MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, January 4
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Will Boston sweeten the deal? Jan 4 - While it still is possible that Miguel Tejada will land in Boston, the Orioles will not accept the Red Sox's offer of outfielder Manny Ramirez, pitcher Matt Clement and cash for Tejada, The Baltimore Sun reports. According to The Boston Globe, the Red Sox would like an outfielder along with Tejada, possibly center fielder Luis Matos. The Orioles, The Sun reports, are eyeing young pitchers, Jon Lester or Jon Papelbon, but both are believed to be untouchable.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Swapping superstars? Jan 4 - As part of any trade, Manny Ramirez is believed to be seeking a contract extension, The Boston Globe reports. Ramirez, who has the right to veto any trade, is owed $57 million over the next three seasons; his contract includes club options for 2009 and 2010 at $20 million. The framework for a deal that would send Ramirez to Baltimore for shortstop Miguel Tejada is in place, but there are layers that have to be worked out, including money, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. And both sides say there is more of a chance the deal won't happen than it will.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rich Aurilia Reds	Reds?	After shopping around ... Jan 4 - It appears infielder Rich Aurilia will return to the Reds, but a deal must be struck by Sunday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I think the Reds are our most viable alternative," Aurilia's agent, Barry Axelrod, told the newspaper. "We've talked to some other clubs, but those have been contingent discussions." If the two sides fail to work out a deal by Jan. 8, Aurilia can't re-sign with the Reds until May 1.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Julio Lugo Devil Rays	Red Sox	Lugo for Marte? Jan 4 - If Miguel Tejada can't be pried away from Baltimore, Boston's Plan B at shortstop is Julio Lugo, the Boston Herald reports. The Red Sox may be able to land Lugo from the Devil Rays for third base prospect Andy Marte, who was acquired from Atlanta for Edgar Renteria.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Craig Wilson Pirates	Indians?	Is Wilson right for Tribe? Jan 4 - The Cleveland Indians, in the market for a right-handed bat, have inquired about the availability of Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. Wilson, 29, hit 29 homers and drove in 82 runs for Pittsburgh in 2004 before missing much of last season with a finger injury. He stands to lose considerable playing time with the recent acquisitions of Sean Casey at first base and Jeromy Burnitz in right field. The Pirates like Wilson's power, but he made $3 million last year and is eligible for salary arbitration this spring. He might be too expensive for Pittsburgh to keep as a bench player. Cleveland tried and failed to sign free agent Nomar Garciaparra earlier this winter, and has recently been negotiating with Eduardo Perez as a righty bat off the bench.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Shawn Estes Diamondbacks	Padres	Estes to join Padres Jan 4 - Left-handed starter Shawn Estes is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Padres, MLB.com reports. Estes is scheduled to undergo a physical examination Wednesday.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Eli Marrero Orioles	Rockies?	Rocky Mountain high? Jan 4 - The Rockies are pursuing Eli Marrero, the Rocky Mountain News reports. A key in Marrero's decision will be finding a team where he is going to be used at multiple positions to ensure him plenty of playing time. "I want a team that is a good fit," Marrero told the newspaper. "I don't mind moving around the field, but to be honest, I still feel more comfortable catching. When I was with St. Louis, Tony [La Russa, Cardinals manager] would catch me, and then move me around, and I felt good in that role."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Koskie Blue Jays	Twins	Twin spin for Koskie? Jan 4 - The Blue Jays have offered to trade third baseman Corey Koskie back to the Twins for a minor leaguer, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Jays reportedly would absorb at least $3 million of the $11.5 million still owed to Koskie over the next two years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Byung-Hyun Kim Rockies	Rockies	Welcome back to Colorado Jan 4 - The Rockies are ready to finalize a deal with Byung-Hyun Kim, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Because of ongoing visa problems, Kim cannot come to Denver to meet with club officials but will have a telephone conversation with GM Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle to firm up details. Kim is expected to fill the fourth spot in the rotation.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alex Gonzalez Marlins	Rockies?	Rocky road? Jan 4 - According to the Rocky Mountain News, the Rockies have interest in shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who played last season with the Devil Rays after originally signing with the Blue Jays and also playing with the Cubs.

i pretty much figured koskie would go back to minny.

[Evil Vito]

Ryan Franklin to the Phillies

[Joey Slugs]

Thursday, January 5
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Miggy trade talks cool Jan 5 - Talks between the Red Sox and Orioles about a Manny Ramirez-Miguel Tejada trade have stalled, the Boston Herald reports. The Red Sox have offered Ramirez and pitcher Matt Clement, but the Orioles want third base prospect Andy Marte in the deal. At least two teams, the Herald reports, have offered the Orioles a more attractive package. Ramirez's desire to have two option years picked up at $20M each is another potential deal breaker.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
David Wells Red Sox	Dodgers	Three-way deal for Wells? Jan 5 - The Red Sox have talked to the Dodgers and A's about a three-way deal for David Wells, The Boston Globe reports. The Red Sox would receive a corner outfielder from the Dodgers and a player from Oakland, the A's would get prospects, and the Dodgers would land Wells.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeff Weaver Dodgers	Dodgers	Dodger deal unlikely Jan 5 - The Dodgers appear unlikely to re-sign starter Jeff Weaver, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. GM Ned Colletti on Tuesday spoke with Weaver's agent, Scott Boras, and reported no progress. "We have a difference of opinion and philosophy," Colletti told the newspaper. "And unless we find some common ground, that (situation) may pass us by."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jose Contreras White Sox		Trade possibility Jan 5 - According to the Chicago Tribune, there's still a possibility that the White Sox will trade Jose Contreras -- for pitching. The right-hander is not signed or under team control past next season and is the only one of six White Sox starting pitchers not under team control for two more seasons. "I'm willing to listen to anyone [about trades] because of the contractual situation," GM Kenny Williams told the newspaper. "Something that would help us win this year and also set us up for the future. In my mind, [a trade] would be for pitching." White Sox management and Contreras' agent Jaime Torres have not talked in more than a week, apparently stuck on the number of years for a deal.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Koskie Blue Jays	Twins	No Twin spin for Koskie Jan 5 - Even though the Blue Jays have offered Corey Koskie back to the Twins at a discount price, the trade talks have been officially pronounced dead, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. "I don't see a deal happening with Minnesota," said Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi. The Blue Jays were willing to pay at least $3 million of the $11.5 million Koskie is owed for the next two seasons, and Toronto wasn't asking for premium prospects in return. But the Twins have already reached their projected 2006 budget limit, and they weren't eager to bring back Koskie if it meant having to trade Kyle Lohse to clear payroll.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Danys Baez Devil Rays	Mets?	To deal or not to deal? Jan 5 - The Mets are still talking with the Devil Rays about Danys Baez, but given that they no longer have Jae Seo and won't deal Aaron Heilman, they probably lack the trading chips, Newsday reports. Rays vice president Andrew Friedman is still trying to swing a deal, the Tampa Tribune reports. "With the free-agent period winding down, our trade discussions are getting more pointed," Friedman told the newspaper. "If we can make a trade that fits our direction to go forward, we'll do it. If not, we're content with the way our '06 roster is taking form."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kazuo Matsui Mets	Red Sox?	Kaz and effect Jan 5 - By signing Bret Boone to a minor-league contract, the Mets have made it clear that Kaz Matsui's hold on second base is a tenuous one, the St. Petersburg Times reports. According to Newsday, the Mets have talked about sending Matsui to Boston for Alex Cora and have told teams they'd pay $5 million of Matsui's $8 million salary. One competing GM said if they paid $6 million, they'd find a fit.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Melvin Mora Orioles		Mora process begins Jan 5 - The Orioles have had preliminary discussions with the agent for All-Star third baseman Melvin Mora about a contract extension, the Baltimore Sun reports. Mora, whose contract expires after 2006, said late last season that he wanted to have the contract issue settled before the season begins. Mora wants to stay in Baltimore, and indications are that the Orioles will work to grant him his wish.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Pedro Astacio Padres	Rockies? Padres?	Rocky vote for Pedro Jan 5 - The Padres have ended their effort to re-sign Pedro Astacio, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. According to the Rocky Mountain News reports, the Rockies are believed to be offering a little more than $1 million to Astacio, who went 53-48 for the Rockies from 1997-2001. He made $800,000 last year pitching for the Rangers and Padres.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Aaron Heilman Mets	Devil Rays?	Ray of hope? Jan 5 - After trading Jae Seo and Tim Hamulack to the Dodgers for relievers Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll, the Mets suddenly have a few extra bullpen parts -- and that could free them to deal pitcher Aaron Heilman, the St. Petersburg Times reports. Heilman, whom New York sees as a reliever, is the Devil Rays' primary target and has requested a trade if he is not a starter. He was 5-3 with a 3.17 ERA last season in 53 outings, including seven starts. According to Newsday, the Mets have no intention of dealing Heilman.

[VonErich Lives]

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/story?id=396286

lmfao..

I've heard 2 theroys.

1) He never wanted to leave, his wife did, so he said he wanted out, but made it difficult to be delt. So, he looked good for her, but wouldn't have to leave.

2) The sox called him today and said "Look, we've tried, but we're not going to be able to trade you. Now, if you want to save face with the fans and not be boo'd every at bat all year long, here's what you do".

[The Miz]

JT Snow has signed with Boston. Corey Patterson has been traded to Baltimore.

[VonErich Lives]

Now Manny's agent is saying manny was misquoted and didn't say he wants to stay...

this is just getting silly now.

[Joey Slugs]

Friday, January 6
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Miggy at third base? Jan 6 - Major questions still stand in the way of a potential blockbuster deal that could send Miguel Tejada from Baltimore to Philadelphia in exchange for Bobby Abreu, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. But the two teams continue to talk. Obstacles which could torpedo this trade include: 1) Abreu has a complete no-trade clause, and neither club has asked him whether he would be willing to waive it to play in Baltimore; 2) Tejada, who has never played any position but shortstop, would have to move to third base in Philadelphia. And he hasn?t told either team he wants to change positions. Both teams have been trying to upgrade their starting pitching in any deal they made for Tejada and Abreu, so they can't help each other on that front without involving other teams. The Orioles have a number of other offers for Tejada from a group that includes the Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, Astros and Tigers.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Patterson Cubs	Orioles	Patterson to Baltimore? Jan 6 - The Orioles and Cubs are talking about a deal that would send outfielder Corey Patterson to Baltimore for a minor leaguer, The Baltimore Sun reports. Patterson likely would compete with Luis Matos and prospect Nick Markakis for the Orioles' starting center-field job.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny being Manny redux Jan 6 - Manny Ramirez doesn't think he'll be traded to the Orioles, or any other team for that matter. "There will be no trade, I'm staying in Boston, where I'm familiar with the system and where I have a lot of friends, especially David Ortiz," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com while in Miami on personal business. However, his agent, Greg Genske, reportedly called Ramirez after learning of the slugger's remarks, and Ramirez denied making the comments, according to the Boston Globe. "If Boston is able to work out a trade with Baltimore or another team, Manny is still open to making a move," Genske said. Over the last two weeks, the Red Sox held multiple conversations with Baltimore about a trade for Miguel Tejada, who also asked to be dealt from the Orioles, but the talks stalled when Ramirez reportedly said that he would approve the trade only if the team he was dealt to would exercise two $20 millon options on his contract.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
David Ortiz Red Sox		New Sox deal coming soon Jan 6 - There is a good chance David Ortiz will sign a long-term contract extension with the Red Sox before the start of spring training, the Boston Globe reports. Ortiz is due to be paid $6.5 million this season in the last year of the two-year, $12.5 million extension he signed in May 2004. In addition, the club holds an option on the 2007 season, which was bumped up automatically from $7.75 million to $8.4 million when Ortiz finished second in the AL MVP voting in 2005. Ortiz's agent, Fernando Cuza, has spoken this winter with owner John W. Henry and CEO Larry Lucchino, and Boston's brass expressed great interest in striking a deal soon. "They haven't said for how long [the extension would run]," Ortiz told the newspaper. "I have two more years. I'd like another four or five years more. I think that would be perfect. By that time I'd be 36, so we'll see. ... The owners really want to make this happen. I guess they want, with all that's been going on, to give Boston some good news."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Frank Thomas White Sox	Athletics? Twins? Angels?	A's for the effort? Jan 6 - Some teams are keeping tabs on Frank Thomas, but the A's are the top suitor -- and the interest is mutual, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "They have real interest, but at the same time, they are still evaluating things," agent Arn Tellem told the newspaper. "We're all keeping our fingers crossed." Thomas, who has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries, has not yet gained clearance to play baseball, but the former White Sox star is making progress as he recovers from two different breaks in his left navicular bone (ankle). "It's all favorable," Tellem said about the results of recent X-rays and a bone scan. "The doctors are all optimistic, and I think the A's are waiting for Frank to be cleared later in the month."

[The Miz]

Corey Koskie traded to the Brewers

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I think I said Manny wasn't going to be traded right when the off-season started and said this was the same old shit.

Now watch Manny get traded tomorrow after I made this post haha

[OssMan]

just fucking keep him away from NY mets

pleassssssssse

[Evil Vito]

Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record, is reporting that Pedro's toe isn't in such bad shape as earlier reported by the Mets and Pedro.
Klapisch states:

"People close to Martinez are whispering that the injury, while not entirely cured, is nothing severe. Yet, by treating it as such, Pedro and the Mets will have the perfect "out" from the World Baseball Classic in March.

Friends say Pedro isn't crazy about pitching in the tournament, but has no way of taking himself off the roster without incurring the wrath of the entire Dominican Republic. Martinez saw how heavily Alex Rodriguez was being leveraged by Dominican officials, and realized he couldn't win that fight, either.

The exemption, of course, is an injury. By claiming he's not game-ready, the Mets will be able to play the role of the heavy and keep Martinez off the Dominican roster, the same way the Yankees blocked Jorge Posada, Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina."

Obviously nothing official, but if it's true then YESSSSSSSSS!!! If true, this is probably the best offseason move the Mets have made thus far

[YOUR Hero]

Milwaukee will do well with Koskie. Weak trade IMO by JP. I mean he traded away pitching prospects to get Overbay and now he trades for pitching prospects for Koskie. This, IMO, was nothing more than accomodating Koskie and freeing up money and the log jam in the infield.

Anyone have any info on Brian Wolfe?

[YOUR Hero]

I predict Gabe Gross will turn into a 20 HR hitter this year for Millwaukee. The Brewers will trade one of their vetern outfielders to make room for him. Milwaukee is on the rise.

bye koskie, good to see he's taking his weak batting average somewhere else. IT had to be done.

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero I predict Gabe Gross will turn into a 20 HR hitter this year for Minnesota

doesn't gross play for milwaukee as well?

lol he's be a 20 hr hitter in the pre season that's about it.

[YOUR Hero]

I meant Milwaukee, you quoted me before I editted... Gross will blossom.

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero Milwaukee will do well with Koskie. Weak trade IMO by JP. I mean he traded away pitching prospects to get Overbay and now he trades for pitching prospects for Koskie. This, IMO, was nothing more than accomodating Koskie and freeing up money and the log jam in the infield. Anyone have any info on Brian Wolfe?

25 years old. 6th round pick by Twins in 1999. Spent most of 2005 in A/AA. Converted from starter to reliever. Unlikely to have any future in the majors.

2005 numbers
Brevard County (A): 18 games, 1-1, 0.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
Huntsville (AA): 16 games, 3-1, 3.38 ERA, 1.67 WHIP
New Britain (AA): 5 games, 1-0, 7.04 ERA, 2.22 WHIP
Rochester (AAA): 3 games, 0-2, 8.53 ERA, 1.89 WHIP

7 year minor league career: 41-39, 4.13 ERA, 1.34 WHIP

Don't expect him in a Toronto uniform, ever

[The Miz]

Toronto is also paying Koskie $7.35 million over the next 2 years to not play for them.

Hillenbrand should've been dealt.

no way. Hillenbrand > Koskie

[The Miz]

Hillenbrand is slightly better, yes, but Koskie/Hinske nets you nothing in return. Hillenbrand has much higher trade value and isn't that much better. It's worth the very slight downgrade in production to get something good back in a trade.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz Hillenbrand is slightly better, yes, but Koskie/Hinske nets you nothing in return. Hillenbrand has much higher trade value and isn't that much better. It's worth the very slight downgrade in production to get something good back in a trade.

Shea "Trade me faggot" Hillenbrand.

true enough. we could have probably gotten something more, but I still do like Hillenbrand alot more than koskie

[YOUR Hero]

Would have better holding on to Koskie than paying him to play elsewhere.

yeah but where would you play him?

[YOUR Hero]

Off the bench, in the outfield...

Simply trading him for the sake of trading him is a weak, knee jerk reaction. Things can change, injuries other team's suddenly having a need. Trading koskie and say Lilly for a better OF or P, etc.

Seems to me JP was too eager to trade Koskie. Perhaps there was more to it (Koskie asking to be traded behind the scenes)

[The Miz]

Speaking of Toronto OF, this is what JP told the Sun will happen "if all goes well"

vs. RHP
LF Hinske
CF Wells
RF Catalanatto
Bench: Rios, Johnson

vs. LHP
LF Johnson
CF Wells
RF Rios
Bench: Hinske, Catalanatto

[VonErich Lives]

strong rumor going around that Theo Esptein will be back with the Red Sox in some "roll" starting next week.

I think Luccino has the president title, and they have "co-gm's", it's been talked for awhile that he stills "advises", going to be interesting if it happens where he fits in.

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by The Miz Speaking of Toronto OF, this is what JP told the Sun will happen "if all goes well" vs. RHP LF Hinske CF Wells RF Catalanatto Bench: Rios, Johnson vs. LHP LF Johnson CF Wells RF Rios Bench: Hinske, Catalanatto

Terrible. That won't fly.

[The Miz]

Yeah I don't believe it for a second. I think it was more an "if the season started today" type statement. I still expect them to get a corner OF.

I don't like Rios at all, Johnson is the definition of a 4th OF, Catalanotto and Hinske can both do great things. I say try to package Rios in a deal with someone (possibly Lilly) for Craig Wilson or someone similar. Let Cat platoon with Hinske until the deadline and trade whichever one produces the least (most likely Hinske). And you enter 2006 with:

LF Eric Hinske/Frank Catalanotto
CF Vernon Wells
RF Craig Wilson
DH Shea Hillenbrand
Bench: Reed Johnson

I like that okay

[The Miz]

Really though, I'm shocked how little interest there was in Koskie if all it took was a 25 y/o AA reliever with zero chance of a big league future. Koskie could've upgraded alot of teams bench and a few teams' lineup.

[YOUR Hero]

Can't argue with your thinking, Miz... well except I believe Rios holds 'some' potential. I'd rather insert Hinske in the fantasy trade you had in order to get Wilson.

[The Miz]

I would rather keep Hinske only because of a Glaus injury concern. If he goes down, Hillenbrand would play 3rd which is always an adventure. I believe by the end of the season Glaus, injured or not, will be the full time DH, and it'd be good to have Hinske around.

[YOUR Hero]

What will became of Weaver? I know I've mentioned him before, but it's looking more and mire like the Dodgers and he are going to part ways. I guess I'm surprised more teams don't seem interested in him.

[The Miz]

I still think Cincinnati is a great fit. LA has a deadline of Sunday (tomorrow) to sign him however

[The Miz]

From an article in todays LA Times

------------------

Colletti has not discussed signing free-agent pitcher Jeff Weaver with his agent, Scott Boras, in the last two days, although they plan to talk this weekend. The Dodgers have until Sunday night to sign Weaver.

Weaver reportedly is seeking a four- or five-year deal worth about $10 million a year. The Dodgers don't want to commit to more than three years, and believe the asking price is too high.

There has been speculation that Weaver would accept a one-year deal and pursue free agency again next year. However, Colletti said he has not had any discussions with Boras about signing Weaver for one year.

[YOUR Hero]

If Weaver was willing to sign a one year deal, I'd think almost every team would suddenly become interested in him. Plus, I'd venture to say he'd get his 10 mil, if not more for that year.

[YOUR Hero]

Tejada rescinds trade demand


BALTIMORE (AP) -- Miguel Tejada rescinded his demand to be traded by the Orioles, telling team officials during a phone call Saturday that he's willing to help Baltimore become a contender in the AL East.
Angered over the Orioles' inability to garner additional talent this offseason, Tejada twice expressed his desire to be traded, the last time on Dec. 29. But he backed off that stance during a conversation with teammate Melvin Mora and vice president Jim Duquette.

"Miguel said all he wanted was for the team to improve. He wants to win," Duquette said. "He doesn't know how that got blown out of proportion, and he feels terrible the way it played out."

After Tejada expressed the desire for "a change of scenery" in early December, the Orioles began fielding trade requests for the three-time All-Star. But the Orioles, who signed Tejada to a six-year, $72 million contract in December 2003, had no intention of merely giving him away.
"What we're doing is looking for a fair and reasonable return," executive vice president Mike Flanagan said earlier Saturday. "He's a guy that's under a long-term contract with us, a targeted player, a terrific player. We're just not going to do something for the sake of doing something."
Now, the Orioles intend to do nothing.
"This is the first time we heard this directly from him," Duquette said. "We're elated that he's chosen to stay. We're all committed to improving the team, and it's easier to do it with Miguel than without him."
Tejada in recent weeks refused to return calls from Flanagan, Duquette and first-year manager Sam Perlozzo. But on Saturday he told Mora, one of his closest friends on the team, that he wanted to clear the air.
The announcement came on a day the Orioles drew more than 10,000 fans to the Convention Center for FanFest, an annual offseason event attended by Flanagan, Duquette, Perlozzo and more than a dozen players.
Tejada was not in the building, but he was the main topic of conversation.
"I totally believe we're not getting the whole picture from Miggy. He's a great kid, he's always been a great kid," Perlozzo said before the conversation between Duquette and Tejada. "I can't believe the faucet went from on to off just like that."
Perlozzo expressed hope that Tejada would be in attendance at the first full-squad workout on Feb. 21, and now it appears that he will get his wish.
"Sometimes Miggy gets into situations where he says something he doesn't mean and doesn't know how to get out of it. I'm hoping this is that kind of situation," Perlozzo said. "I've got to believe this is going to come out as a positive for the Orioles, one way or another."
The best-case scenario for Baltimore was Tejada backing off his stance and displaying the same enthusiasm that has enabled him to become the team leader in the clubhouse, in the dugout and on the field.
His leadership abilities, as much as his .304 batting average, 26 homers and 98 RBIs, are what make Tejada the Orioles' most valuable player.
"I know he's a little frustrated, but I can't imagine starting the season without Miguel Tejada," pitcher Bruce Chen said. "He's going to be very hard to replace. He's a team leader, a good player. I'm pretty sure he's going to be back. Once spring training starts, I'm sure he'll be OK."

With Tejada playing a key role, the Orioles bolted into first place early in 2005 and stayed atop the AL East deep into June. But Baltimore couldn't keep up the pace and tumbled into fourth place, in part because of injuries and the steroid-related suspension of first baseman Rafael Palmeiro.
It's hard to determine if Tejada's production tailed off because of the collapse, but he batted .277 in August and .264 in September and October. He hit only four homers after July 27.

Losing -- and Palmeiro's suggestion that his positive steroid test might have come from a tainted injection of vitamin B-12 provided by Tejada -- clearly disturbed the shortstop.

His ire became more pronounced this winter after the Toronto Blue Jays fortified their roster while the Orioles were outbid for free agent Paul Konerko, lost free-agent closer B.J. Ryan and failed to add a pitcher to a young starting rotation.

Adding pitching coach Leo Mazzone, catcher Ramon Hernandez, reliever LaTroy Hawkins and first baseman Jeff Conine was not enough to ease Tejada's frustration. But now that Flanagan has a content Tejada on board, he can focus on a different kind of deal.
"It hasn't made us work harder," Flanagan said, "it's made it harder to work."

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero Tejada rescinds trade demand BALTIMORE (AP) -- Miguel Tejada rescinded his demand to be traded by the Orioles, telling team officials during a phone call Saturday that he's willing to help Baltimore become a contender in the AL East.

lol, this is where I stopped reading

[YOUR Hero]

You know, I wouldn't be surprised if he's boo'ed at Camden Yards... while still playing for them.