Miguel Tejada Drama Continues

[ACL BoSox]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/26/AR2006062601355.html

 

BALTIMORE, June 26 -- On Dec. 18, 2003, Miguel Tejada donned a Baltimore Orioles hat and jersey, stood at a podium and promised that his new team would no longer be a losing franchise.

 

Three years later, the Orioles are seven games below .500, on pace to miss the postseason for the ninth straight season, and apparently some in the Orioles organization are ready to deal their starting shortstop before the July 31 trade deadline.

 

A player of Tejada's caliber is rarely dealt at midseason, though one high-ranking team source said Baltimore has already received several inquiries about the 2005 all-star, who is hitting .312 with 16 home runs. The club, according to another Orioles source, would ask for a major league pitcher as part of any package for Tejada.

 

"If the return is right -- two to three pieces that could be core [major league] players quickly, I think they would have to consider it," said an executive for one American League team. "The reality, however, is that deals like that are not often out there and they would need to be sure they were right on the guys they bet on."

 

Tejada was not available for comment on Monday and his representative did not return a phone call.

 

Those who have spoken to Tejada recently about the subject said he is happy and does not want to be traded. But Orioles executives and Manager Sam Perlozzo have met several times, though not in the past month, to discuss how to deal with Tejada's tardiness in arriving for games.

 

"I can't sit here and say we haven't talked about it," Orioles Vice President Jim Duquette said. "It's a topic we've talked about with Sam."

 

In a game earlier this season in New York, Tejada arrived less than one hour prior to the scheduled start time. Most Orioles are in the clubhouse three hours before game time. One player, speaking off the record, said that Tejada is still popular among his teammates but that his tardiness is an issue.

 

One team source said Baltimore has tried to fine Tejada, but those fines have been ignored. The source said it was possible team officials had not pushed Tejada to pay the fines or disciplined Tejada publicly because they did not want to risk alienating him or hurting his trade value.

 

"I can't remember the last time I heard anything about it at all," Orioles Executive Vice President Mike Flanagan said. "Sometimes this business of being late is a matter of interpretation."

 

Flanagan said Duquette spoke with Tejada on Sunday and "felt really good" about the conversation. But Tejada arrived at 12:10 p.m. for Sunday's 1:35 game against the Washington Nationals.

 

Several team sources said they have noticed Tejada sulking some of late, coinciding with the investigation into an affidavit from former Oriole Jason Grimsley, which appears to link several of his ex-teammates to at least the use of amphetamines and perhaps other substances. (The names in the affidavit have been redacted.) Since it became public on June 7, Tejada is hitting just .236 (17 for 72).

 

Less than a year ago, former teammate Rafael Palmeiro, who tested positive last season for steroids, told the House Government Reform Committee in its ensuing perjury investigation that Tejada had given him shots of vitamin B-12 in the locker room. For a time, Tejada went into a slump and his demeanor was noticeably different. He demanded a trade during the offseason but later rescinded his request and has not renewed his request.

 

"If this is the route they go, they shouldn't have re-signed [Melvin] Mora to that extension," another AL team executive said. "Not to say they shouldn't [trade Tejada] but they better be sure they get enough talent back in return. Based on the Mora signing, they should expect to compete in the next year or two."

 

"Anybody that considers trading one of its best players wouldn't do it without helping the ballclub," Perlozzo said. "Unless someone overwhelms us, I would hope Miggy stays put."

 

My feelings are this. I know we've become complacent with Alex Gonzalez as of late, he's really picked it up with the bat and has made one error all year. However, I wouldn't think twice about adding someone with the intensity and ability of Miguel Tejada, players like him don't come around often. It's obvious he doesn't want to play for Baltimore anymore, and he has hinted that he wants to play in Boston alongside David Ortiz.

 

The Orioles are asking for a starting pitcher as the base of any trade. So if I'm the Red Sox, here is my first proposal:

 

SP Abe Alvarez - I like the guy, I think he could be a great starting pitcher, but just not for the Red Sox. Our 1-3 Are pretty much locked up for the next few years (Beckett, Lester, Papelbon), and so we really have some wiggle room there. As far as I'm concerned Schilling, Wakefield, and Wells will all be gone by the end of next season anyway and replaced with Free Agents.

 

SS Dustin Pedroia - We gotta give the Orioles back someone to replace Tejada with, Pedroia would be a perfect fit for this deal.

 

SP Matt Clement - Yes, I know, why would the Orioles want him? Well, they may have no choice, the Salaries just flat out don't work unless we get rid of a high salary player. Throw in the fact that some of Clements best starts have come at Camden Yards. The Orioles have no pitching anyway, he'd be a guy to eat up innings.

 

So the deal: Alvarez, Pedroia, Clement for Tejada

 

Of course, there will be resistence and other teams driving up the price of Tejada, so like I said its a start, but as far as I'm concerned the only prospects they really can't have are Papelbon or Lester. As much as we love Hansen and MDC, if we had to part ways with one of them to get this deal done, I would do it... in a heart beat.

[ACL BoSox]

Also some Oriole Fans Feedback: http://www.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35208

[TheKilo]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/26/AR2006062601355.html

 

 

 

My feelings are this. I know we've become complacent with Alex Gonzalez as of late, he's really picked it up with the bat and has made one error all year. However, I wouldn't think twice about adding someone with the intensity and ability of Miguel Tejada, players like him don't come around often. It's obvious he doesn't want to play for Baltimore anymore, and he has hinted that he wants to play in Boston alongside David Ortiz.

 

The Orioles are asking for a starting pitcher as the base of any trade. So if I'm the Red Sox, here is my first proposal:

 

SP Abe Alvarez - I like the guy, I think he could be a great starting pitcher, but just not for the Red Sox. Our 1-3 Are pretty much locked up for the next few years (Beckett, Lester, Papelbon), and so we really have some wiggle room there. As far as I'm concerned Schilling, Wakefield, and Wells will all be gone by the end of next season anyway and replaced with Free Agents.

 

SS Dustin Pedroia - We gotta give the Orioles back someone to replace Tejada with, Pedroia would be a perfect fit for this deal.

 

SP Matt Clement - Yes, I know, why would the Orioles want him? Well, they may have no choice, the Salaries just flat out don't work unless we get rid of a high salary player. Throw in the fact that some of Clements best starts have come at Camden Yards. The Orioles have no pitching anyway, he'd be a guy to eat up innings.

 

So the deal: Alvarez, Pedroia, Clement for Tejada

 

Of course, there will be resistence and other teams driving up the price of Tejada, so like I said its a start, but as far as I'm concerned the only prospects they really can't have are Papelbon or Lester. As much as we love Hansen and MDC, if we had to part ways with one of them to get this deal done, I would do it... in a heart beat.

 

 

 

I know you said it was your first proposal, but there's no way that Abe/Clement?Pedroia for Tejada ever gets done.

[schillingouttheks]

Our current SS is making 1 million/yr. I'd love to see Miggy here too, but that was before this season. I know he'd be happy beside Ortiz and everything, but Gonzo has been hitting about .400 this month, he's made 1 error all year, and he's a huge part of the success of this infield defense. The Sox have a chance to make it 10 straight games tonight, and we're 2.5 ahead of NY. Why fix something that isn't broken? MDC and Hansen can be contributors this year. I wouldn't mind parting with Pedroia to get Tejada here, but I wouldn't give up MDC and Hansen. We need the bullpen to be strong. Those 2 guys aren't the future anymore, they're part of the present as well, and they're doing a pretty good job holding their spots down.

 

I'd love to have him, but not for what it would cost. This team is winning without him, and I don't feel like changing that. I know that you said that those 3 players were a start, but there's no way they'd settle for Alvarez in there, especially being in the AL East. They'd want a MDC, Hansen, and a Lester and then Pedroia to replace Miggy. They have Mazzone over there now, and while I do think they'd like Clement, they'd also want one of our young guys that is currently making an impact at the big league level for us.

[ACL BoSox]

I'm not saying we need a quick-fix, but Tejada is only 29 and his value with the Orioles is bottoming out, and we need to take advantage of it.

 

I'm a law of averages guy, Gonzo won't hit .400 the rest of the season, and in the end, he'll end up with what he averages every year. You plug Tejada's production into Boston, without downgrading your pitching staff, and your better off then when you left. Gonzo would still be a great defensive sub, similar to Minky in 2004.

[schillingouttheks]

True, but I suppose it depends on what they say they want. I do firmly believe they'd love to have Clement, and hey, maybe they will take Alvarez. They have Mazzone over there so who knows how much trust they put in him. I'm just not willing to part ways with MDC or Hansen, because both of those guys are no longer names for only the future. They're helping us right now where we need it most, the 'pen.

[Cocos Disciples]

Offense is not the main concern here, although with that kind of trade, I would welcome Miggy. But they wouldn't accept it, they would demand Lester, Pedroia, Ellsbury, etc.

[schillingouttheks]

Pitching is their main concern. They're happy with Markakis (even if he's already ruined with what they've done to him, they still see him as a really patient hitter, and they like that), and Patterson in the outfield. I don't think they'd call on Ellsbury. Their main concern the WHOLE time has been pitching. They have a pretty decent offense with Mora, Ramon Hernandez, Patterson, Miggy, Gibbons, Brian Roberts, etc... I mean, they picked up Russ Ortiz off of waivers this past week, re-uniting him with Mazzone from when they were in Atlanta. I wouldn't put it past them to be interested in Clement, maybe Alvarez. I just can't see us biting on this if we need to give up Hansen or MDC. Those guys have been here, and they're not going anywhere soon. If the name "Lester" comes out of their mouths then the deal's off.

[ACL BoSox]

Offense is not the main concern here' date=' although with that kind of trade, I would welcome Miggy. But they wouldn't accept it, they would demand Lester, Pedroia, Ellsbury, etc.[/quote']

 

They'll take what they can get for a player that doesn't show up for games on time anymore.

 

Let's be honest, do you really see the Angels parting ways with Santana, Wood, and Kotchman when they can get Carl Crawford for the same price?

 

And I also agree, Lester and Papelbon are off-limits.

[schillingouttheks]

They'll take what they can get for a player that doesn't show up for games on time anymore.

 

Let's be honest, do you really see the Angels parting ways with Santana, Wood, and Kotchman when they can get Carl Crawford for the same price?

This is true as well. If he's becoming a big enough distraction then they should be happy to get Clement, Alvarez, and Pedroia in return. If they want OF help maybe they'd accept Murphy if we threw him in there as well. I think they'll definitely bite on Clement, perhaps Alvarez too seeing as they put a big investment in Mazzone.

[ORS]

They'll take what they can get for a player that doesn't show up for games on time anymore.

Wrong. They may be frustrated with his behavior, which is a result of his frustration with their management. That said, they won't be "taking what they can get". Tejada is the best in the game at his position, which is a high-skill position, and he's durable - 162 games a year. He's got tremendous value, and the O's know it.

[ACL BoSox]

Let's also look at other teams that could use Tejada:

 

White Sox - Obviously, they'd love to have him, and they have two distinct advantages over us. They have Starting Pitchers to spare, and are outside of the division. However they have not voiced interest yet.

 

Angels - Discussed above, do not see them dealing for Tejada.

 

Houston - Do they have enough to get a deal done, would they offer anything more than the Red Sox would?

 

Dodgers - They'd probably be on even footing with us.

[ACL BoSox]

Wrong. They may be frustrated with his behavior, which is a result of his frustration with their management. That said, they won't be "taking what they can get". Tejada is the best in the game at his position, which is a high-skill position, and he's durable - 162 games a year. He's got tremendous value, and the O's know it.

 

Tell that to the Red Sox front office who put Manny Ramirez on waivers after he became a headache.

[ORS]

Tell that to the Red Sox front office who put Manny Ramirez on waivers after he became a headache.

Oh, did Manny get traded? I think I've seen him in LF this year, so they didn't just "take what they can get".

[Cocos Disciples]

His point, I believe, is that they were willing to.

[ORS]

His point' date=' I believe, is that they were willing to.[/quote']

It's pretty apparent that they are willing to. What I don't get is why anyone thinks Alvarez or Clement appeal to a team with a superstar on the market looking for pitching in return. Alvarez and Clement are probably below replacement level, or, in other words, they can call two hacks up from the minors and get the same quality of pitching.

[ACL BoSox]

Alvarez is not a hack, he has pinpoint control and has a good WHIP.

[ORS]

Alvarez is replacement level. That is why he only makes a start when someone gets hurt or a double header forces the need for a spot starter. We know it, and so does the rest of the league.

[jsinger121]

Alvarez is not a hack, he has pinpoint control and has a good WHIP.

 

Alvarez is a nothing prospect....Don't know what you have been looking at but he never should have been drafted in the 2nd round by the sox. It was a waste of a pick.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

This may sound crazy but I would rather have Alex Gonzalez than Miguel Tejada.

 

Tejada may hit the ball better but his fielding% is around .970. Meanwhile, Gonzo's fielding is around .995. Not to mention the difference in errors...nope I want a strong defensive SS. I'd rather stick with Gonzalez and sacrafice the runs (which we are already scoring) for a player who (although I like his character) will probably run into trouble with the steroid issue soon.

[Mr Crunchy]

yeah that is crazy schill tejada is a stud

however i too appreciate what agon brings to the table

good to see old friend ocab continue his on base streak which now stands at 55 games

hes hitting 3rd in anaheim

how piss poor is that lineup??

[Cityofchampions33]

If they took Clement, Alvarez, and Pedroia for Tejada they'd be insane, the best part of that deal for them is Pedroia, who I believe can be a very ood MINF one day at the Major League level. We would need to throw in a SOLID SP, which we can't really afford to do right now as we still need anotehr solid starter. I say we let Tejada go someplace else, hopefully a NL team, and just focus on getting a starter. Plus, do we really need more offense? I mean we're averaging 7 runs a game lately, I know it's against the NL Teams, but it aint lookin like it's just because of that.

[Mr Crunchy]

i dont think baltimore will be dealing tejada for matt clement abe alvarez and pedroia

maybe lester hansen and pedroia but not matt clement,who by most accounts is finished as a competetive pitcher

[mtbykr]

I know I will get flamed here---but I would rather keep gonzo as well all things considered! Gonzo has a better fielding %--but he also get's to balls that miggy wouldn't and makes other players around him better. (ei...bad throws from the pitcher still turned into DP's) Miggy is obviously better at the plate, but you are also paying him a ton more than gonzo.

 

Also his attitude problem may go further than the "i hate losing in baltimore" syndrome. There's no telling if bringing him to a contender (with papi here) will cure all his problems

 

There is also no guarentee that he can handle playing in boston. He is a stud, true---but he's been a stud in Oakland and Baltimore!

 

The last thing is that we would have to give up way too much to get him--there is no way the clement, abe, pedroisa deal get's him here....they are going to want someone like lester/pedroisa ect... to get him here.

 

Miggy's a stud, no doubt about it: but i would rather keep gonzo than

 

-lose defense

-pay a lot more $$$

-attitude questions

-give up key prospects

 

 

Just my $.02

[HeadOfSoxNation]

Tell that to the Red Sox front office who put Manny Ramirez on waivers after he became a headache.

 

That's a good point, but if I'm not mistaking, that was in a year where there was a relatively deep free agent pool, especially in the outfield. Was it the year Beltran was a FA? Or Vlad maybe? Anyways, I remember there was a plethora of outfielders available that the Sox could have signed if Manny's mammoth contract had been picked up by someone. Not that they were MannyCaliber, but we could have gotten another star and slotted him into left to make the loss less catastrophic. Trading Tejada...there's no one in the league that can even close to make up at SS what they'd be losing in dealing Tejada. They're still going to command a high price.

 

And I agree with the aforementioned...I like what I've seen from Hansen, but there's no way Papelbon could be included in this deal. Hansen may be the closer of the future, but Little Pappy is the closer of now, and I want him staying. Lester, too. This kid is a stud. Only deal I'd EVER OK Lester in is one that brought a proven frontline starter in his mid 20's to Boston.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

yeah that is crazy schill tejada is a stud

however i too appreciate what agon brings to the table

good to see old friend ocab continue his on base streak which now stands at 55 games

hes hitting 3rd in anaheim

how piss poor is that lineup??

 

How come a player can't be considered a stud when he plays defense better than anyone else at his position? I only heard about Alex Gonzalez before this season but never took the time to really watch him before. Now I consider him the best defensive SS in the game. He makes our pitchers better, makes every play look effortless, and helps form the best left infield defense in the league.

 

Whats more important...defense or offense?? After years of watching the Red Sox struggle on defense and always base the team around hitting....why not go with a change that is clearly working?? Why mess with the team?? This team would be better off looking for pitching as Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez continue to give up runs.

 

Go with what the team does best.....defense is our strong point and I wouldn't mess with it.

[yeszir]

For some reason the thought of Tejada on the sox doesn't excite me too much. It's not as if our team is struggling offensively, and giving up some good prospects and taking on that kind of salary isn't exactly a no-brainer. I know it's all hypothetical, but still...

 

Also...how reluctant would the O's be to trade their best hitter to someone they play 15 times a season?

[Mr Crunchy]

the reason they dont discuss slick fielding short stops in the same regards as the better hitting shortstops is simple

 

america likes the offense

 

true baseball fans appreciate the agons and ocabs and ozzie smiths of the league

avg fans fawn over the nomars,,tejadas and arods

 

offense generates more excitement than defense

 

y'all have a valid point when discussing the merits of agon as opposed to tejada

but tejada is not nomar or jeter for that matter

hes in a class by himself now.....300 30/100 can be penciled in

hes also only missed 5 games in 7 years

none in the last 5 seasons....thats impressive

 

did you know agon never won a gold glove??

he is a treat to watch in the field

[CrespoBlows]

This trade will never happen. Peter Angelos may be a moron, but he's not that stupid.

 

As for the people who'd be against this trade, one question. Why?

 

Miguel Tejada is an excellent fielder. He makes more errors, but he's got a lot of range, and a bullet arm. Also he could outhit Alex Gonzalez if he was swinging with a toothpick. Tejada is probably only slightly below Gonzalez defensively, and 20 X the player Gonzalez is offensively.

 

Money? You add two million more to the payroll for '06, and '07.

 

Prospects? Abe Alvarez isn't much of a prospect. He's probably a middle relief guy at his peak. Pedroia's good, but he's no Tejada. Plus, you get rid of Matt Clement and his albatrostic salary.

 

Attitude? I believe Tejada is angry because the Orioles aren't winning baseball games. Why would he have any problem in Boston? Throw in the fact that Manny, Ortiz, and Tejada are pretty close friends, and Miguel would fit well in Boston.

 

A pipe dream, though.

[ACL BoSox]

I love how everyone takes the deal I proposed as the deal I'm saying the Sox would offer. I said in my first post that it was extremely preliminary and really had just my first opinions of it. I told everyone to take it with a grain of salt and they're treating it like ultimatum. It's called brainstorming.