postion that requires more athletic skill and focus?
Posted by: ho hum | February 23, 2010 2:42 PM