Miguel Tejada was traded to the Houston Astros.
Miguel Tejada shows that patience pays off.
Two years after first requesting a trade, Tejada was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Houston Astros for five players on Wednesday, giving the former AL MVP a fresh start on a team looking to boost its lineup.
The Orioles got outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo for the four-time All-Star shortstop.
Two winters ago, Tejada caused a stir in Baltimore when he said was unhappy with the Orioles' direction and wanted to be traded. He later backed off that stance.
At 31, the Orioles were worried about his range at shortstop. He had resisted their efforts to move him over to third base.
Wade said while Tejada may not cover quite as much ground as he once did, the Astros are confident he'll be solid in that spot. Adam Everett, Houston's shortstop this season, will become an unrestricted free agent by Thursday, Wade said.
In 2005, Tejada came under scrutiny after teammate Rafael Palmeiro tested positive for steroids. Palmeiro said Tejada gave him vitamin B-12 that might have been tainted with performance-enhancing drugs.
Tejada denied any steroid use and his name has not been linked to any wrongdoing.
The National League Central will not be the weakest division in Baseball next season. The Brewers have shored up their bullpen with David Riske, Eric Gagne, and Solomon Torres. The Astros have improved their offense with Miguel Tejada. The Cubs have improved their outfield, as it was announced today they signed Free Agent Japanese Outfielder Koskue Fukudome to a four year, $48 Million dollar contract.
The Three Horse Race for the National League Central has begun.
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