Just five days after I posted about Miguel Tejada and his unsigned status for the 2010 season, he came back to Baltimore. News broke during yesterday's FanFest that the soon-to-be third baseman, who was a three-time All-Star in his first go-round with the Birds, had agreed to a one-year contract pending a physical. Despite his shortcomings (doesn't take walks, switching to a new position, losing his power stroke, has a reputation for pouting when the losses pile up), I think he's as good as the Orioles could do if they were determined to bridge the gap to third base prospect Josh Bell via free agency. He's still likely to hit near .300 and play every day, and no matter what the media may have reported about his behavior, his once and future teammates Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts have spoken in positive terms about him.I certainly feel better about penciling him into this year's lineup than other rumored targets like Joe Crede (whose back is so bad that he's practically in traction) and Hank Blalock (whose picture has been on milk cartons since about 2005). This also appeals to the sentimentalist in me. For all of the good that Tejada did in an Orioles uniform for his four seasons here, he deserved a better ending than he got. Sure, there might not be many happy endings in baseball, but now he at least has a shot at one.
So welcome back to Charm City, Miggy. Make it count.
4 comments:
Perfect evaluation of the signing.
On an emotional level I LOVE having Miggy back. This guy PLAYS. 158 or more games 10 seaons!
I think Tejada will be appreciative of the young talent on the Orioles. He will be witnessing the core of one of the best teams in the history of baseball :) Yes!
One thing nobody ever mentions about the Miggy re-sign is the paycut. Tejada did not have his pick of teams, probably did not have any offers for more than one-year, he's aged four years in the last two and he was "outed" in the whole steroid mess. I think this will benefit him on the field. He'll no longer be the highest paid player on the team and the team is not built around him. This may do wonders for his attitude and work habits. At one year/six million, he's expendable. And if he wants to continue playing (for anybody) after 2010 he's going to HAVE TO rebound. That's why I think this is a good signing, because no matter what Miggy is still a talented ballplayer. 2010 may wind up being his best season offensively since 2007 or 2006.
FoC - Thanks! I find it interesting that he's replacing Mora, and I hope that he's grateful for the opportunity to return.
FTB - You bring up some good points. People keep saying that Houston is "a hitter's ballpark", but by the numbers Oriole Park was more favorable to hitters than Minute Maid last year. I hope he can at least keep banging out doubles. Homers would be a bonus.
Wiggy to Miggy. Quite the jump.
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