If Miguel Tejada passes his physical on Monday he will head to extended spring training in Sarasota, FL. This will be the third time that Tejada will sign with the organization. His most notable stint started in 2003 and ended with him being traded for Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Luke Scott and more. Tejada's last stint ended in him being traded for Wynn Pelzer who was recently released. In 2004 Tejada hit .311 with 34 homers and 150 RBIs. That season was Tejada's best in Baltimore and perhaps his best as a pro. This move is just a depth move for the Orioles, but they are not satisfied with their infield defense. That defense has been worst at 3rd base where Mark Reynolds has been awful. I doubt he starts in Baltimore, but you never know, the Orioles sure do like the guy. I personally am not a fan of Tejada and his steroid usage, but whatever.The Orioles lineup is pictured here. Flaherty leading off and playing in left is certainly the biggest change from the norm. Mark Reynolds is once again in at third base. Let's hope that he doesn't get hit too many balls and continues his recent hot streak with the bat. Let's also hope Johnson is getting hits because he may be the reason Tejada is rejoining the organization.
-Noland
To add to what I have already posted on facebook [which was, "I've been following this story for a few days now--I knew it would happen, as there is just something about Tejada-they-come-Tejada-they-fall (not) being able to stay out of an Orioles uniform indefinitely. As long as he can hit for average, I'm fine with it..."], I should say that I think he will work his way into the starting line-up sooner or later (at 3rd, obviously). Reynolds needs to keep hitting, just as obviously. The thing about Tejada is, he has that "don't ever call me finished/past my prime" mentality that so many Dominican players seem to have (hello, David Ortiz).
ReplyDeleteWhile this statement is no doubt a blatant stereotype, the sociocultural (and socioeconomic) reality is that growing up poor in the DR would be a heckuva source of lifelong motivation. It's like those people who grew up during the Depression still pinching pennies even after they win the lottery. I mean, the man made more than 12 million dollars in the last two years (begging the question, What will this one-year contract be worth?). Yet still he fights to play, which is a clear-cut indication of a deep love of the game (also a Dominican stereotype with a basis in fact).
The other reality of this situation is that Big Mig turns 38 in less than three weeks. Let's see what he can do in the occasional spell at DH. And then, provided he has more pop left in his bat, Mark Reynolds had better get better, quick.
About the steroids allegations: yeah, he's a bit tainted, but he never tested positive. Proven, bigger offenders abound (A. Rod, are you reading this?)...GO O'S
Good points.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Vlad Dominican though? I'd say he was finished despite whatever drive he had. Ortiz was also one of the roid users, so perhaps he is still using?
Who knows?
-Noland