When I saw this, I did a double-take; however, this all seems to very, very true. It looks like Miguel Tejada is coming back to Baltimore, or at least to the organization – for a third time!
Tejada has maintained that he wanted to get back into the majors, and he was not ready to retire. Well, looks like he is going to get out his ball glove, plus his bat, and try to stage a little comeback with the Birds.
From the Orioles.com: The Orioles are closing in on signing veteran infielder Miguel Tejada, who will report to the team’s Spring Training facility in Sarasota, Fla., on Monday to take a physical.
Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said the team received favorable reports about Tejada, who is 37, and he will work out for the foreseeable future in extended spring training. The two sides have not reached a contract agreement, but that’s expected as long as Monday’s workout and physical go smoothly.
It’s unclear how long Tejada — if he officially signs — would need to be an option for the Major League club or how this affects current third baseman Mark Reynolds.
Assuming Tejada passes Monday’s physical, the two sides will sit down and agree to terms on a contract situation that is very close, a source told MLB.com. This will be Tejada’s third stint with the Baltimore Orioles, having signed as a free agent twice before.
He’s well out of his prime, and frankly seemed to have nothing left in the tank with the Giants; I’m surprised someone took a chance on him.
Considering he’s close to 40 – if not there already, seems to have lost a step or two or three in the field, and no longer can hit for power, why are the Orioles going after him? Tejada was all-world with his first stint with team – ok, he had some help. In the second stint, he was servicable, but was a shell of the man in his first go-round.
This time, if he signs with Baltimore, Tejada will be cheap – a minor league deal – and will serve as filler. However, you’ve got to wonder if the move that the Orioles are making symbolizes their problems with the defense at third base – specifically Mark Reynolds.
Tejada seems like a good person and cares deeply about the game despite his history; alas, this may not be a very good decision – if it is done – by the Orioles.
