Say it ain't so!!!

[jaklewein]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Tejada to Stros?

[kevwun]

my post from another thread here

I heard Dalati on 790 at lunch and he said that the Astros and Orioles are currently in serious trade talks.  He said it's not confirmed for sure, but it's most likely for Tejada.  He said the talks are to the point that the Astros are comfortable with their offer and the Orioles are mulling it over.  He also said nothing would be made official today because it's a complicated deal.  He said he has no word on who the Astros would be sending over, but Scott and Everett are likely involved.  Dalati is usually very good with info like this, so I think it's pretty safe to assume talks are going on.

[jaklewein]

my post from another thread here

I heard Dalati on 790 at lunch and he said that the Astros and Orioles are currently in serious trade talks.  He said it's not confirmed for sure, but it's most likely for Tejada.  He said the talks are to the point that the Astros are comfortable with their offer and the Orioles are mulling it over.  He also said nothing would be made official today because it's a complicated deal.  He said he has no word on who the Astros would be sending over, but Scott and Everett are likely involved.  Dalati is usually very good with info like this, so I think it's pretty safe to assume talks are going on.

Thanks, I'm sorry I missed it.  Could you point me in the right direction, as I'm sure pros-cons and players have been discussed?

[kevwun]

Nothing has been discussed in that thread yet.  I only posted it in there a few minutes before you started this thread.  I just didn't want to retype what I said earlier, so I copied it.

[MusicMan]

Dalati, in the report I heard, said it's definitely Tejada, and that a deal is close enough to be called "likely".

[Matt]

If Everett is involved doesn't this defeat the whole defense up the middle plan?

[Noe]

Dalati, in the report I heard, said it's definitely Tejada, and that a deal is close enough to be called "likely".

Baffling, but this may speak more towards the Astros concerns over AE's leg (and thus loss of defense/range).  Tejada is no great shakes at short either, so this should be interesting if it happens.

[Noe]

If Everett is involved doesn't this defeat the whole defense up the middle plan?

Everett pre-collision, yes it does.  How good is his rehab going nowadays though and are there legitmate concerns about him right now?  I dunno.

Tommy Manzella is major league ready but has very little upper minor league experience, so he's an option if they intend to think long-term.  Also there is the Clint Barmes/Chris Burke trade that could bring back a #8 hitter with some semblence of major league ready shortstop defense.  I've seen Barmes as a guy lacking soft hands, but apparently he might be good enough.

All speculation at this point, eh?

[MusicMan]

The Rays are reportedly interested in Scott.  Do they have a SS he would bring back in return?  (I know we're not getting Brignac for Scott.)

[MusicMan]

Baffling, but this may speak more towards the Astros concerns over AE's leg (and thus loss of defense/range).  Tejada is no great shakes at short either, so this should be interesting if it happens.

Also makes Ty expendable, and he could be packaged somewhere (MIL?) looking for a 3b.

[Duman]

The Rays are reportedly interested in Scott.  Do they have a SS he would bring back in return?  (I know we're not getting Brignac for Scott.)

Maybe they bring Zobrist back (tongue in cheek)

[utastro]

Everett pre-collision, yes it does.  How good is his rehab going nowadays though and are there legitmate concerns about him right now?  I dunno.

Tommy Manzella is major league ready but has very little upper minor league experience, so he's an option if they intend to think long-term.  Also there is the Clint Barmes/Chris Burke trade that could bring back a #8 hitter with some semblence of major league ready shortstop defense.  I've seen Barmes as a guy lacking soft hands, but apparently he might be good enough.

All speculation at this point, eh?

Noe, Get out of my head.  I was just about to ask if this means that Manzella should be considered the shortstop of the future with Tejada sliding over to third (not this year but maybe next).

[JaneDoe]

Maybe they bring Zobrist back (tongue in cheek)

Pallilo would be thrilled.

[JackAstro]

Also makes Ty expendable, and he could be packaged somewhere (MIL?) looking for a 3b.

It's possible the whole infield could shift, with Matsui moving to short, Wigginton to 2nd, and Tejada to 3rd. I am not suggesting that this is a good thing, just a possible thing.

[Noe]

The Rays are reportedly interested in Scott.  Do they have a SS he would bring back in return?  (I know we're not getting Brignac for Scott.)

I thought Scott was included in the Tejada deal?  Oh, you're saying the Astros should absolutely stay away from the Orioles?  I was thinking Tejada goes to third, Wiggington to the bench.  Shortstop for Burke.

Or you could start the season with Tejada at short for a couple of months, see where you're at Memorial Day and then move Barmes (or Manzella) into short and sit Wiggington if he's not performing.

[Matt]

Everett pre-collision, yes it does.  How good is his rehab going nowadays though and are there legitmate concerns about him right now?  I dunno.

Tommy Manzella is major league ready but has very little upper minor league experience, so he's an option if they intend to think long-term.  Also there is the Clint Barmes/Chris Burke trade that could bring back a #8 hitter with some semblence of major league ready shortstop defense.  I've seen Barmes as a guy lacking soft hands, but apparently he might be good enough.

All speculation at this point, eh?

I suppose Matsui is always a possibility for SS in a pinch with Loretta and Blum around to cover 2nd.  Do you think they would swing Tejada around to 3rd if he's lost a step or two at short? 

[Duman]

ESPN is reporting that O's Andy McPhail has left the building so all of their work is done for the winter meetings.

[MusicMan]

I thought Scott was included in the Tejada deal?  Oh, you're saying the Astros should absolutely stay away from the Orioles?  I was thinking Tejada goes to third, Wiggington to the bench.  Shortstop for Burke.

The deal according to 790 (via mlbtraderumors.com's report, I didn't hear this part) is Everett+Burke+pitcher.  Scott would still be a Stro.

And the wheel play you described would be antithetical to everything WadeSmith has done thus far.

Or you could start the season with Tejada at short for a couple of months, see where you're at Memorial Day and then move Barmes (or Manzella) into short and sit Wiggington if he's not performing.

Possible, but not a plan I particularly like.

[Taras Bulba]

What's going to happen with all of this when Drossos wakes up from his nap?

[Noe]

It's possible the whole infield could shift, with Matsui moving to short, Wigginton to 2nd, and Tejada to 3rd. I am not suggesting that this is a good thing, just a possible thing.

Better have somebody ready in AAA in case this doesn't work.  Hooper may be an answer, but I suspect they may be thinking about this really hard.

[Duman]

Tejada's name has been all around steroid use with the A's & the O's.  Will he be suspended if the Mitchell investigation names him as a user?

[Noe]

The deal according to 790 (via mlbtraderumors.com's report, I didn't hear this part) is Everett+Burke+pitcher.  Scott would still be a Stro.

And the wheel play you described would be antithetical to everything WadeSmith has done thus far.

Possible, but not a plan I particularly like.

One huge drawback to listening to 790 right now is having to listen to Lopez and his pet monkey guess who the Astros would have to give up.  It's Lopez and pet monkey saying who is going back to the Orioles, not Dalati.  Everett would make sense unless they want to send Wiggington instead and keep Everett and move Tejada to third.

Lopez is also saying that the Astros should send Bourn and move Pence back to CF and re-insert Scott to RF.  Man, this is making my ears bleed listening to these guys.

ETA: Pet Monkey is saying the Astros should trade Berkman in the same deal to get back Bedard and Tejada.  Incredible the lack of baseball insight on these guy.  Yeah, have they ever heard of "no-trade clause" and "Lance Berkman would have to approve a deal" and "Lance Berkman loves being a Texan".

Damn.

[Twoniner]

If Everett is involved doesn't this defeat the whole defense up the middle plan?

    I think with defensive upgrades in center and 2nd, you are in much better position to trade for an offensive SS than you were with Burke in center, Loretta at 2nd etc.    I don't think it breaks up an "strong up the middle" philosophy.  Just gets a much better ballplayer at the position for the near term.

[hostros7]

I personally do not like this deal unless AE is at short and Tejada is at 3rd.  If there is an option to offer Wiggy instead of AE, please Lord, take it. 

[Jacksonian]

Too the Astros could send Tejada elsewhere as part of a package.  Just like the O's did with Oswalt last year.....oh but that'd just be me spreading rumors, and we all know that's Jack's job.

[Twoniner]

  Also, are the 790 guys just guessing that it's Tejada and not Bedard?    Bedard has been the guy the Orioles have been shopping the hardest, and fills the bigger need for us.   I don't think we have the ammo unless we get real creative though.

[JackAstro]

Better have somebody ready in AAA in case this doesn't work.  Hooper may be an answer, but I suspect they may be thinking about this really hard.

Personally, I'm hoping we don't need to find out if it works or not. I've gotten kind of comfy with the notion of the current lineup and defense, especially up the middle. This seems like a lot of shuffling and chaos to add a player who, last year, was basically Mark Loretta + 14 homers. Maybe AE won't be the same player again, but if he's even close, I'd really, really miss seeing him at short.

[MusicMan]

 Also, are the 790 guys just guessing that it's Tejada and not Bedard?    Bedard has been the guy the Orioles have been shopping the hardest, and fills the bigger need for us.   I don't think we have the ammo unless we get real creative though.

We have nothing resembling what it would take to get Bedard.

Besides, why are we so worked up?  Angelos will just cock up whatever deal there might be.

[astrox]

I personally do not like this deal unless AE is at short and Tejada is at 3rd.  If there is an option to offer Wiggy instead of AE, please Lord, take it. 

I don't think the O's would do this deal if they weren't getting AE.  Wiggy + Burke + Patton for Tejada seems a bit of a stretch.

[Noe]

I personally do not like this deal unless AE is at short and Tejada is at 3rd.  If there is an option to offer Wiggy instead of AE, please Lord, take it. 

Same here.  The idiots on 790 are over-thinking and complicating the deal that could be in the works.  AE doesn't have to be in the deal if what the Orioles want is to dump salary.  Houston could send them Wiggington and Burke + pitcher (Guiterrez?).  I imagine that whatever the Orioles think they can get in a Bedard deal might include a good shortstop, so Houston doesn't have to make this deal with only the vacancy that would be there by Tejada leaving.  Bedard might get back what the Orioles need and in that case, Tejada is a salary dump and a good risk for a third base job here in Houston.

I wonder if McLane calling from Warsaw allowed SmithWade to run this by him to sign off on (and make a splash to inspire the season tickets sales)?  It is harder to find starting pitching nowadays (no Andy Pettitte), so they'll have to go with Patton and others.  Bullpen?  Yes, they need to make that a solid component of the team.  Defense, yes, still a huge need to support the young pitching and a solid pen.  Tejada may be a replacement for Wiggington when all is said and done.

ETA: Lopez and Pet Monkey just admitted that they have no idea (and neither does Dalati) who the Astros are sending.  Tejada is the only name confirmed. I'm starting to doubt that AE is involved in this deal at all.

[BUWebguy]

At this point in their careers, if you consider Tejada at 3b, is he really that much of an upgrade over Wigginton?

[astrox]

AE doesn't have to be in the deal if what the Orioles want is to dump salary.  Houston could send them Wiggington and Burke + pitcher (Guiterrez?).  I imagine that whatever the Orioles think they can get in a Bedard deal might include a good shortstop, so Houston doesn't have to make this deal with only the vacancy that would be there by Tejada leaving.  Bedard might get back what the Orioles need and in that case, Tejada is a salary dump and a good risk for a third base job here in Houston.

I never thought of it this way, but I would still think that the sum of the talent given up by the Astros would have to be equivalent to what the O's are giving up in Tejada regardless of the fact that they may be dumping salary.  And in that case does Wiggy+Burke+Gutierrez = Tejada?  [missing youtube link] Chevy Chase on SNL:  It was my understanding that there would be no math. [/missing youtube link]

[JimR]

I was concerned at the end of last year that AE might be permanently damaged.

[mihoba]

What bothers me is this quote from Wade (NYCU link)

"We've told teams we're about 2008 right now in a lot of discussions we've had. We have put some prospect names in some deals that would be hard to swallow, but at the end of the day what we accomplish is that we approached it in the right fashion and we had every opportunity to try to make the right deals."

[Noe]

I was concerned at the end of last year that AE might be permanently damaged.

Same here.

[kevwun]

Tejada is a better offensive player than Wiggington, but it's not a huge difference. 

[Noe]

At this point in their careers, if you consider Tejada at 3b, is he really that much of an upgrade over Wigginton?

No, but equal is okay by me, plus it gives McLane a name to sell the ticket holders, eh?

[Jose Cruz III]

Same here.

What exactly is wrong with his leg?

[MusicMan]

I was concerned at the end of last year that AE might be permanently damaged.

I was concerned about that as soon as I saw the play.

Does anyone think Biggio was the same player after his injury?

[pravata]

What exactly is wrong with his leg?

He broke it.  Running into Carlos Lee.

[Jacksonian]

Same here.

I didn't like how he ended last season.

[Bench]

What exactly is wrong with his leg?

Carlos Lee.

[kevwun]

Honestly, I think this deal makes much more sense if Everett's involved and it's because of his leg.  That would also require it to be a salary dump by the Orioles.

[Jacksonian]

What bothers me is this quote from Wade (NYCU link)

I did too, at first.  Then I remembered the Astros don't have many prospects at all much less those that would be hard to swallow if dealt.

[Noe]

I never thought of it this way, but I would still think that the sum of the talent given up by the Astros would have to be equivalent to what the O's are giving up in Tejada regardless of the fact that they may be dumping salary.  And in that case does Wiggy+Burke+Gutierrez = Tejada?  [missing youtube link] Chevy Chase on SNL:  It was my understanding that there would be no math. [/missing youtube link]

The Orioles have deals approached to them that include: Brian Roberts and Eric Bedard.  Miguel Tejada has not been a front burner for them.  I see the gets from Roberts (from the Cubs, quite possibly Hill, at worse Marquis and one more prospect player) and Bedard (M's mulling over sending monster prospect Adam Jones, plus Brandon Morrow (96-98 mph heater, possible monster closer in the making) and two other prospects.

So the possibility is that Houston is stepping up because the O's have told them to because the other deals are beyond back burner stuff.  O's might be making three deals soon and Houston's deal might be a salary dump and so the get back isn't entirely about get back prospects (maybe one... Guiterrez?  Paulino?  Not Patton?).  So Houston's trade may not be singular for the O's and thus why it has legs even though Houston is prospect light compared to most organization.

AE may not be in this deal at all if the O's are getting back a shortstop in other deals.  But that's just me talking  out loud.  I know nothing.  Absolutely nothing.

[jaklewein]

A healthy Adam Everett is my choice to start at SS for the Houston Astros.  That said, if Everett's gonna be dealt...could we go ahead and deal for Roberts instead and move Kaz over to SS?

All this talk about Everett being damaged makes me sick to my stomach.  Oh how enjoyed watching ground balls get hit in his direction.

[Noe]

I didn't like how he ended last season.

He struggled to run to first base and that was sad to watch.

[MusicMan]

But that's just me talking  out loud.  I know nothing.  Absolutely nothing.

Isn't stopping the Mongoloids of the Midday.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

What strikes me as odd is any notion that a team like the Orioles would be interested in Everett given the owner's reluctance to accept any player w/ an injury history.  Everett has the broken leg, lingering back issues, and the freak arm break.   Unless the owner has turned a new leaf and is butting out, I can't see him giving the ok on this deal if it involves Everett in anything other than a "filler" role.  What strikes me as more like is that they are targeting Manzella (which would explain the hard to stomach prospect comment, no?). 

[Jose Cruz III]

He broke it.  Running into Carlos Lee.

I remember that. But I was having brain block. Thanks.

[Jacksonian]

He struggled to run to first base and that was sad to watch.

At the same time, if he is part of any deal, wouldn't he have to pass a physical?

[JGrave]

1560 is saying it's a done deal.  Haven't said particulars.

[Jacksonian]

What strikes me as odd is any notion that a team like the Orioles would be interested in Everett given the owner's reluctance to accept any player w/ an injury history.  Everett has the broken leg, lingering back issues, and the freak arm break.   Unless the owner has turned a new leaf and is butting out, I can't see him giving the ok on this deal if it involves Everett in anything other than a "filler" role.  What strikes me as more like is that they are targeting Manzella (which would explain the hard to stomach prospect comment, no?). 

In the entire org, Patton and maybe Paulino are the only one's that would be hard to swallow, IMO.

[Noe]

Isn't stopping the Mongoloids of the Midday.

Did you fall out of your chair like I did when Lopez started to completely re-make the team only to fit Tejada.  He wants to get rid of Bourn and make the Astros a bunch of slow footed mashers.  Basically add Tejada to last year's 79 win team.

In-freaking-credible lunacy.

[kevwun]

If it's a salary dump, what you get back isn't as important as what you get rid of.  Dalati speculated that the deal is one and it makes the most sense on the part of the Astros.  A Wiggington for Tejada swap isn't a huge improvement for the Astros.  If Everett is no longer capable of being a gold glove ss, replacing him with Tejada helps the Astros a lot more.

[das]

  Everett would make sense unless they want to send Wiggington instead and keep Everett and move Tejada to third.

Please, please, please make this the case...  I would prefer that the Astros not send Everett packing.Tejada's declining production concerns me greatly and it is getting harder to justify his D in the field.

[MusicMan]

Did you fall out of your chair like I did when Lopez started to completely re-make the team only to fit Tejada.  He wants to get rid of Bourn and make the Astros a bunch of slow footed mashers.  Basically add Tejada to last year's 79 win team.

In-freaking-credible lunacy.

I stopped listening as soon as I got out of the car.

[Noe]

What strikes me as odd is any notion that a team like the Orioles would be interested in Everett given the owner's reluctance to accept any player w/ an injury history.  Everett has the broken leg, lingering back issues, and the freak arm break.   Unless the owner has turned a new leaf and is butting out, I can't see him giving the ok on this deal if it involves Everett in anything other than a "filler" role.  What strikes me as more like is that they are targeting Manzella (which would explain the hard to stomach prospect comment, no?). 

I thought about that and felt it may not match given the lack of experience for Manzella at the higher levels.  But it did enter my head and the more I say it out loud, it is extremely plausible we're talking Manzella here instead of Everett: Manzella+Burke or Scott+Guiterrez?  For a salary dump?

Very plausible.

[MusicMan]

1560 is saying it's a done deal.  Haven't said particulars.

They know it's a done deal, but not the particulars?  That would be... odd.

[JGrave]

They know it's a done deal, but not the particulars?  That would be... odd.

They are trying to track down RJ.  I guess to break the news.  Not sure.. 

I'm just reporting what I heard.

[Noe]

1560 is saying it's a done deal.  Haven't said particulars.

Hoffman?  The most unlikely guy to report a done deal in my mind.

[MikeyBoy]

He struggled to run to first base and that was sad to watch.

I was hoping those struggles at the end of the season were caused by the interruptions in his rehabilitation and that maybe he was just not ready to come back. The thought that he may never return to form has been in the back of my mind since the collision happened though and it makes me sick.

[JGrave]

Hoffman?  The most unlikely guy to report a done deal in my mind.

Rahil said it.  He said they don't know for who yet exactly and they are trying to get RJ on the phone. 

[Noe]

They are trying to track down RJ.  I guess to break the news.  Not sure.. 

I'm just reporting what I heard.

RJ = Richard Justice?  Gawd, listening to 1560 right now and it happens to more unlistenable than 790.  I'm getting some guy doing rap and thinking he's funny.

Damn.

[Tralfaz]

Did you fall out of your chair like I did when Lopez started to completely re-make the team only to fit Tejada.  He wants to get rid of Bourn and make the Astros a bunch of slow footed mashers.  Basically add Tejada to last year's 79 win team.

In-freaking-credible lunacy.

It was jaw dropping.  He even mentioned Berkman being involved in the trade.

[JGrave]

RJ = Richard Justice?  Gawd, listening to 1580 right now and it happens to more unlistenable than 790.  I'm getting some guy doing rap and thinking he's funny.

Damn.

Yeah, Richard Justice.

[Noe]

It was jaw dropping.  He even mentioned Berkman being involved in the trade.

Yeah, Lopez is out of his freaking mind.

[jaklewein]

Burke being included makes me wonder if the Roberts-to-Cubs deal might fall shortly thereafter.

[Noe]

Burke being included makes me wonder if the Roberts-to-Cubs deal might fall shortly thereafter.

Good one, quite possible that it's tied to that deal.  Roberts might get the O's more in terms of real prospects and Tejada a salary dump and maybe one prospect and Chris Burke plus someone else (Scott).

[Jacksonian]

Anyone in the Baltimore area hearing anything from their locals?

[pravata]

I remember that. But I was having brain block. Thanks.

You're welcome.  TZ is good for jogging memory. 

[pravata]

Anyone in the Baltimore area hearing anything from their locals?

Their MLB fan chatters think this is unsubstantiated and likely false.

[Noe]

Burke being included makes me wonder if the Roberts-to-Cubs deal might fall shortly thereafter.

From Jayson Stark:

The Orioles' Andy MacPhail left Nashville late Thursday morning. So that makes it official -- the Orioles won't be making any deals here. Their talks with the Cubs about a trade for Brian Roberts have been back-burnered while the Orioles prioritize talks about Bedard and Miguel Tejada. But what we found on that back burner is that there is mutual interest in a deal that would send Roberts to the Cubs for pitcher Sean Gallagher, plus a second player that still needs to be determined. Despite speculation Felix Pie could wind up in that trade, teams that have talked to the Cubs about Pie say he would only be movable in a much bigger deal.

[JimR]

Their MLB fan chatters think this is unsubstantiated and likely false.

i was about to ask if this was just one big much ado about nothing.

[pravata]

i was about to ask if this was just one big much ado about nothing.

The radio goons in Houston need to be horse whipped. 

[MusicMan]

The radio goons in Houston need to be horse whipped. 

Yes, but we're talking about the Tejada rumor, not universal truths.

[Noe]

The radio goons in Houston need to be horse whipped. 

1560 is horrible, I'm pulling the plug.  790?  I'm hestitant to go back there because Lopez makes me crazy with his stupidity.

[toddthebod]

It's probably much ado about nothing.

But if it is true, my biggest concern is that the Astros are robbing Peter to pay Paul.  After Oswalt, the rotation looks mighty thin and trading Patton (if he's the big prospect in the deal) isn't going to help.

[Jacksonian]

On the web, Baltimore's espn radio is talking Ravens.  I'd guess there's nothing doing.

[jaklewein]

It's probably much ado about nothing.

But if it is true, my biggest concern is that the Astros are robbing Peter to pay Paul.  After Oswalt, the rotation looks mighty thin and trading Patton (if he's the big prospect in the deal) isn't going to help.

Ok, I hate to go to the 2nd level of "much ado about nothing", but if you add a bat like Tejada, sending Pence to SF for pitching might be just what the doctor ordered.

[JGrave]

1560 is horrible, I'm pulling the plug.  790?  I'm hestitant to go back there because Lopez makes me crazy with his stupidity.

Holy Shit!

How the fuck do you report a trade like this and then open the next show talking about college football?

[MusicMan]

Holy Shit!

How the fuck do you report a trade like this and then open the next show talking about college football?

b/c that's all Sean and John understand.

[JimR]

It's probably much ado about nothing.

But if it is true, my biggest concern is that the Astros are robbing Peter to pay Paul.  After Oswalt, the rotation looks mighty thin and trading Patton (if he's the big prospect in the deal) isn't going to help.

right, that's always my concern.

[Moose Marathon]

b/c that's all Sean and John understand.

And they are dam good at it as well. As much as I like the Astros and baseball, not everyone else does. This is Texas, and football will always be king.

At least they are not trying to act like they know baseball like the goons over on 790. They are what they are.

[BUWebguy]

Quote from Wade today:

"I don't think anything is going to happen here today," Wade said. "There's still some things in play that have some measure of significance, but I don't know that we're going to get to the finish line on them or not. There's a lot of moving parts that we don't have control over. There's a lot of multiple-team scenarios being played out. We've sort of put our position on the table, 'Here it is.'

"And now it's up to, in one instance, one club, and, in another instance, a couple of clubs to sort of look at it and see, 'Does this fit in to what we're trying to do.' We're a player in a few things, but we're not the club that's in position to say, deal."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5357769.html

[Curly]

From Jayson Stark:

The Orioles' Andy MacPhail left Nashville late Thursday morning. So that makes it official -- the Orioles won't be making any deals here. Their talks with the Cubs about a trade for Brian Roberts have been back-burnered while the Orioles prioritize talks about Bedard and Miguel Tejada. But what we found on that back burner is that there is mutual interest in a deal that would send Roberts to the Cubs for pitcher Sean Gallagher, plus a second player that still needs to be determined. Despite speculation Felix Pie could wind up in that trade, teams that have talked to the Cubs about Pie say he would only be movable in a much bigger deal.

Felix Pie...that's too close to Frito Pie....mmmmm Frito Pie

[Noe]

Quote from Wade today:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5357769.html

I guess it may be moving on the O's side because they are close to a Roberts trade that could allow a Tejada trade to be a salary dump.  Idle speculation here, very idle.

[Noe]

right, that's always my concern.

Dalati just came on to keep Lopez and Pet Monkey from hurting themselves trying to out-think this whole trade possibility.  Dalati was so level-headed, I thought maybe I was listening to the wrong show.  Basically, it's about the Orioles now, but suffice it to say it won't be Bourn and probably not Patton (sorry Lopez).

But it may include one player that the Astros have to bite the bullet on, but perhaps it is all about saying "here it is, what we can offer to take Tejada off your hands".  That may be the extent of what this entirely all about.

[kevwun]

Dalati is pretty solid when it comes to reporting on trades.  He seems to always get good information.

[pravata]

Dalati is pretty solid when it comes to reporting on trades.  He seems to always get good information.

screwed the pooch on this one.

[Arky Vaughan]

If Everett is involved doesn't this defeat the whole defense up the middle plan?

Agreed. This alone makes it smell fishy.

[pravata]

Chron fan blogger Chip Bailey asks this question while ranting on about the Tejada trade,

"Who's running the club? Ed Wade? Tal Smith?"

Way to catch up Chip.

[kevwun]

How has Dalati screwed the pooch? 

[NeilT]

Agreed. This alone makes it smell fishy.

Crabby.  It's Baltimore.

[Noe]

Agreed. This alone makes it smell fishy.

I spent a whole hour today trying to figure out what this deal looked like if AE is gonzo.  I just couldn't wrap my mind around it until I realized that Dalati never once mentioned a player from Houston's side.  He only mentioned Tejada being the target.

It got out of control after that by the Lopez gang.

[Noe]

How has Dalati screwed the pooch? 

He reported on Lopez show?

[kevwun]

That's true, but I think he handled this pretty well otherwise.

[pravata]

How has Dalati screwed the pooch? 

There was no trade for Tejada today.  That was the Wed. night news.  There was no "serious" talk today between the Orioles and Astros.  The Orioles were packing up and left the building today.  How does a professional reporter get on the air with a story that is so wrong?

[Jacksonian]

There was no trade for Tejada today.  That was the Wed. night news.  There was no "serious" talk today between the Orioles and Astros.  The Orioles were packing up and left the building today.  How does a professional reporter get on the air with a story that is so wrong?

Careful kev that looks like a trick question.

[jaklewein]

There was no trade for Tejada today.  That was the Wed. night news.  There was no "serious" talk today between the Orioles and Astros.  The Orioles were packing up and left the building today.  How does a professional reporter get on the air with a story that is so wrong?

Ken Rosenthal is following your lead:  http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7532262

[BUWebguy]

Ken Rosenthal is following your lead:  http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7532262

Uggh... he had me until "The Astros' interest in Tejada dates to July 2006, when they tried to acquire him for Roy Oswalt, only to have the deal quashed by Orioles owner Peter Angelos."

[Noe]

There was no trade for Tejada today.  That was the Wed. night news.  There was no "serious" talk today between the Orioles and Astros.  The Orioles were packing up and left the building today.  How does a professional reporter get on the air with a story that is so wrong?

From the Baltimore Sun:

MacPhail said early last night that he felt significant trade conversations with different clubs had brought the Orioles closer to a couple of deals, but he didn't seem optimistic about announcing one before club officials depart Nashville after this morning's Rule 5 draft.

MacPhail and Cubs GM Jim Hendry, who are close friends, had lunch Tuesday and met for more than an hour. MacPhail would not characterize the nature of the talks. The Cubs are looking for a left-handed-hitting second baseman after failing to sign free agent Kaz Matsui, who reached a deal with the Houston Astros. The Cubs' biggest offensive threats are right-handed hitters - Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez.

The talks are serious enough that MacPhail has been in contact with Rocky Hall, agent for free-agent second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, to gauge Iguchi's interest in case Roberts is dealt.

Hall said if (Brian) Roberts were traded, the Orioles would be in Iguchi's top three, which also includes the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Philadelphia Phillies, for whom Iguchi played part of last season, also would be in the mix, but because of league rules, he would not be able to play for the Phillies until May 15 unless Major League Baseball granted him a waiver, Hall said.

Iguchi, 33, is believed to be seeking at least a two-year deal with an option for a third worth between $4.5 million and $5 million per season.

Is a connection dumping Tejada money to Houston and siging a guy like Iguchi?

[kevwun]

Also, Dalati said no deal would happened today because of how complicated it was.  That makes even more sense if the Orioles are juggling another trade and thinking about signing a free agent at the same time.  Like Noe said, Lopez and the other yahoo are the ones who went crazy with this.

[BUWebguy]

"because of league rules, he [Iguchi] would not be able to play for the Phillies until May 15 unless Major League Baseball granted him a waiver, Hall said."

Is this referring to the Phillies not offering him arbitration? I thought someone here said they changed that rule.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I was about to post the same thing...

[Noe]

Also, Dalati said no deal would happened today because of how complicated it was.  That makes even more sense if the Orioles are juggling another trade and thinking about signing a free agent at the same time.  Like Noe said, Lopez and the other yahoo are the ones who went crazy with this.

Rosenthal:

A Houston radio station reported Thursday that the Astros were close to acquiring Tejada for shortstop Adam Everett, second baseman Chris Burke and a pitcher.

Wrong, John Lopez and his pet monkey *speculated* that was what Houston would send to Baltimore.  Dalati had to come into studio to tell them in a nice way "Shut the fuck up!".  Rosenthal taking that to *other* major league sources was sloppy because no one knows what Houston and Baltimore have talked about.

I still say Baltimore is working several deals and Houston's interest in Tejada gives the O's a way to dump salary.   BTW - Tejada has a no-trade clause, so it's even more complicated because Baltimore has to get Miguel's okay to consumate this trade.

That doesn't happen right away.

[Jacksonian]

sloppy

"Internet reporting equals sloppy" needs to enter the general lexicon.

If I tell you something was reported on the internet you should immediately assume it has not been verified and could/likely is recycled from another uninformed source.

Instead we get Rosenthal who admits to posting to the web first, checking the info later.

[Noe]

Wasn't it in his contract that he could not be offered arbitration?  Or is that someone else?

That was Iguchi and since he wouldn't allow arbitration, there has to be a league intervention to allow the Phillies to re-sign him via free agency.

[DVauthrin]

I don't know how i feel about a potential tejada move.   I think he's still an offensive asset, but he isn't a SS anymore.  It would depend on the pieces involved.

[johnstros]

footer addresses this a bit, saying it is possible, and that there have been talks, but not probable
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320105&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[Froback]

I know Tejada is a name and all, but maybe people haven't noticed how much he dropped off last year.

I am comparing him to Wigginton because I have heard SO MUCH about his defense at SS going to crap and the need for him to move to 3B.  But still it gives perspective:

Player A: .2779/.3328/.4589 with 22 HRs and 113 Ks
Player B: .2957/.3574/.4416 with 18 HRs and 55 Ks

Now looking at those, it is really hard to tell the difference between them.  Even if you could figure out which player is which, is one worth the difference you would have to pay to move Wigginton for Tejada?

Now maybe you could say that 2007 was a result of Tejada not being happy or maybe even injured or something (cause I really didn't follow Balt, I don't know).

His 2006 numbers definitely would make me happy with his .330/.379/.498 and 24 HRs.  Just something to think about.


Oh btw, Player A is Wigginton, Player B is Tejada.

[Matt]

I know his numbers have gone down and there was the steroid rumors but I can't get his home run derby performance out of my head.

[VirtualBob]

I know Tejada is a name and all, but maybe people haven't noticed how much he dropped off last year.

I am comparing him to Wigginton because I have heard SO MUCH about his defense at SS going to crap and the need for him to move to 3B.  But still it gives perspective:

Player A: .2779/.3328/.4589 with 22 HRs and 113 Ks
Player B: .2957/.3574/.4416 with 18 HRs and 55 Ks

Out of curiosity, does the sampe size actually justify the extra degree of precision?  If we're going to screw with tradition, why not:

Player A: .28/.33/.46 with 22 HRs and 113 Ks
Player B: .30/.36/.44 with 18 HRs and 55 Ks

[Froback]

Out of curiosity, does the sampe size actually justify the extra degree of precision?  If we're going to screw with tradition, why not:

Player A: .28/.33/.46 with 22 HRs and 113 Ks
Player B: .30/.36/.44 with 18 HRs and 55 Ks

Ty had 547 ABs and Tejada had 514 in 07.  Depends on what you think a good sample size is I guess.

It is not like either (or both) only had like 200 ABs or anything.  500ABs is considered to be an everyday player, right?  I think that is the number you need to qualify for those end of year rankings at least.

[The Third Man]

I just don't see this one happening. It seems like the deals that actually get made aren't speculated to death in the media before they happen. Did anyone see the Tigers-Marlins deal going down? Also, I would trust a deal with Pol Pot before Peter Angelos.

[VirtualBob]

Ty had 547 ABs and Tejada had 514 in 07.  Depends on what you think a good sample size is I guess.

It is not like either (or both) only had like 200 ABs or anything.  500ABs is considered to be an everyday player, right?  I think that is the number you need to qualify for those end of year rankings at least.

Fine.  But how many AB's does it take to qualify for a fourth significant digit of precision?

[pravata]

Also, Dalati said no deal would happened today because of how complicated it was.  That makes even more sense if the Orioles are juggling another trade and thinking about signing a free agent at the same time.  Like Noe said, Lopez and the other yahoo are the ones who went crazy with this.

I didn't hear them, but I have no doubt they went off the deep end.  However, given the context, last day of the GM meetings, everyone is looking for news, I think it indefensible to say things like "serious trade talks" especially when "He said it's not confirmed for sure".  Ratings are not worth integrity

[kevwun]

I understand that and I would completely agree if it was just pinwheel and those of his ilk saying it.  Dalati has a pretty good track record on these things and it's why I think there's something to it.

[pravata]

I understand that and I would completely agree if it was just pinwheel and those of his ilk saying it.  Dalati has a pretty good track record on these things and it's why I think there's something to it.

I do too.  But I think there was something to it Wednesday night.  It was dead by Thursday morning.

[TheWizard]

BTW - Tejada has a no-trade clause, so it's even more complicated because Baltimore has to get Miguel's okay to consumate this trade.

I don't know if this is even a question with an answer - but has Tejada ever expressed interest, one way or the other, about coming to Houston?

[Bench]

I don't know if this is even a question with an answer - but has Tejada ever expressed interest, one way or the other, about coming to Houston?

Ranches are available.

[TheWizard]

Jason Stark's take on it all.

There were indications, in fact, that they almost were able to trade The Guy They Can't Wait To Unload, Miguel Tejada, to Houston. The Astros had even, from all accounts, agreed to pay all of the $26 million Tejada had coming over the next two years.

But the Orioles squashed an offer of shortstop Adam Everett, second baseman Chris Burke and a prospect. So the quest to deal Tejada -- to the Astros or Angels or Giants, among others -- goes on.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove07/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3144749

[DVauthrin]

Jason Stark's take on it all.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove07/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3144749

Angelos strikes again.

[NeilT]

Ranches are available.

Good schools.

[Tralfaz]

Angelos strikes again.

Like giving that ex-girlfriend one more shot.   

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Like giving that ex-girlfriend one more shot.   

She said things would be different this time!

[Curly]

Like giving that ex-girlfriend one more shot.   

The Astros FO should get tanked up tonight and call the O's about 2:30am and see if they can "just talk".