Miguel Tejada News: Pro Sports Daily

A's rough up Davies in 10-3 victory over Royals, but Tejeda shows improvement

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March 15

Kansas City Star

"The muddled competition for the final slot in the Royals' rotation crystallized somewhat Sunday afternoon when Robinson Tejeda delivered 2 1/3 shutout innings after another rough outing by Kyle Davies. Oakland roughed up Davies for six runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings in rolling to a 10-3 victory at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The A's scored two runs in each of the first three innings. Davies and Tejeda are generally viewed as the top two candidates to round out the five-man rotation. Kyle Farnsworth, Edgar Osuna and Philip Humber are also in the mix. "It goes without saying," Davies acknowledged, "that if you're going to make the team, you've got to start showing that you can command ..."

Will defense of Tejada, Atkins hold up for O's?

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March 9

Baltimore Sun

"When Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail signed free-agent corner infielders Garrett Atkins and Miguel Tejada this offseason, he strayed slightly from the philosophy that he had preached since his arrival. Wanting to upgrade his team's lineup against left-handed pitching, MacPhail chose offense over defense and left the team's infield play as a major question mark heading into the 2010 season. Tejada, a former shortstop, has never played at third base in his big league career. Atkins has primarily been a third baseman, his time at first limited to 105 games over his seven-year big league tenure. "We think that Garrett and Miguel represented as good as we were going to do ..."

Barring unforeseen, Tejada will be O's third baseman

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March 6

Baltimore Sun

columnist Peter Schmuck

"It didn't take long for the juxtaposition of converted third baseman Miguel Tejada and emerging third base prospect Josh Bell to create a little intrigue in Orioles training camp. In the first exhibition game Wednesday, Tejada wrestled with a couple of balls and Bell launched a couple of others into deep space, so you knew it wouldn't be long before the message boards and blogs were buzzing about the various scenarios that might allow both to be in the major league lineup at the same time. That's why - before this goes any further - I want to assure you of one thing. Miguel Tejada is the Orioles' third baseman and will remain so for the greater part of the 2010 season unless something ..."

Mixed results for Tejada in exhibition opener

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March 4

Baltimore Sun

"Miguel Tejada's first exhibition game as the Orioles' regular third baseman featured a little bit of everything. He made the first play of the game on a bouncer by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett, then made an error the next time Bartlett came to the plate. He also delivered a hit and scored a run in three at-bats in the Orioles' 12-2 victory Wednesday before an announced 5,328 at Ed Smith Stadium. "I'm excited," Tejada said. "I was excited for the game to start. It's a great game. I feel comfortable. I feel like everything that I've been working on came through today. I'm going to keep working and continue to get better." He didn't look entirely comfortable on the first ball but ..."

Tejada says he's feeling comfortable at third

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February 24

Baltimore Sun

"Flashing his ever-present smile and calling himself a new man, Miguel Tejada reported to spring training camp Tuesday morning and began the challenge of learning a new position. "It's the first day with the team, but I'm feeling comfortable because I've been working," Tejada said after the team's first full-squad workout at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. "As soon as I signed, I started working at third base. Today, I was really excited. I'm like a little kid with a new toy. I feel like I'm coming home." After reporting to camp, Tejada greeted Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis, who were his teammates during his stint as the team's shortstop from 2004 to 2007. He broke into an impromptu dance ..."

Hall of Famers endorse Tejada at third

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February 8

MLB.com

"After 13 years as one of the Major Leagues' best offensive shortstops, Miguel Tejada -- a little older, a little slower -- will attempt to make the potentially difficult transition to third base upon his return to Baltimore for the 2010 season. Agreeing that adjusting to the hot corner will take some time, two of the Orioles' best third basemen also think Tejada will do just fine. In fact, when asked by The Baltimore Sun whether he thought Tejada could succeed as a third baseman, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. said, "There's no doubt about it.""

Ripken, Robinson say Tejada will thrive at third base

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February 7

Baltimore Sun

"As Miguel Tejada attempts to make the switch to third base in 2010 after playing shortstop his entire major league career, he can look to Orioles history for guidance. Thirteen years ago, another proud and aging superstar made the short but potentially treacherous trip from shortstop to third base at Camden Yards, and did so without difficulty. It just took time, patience and repetition, said Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. "I think the hardest part is reworking the thinking about the position," said Ripken, who was the Orioles' everyday shortstop from 1983 to 1996, before moving at age 36 to make room for shortstop Mike Bordick. "As a shortstop, you have learned it, you have learned all the ..."

With Tejada back, Sarfate is Orioles' odd man out

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January 28

Baltimore Sun

"Reliever Dennis Sarfate joined the Orioles before the 2008 season as part of the Miguel Tejada trade with the Houston Astros, and now he looks to be the odd man out as Tejada returns to the club. To make room on the 40-man roster for Tejada, who was signed to a one-year deal Tuesday to play third base, the Orioles on Wednesday designated Sarfate for assignment, meaning the club has 10 days to trade him, release him or put him on waivers. "I'm a little hurt, not really hurt, but disappointed," said Sarfate, who was 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 20 games for the Orioles last season. "I really liked Baltimore, my daughter was born there, my wife loved it. I liked the way the team was going. I wish ..."

'It's not about me,' Tejada says as Orioles announce signing

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January 27

Baltimore Sun

"When Miguel Tejada was first introduced to the Baltimore media a little more than six years ago at a Camden Yards news conference, he had received the franchise's richest contract and was trumpeted as a top-echelon shortstop and potential team savior only one year removed from being voted the American League's Most Valuable Player. On Tuesday, Tejada again sat at a dais in the B&O Warehouse at an introductory news conference, but this time it was as a 35-year-old veteran in the latter stages of his career who had just signed a one-year, $6 million deal to be the club's stopgap third baseman. Wearing his new Orioles cap and smiling broadly, Tejada said he feels he doesn't have to be the ..."

Pondering Tejada and looking ahead

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January 25

Baltimore Sun

"The Miguel Tejada deal will not be official until he successfully completes a physical tomorrow and signs his new one-year contract. Presumably, the O's will hold some kind of media conference so we can hear more from Miggy about his return to Baltimore and his upcoming switch to third base. His arrival certainly alters the chemistry of the offensive attack, depending on whether Dave Trembley bats him second or fourth. That probably will depend on whether Garrett Atkins can get things figured out at the plate this spring. Either way, last year's National League leader in doubles (Tejada) will have a big impact."

Markakis: Another Miggy testimonial

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January 24

Baltimore Sun

"Nick Markakis just passed through the VIP area at FanFest and joined in the positive reaction to the news that Miguel Tejada has agreed to terms with the Orioles. Technically, the deal is not official, but even Andy MacPhail all but announced it from the stage during his second fan forum a few minutes ago. "If there's anybody in baseball you want on your team, it's him,'' said Markakis. "He's a high-energy guy who wants to be out there every day, and you want a guy like that on your team.""

O's: Closing in on Tejada

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January 23

Baltimore Sun

"Frankly, we've given Andy MacPhail every possible opportunity to steer us away from Miguel Tejada today, and he has done nothing but leave us with a greater impression that the club is very close to agreeing to terms with the former O's shortstop -- if they don't already have a deal in place. Stay tuned."

Cards interested in Miguel Tejeda

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January 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

(scroll down)

"The Cardinals could wait on the market to offer other options. The club has been intrigued with free-agent infielder Miguel Tejada, a former MVP and a shortstop who had 199 hits last season for the Houston Astros. The Cardinals' interest is predicated on Tejada's willingness to move to third base and the possibility of fitting him in on a short-term deal. Members of the Cardinals' leadership have eyed Tejada as a trade target in recent seasons, and manager Tony La Russa recently stated publicly that the club has "talked about Miguel." The same considerations would be in place for Felipe Lopez, a former Cardinal who could be a fit as a part-time third baseman and a switch-hitter off the ..."

Astros offer arbitration to Valverde, decline on Tejada

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December 2

Houston Chronicle

"Closer Jose Valverde, who is seeking a multiyear deal worth at least $10 million, was offered salary arbitration by the Astros on Tuesday. If the Astros don't sign Valverde, they will receive a draft pick as compensation because he's a Type-A free agent. The Astros refused to offer arbitration to righthander LaTroy Hawkins and shortstop Miguel Tejada, a pair of Type-A free agents who now can go elsewhere without a team worrying about giving up a draft pick to sign them. Valverde is one of the premier free agents on the market this winter. Last month he told the Chronicle that although he isn't ruling out a return to the Astros, he'll go to the team that makes the best offer. Valverde led ..."

The market for Miguel Tejada

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November 30

Foxsports.com

"Not long ago, Miguel Tejada was a virtual lock to finish each season with 162 games played and roughly 100 RBIs. Now, he doesn't have the same range at shortstop. His power production has dipped. He is 35. Yet, for the right teams, he could be a very attractive free agent. There seems to be one major hurdle: Tejada and his representatives must decide whether he can be successfully marketed to clubs as a shortstop ... or if it's time for him to play another position — likely third base — for the first time in his major league career. On Monday, one National League executive suggested a hybrid arrangement: The Red Sox could sign Tejada to a multiyear contract, with the idea that he would be ..."

Astros open to re-signing Tejada

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November 17

MLB.com

"The Astros might not be in position to sign any marquee names when free agency begins in earnest Friday, but general manager Ed Wade is still confident he can improve the club in the coming weeks through either trades or free agency. The first task for the Astros is re-signing their own free agents, a list that includes impact players in shortstop Miguel Tejada, closer Jose Valverde and reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Houston likely doesn't have enough payroll flexibility to retain all three, and Tejada's future with the club would be at third base instead of shortstop. "Everybody is aware Miggy is a free agent and that's 199 hits and a guy who did a really super job for us and a two-time ..."

Tejada, Cabrera head free agent shortstops

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November 12

MLB.com

"This year's class of free agent shortstops features two familiar names in former Most Valuable Player Miguel Tejada and the always steady Orlando Cabrera, yet it's a mostly unheralded shortstop from Venezuela who figures to be the crown jewel of the class. Toronto's Marco Scutaro, who might not be a household name like Tejada and Cabrera, could certainly provide the most value, considering what he brings both offensively and defensively to the shortstop position. Scutaro emerged as one of baseball's better leadoff hitters last season, when he hit .282 with an impressive .379 on-base percentage while also providing some power with 12 homers and some speed with 14 stolen bases. He's the ..."

Tejada denies accusation

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September 14

Houston Chronicle

"Miguel Tejada called the accusation from Pirates closer Matt Capps that he was working with first base coach Jose Cruz to steal signs "ridiculous" and "unbelievable." Tejada popped out in the ninth inning of the Astros' loss to the Pirates on Sunday and proceeded to engage in a shouting match with Capps, which drew several Astros out of the dugout. Tejada said after the game that he did not know what Capps was yelling about, but Capps revealed that he thought Tejada was getting signs."

Tejada makes another connection

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September 13

Houston Chronicle

"No matter how it turns out, Miguel Tejada has enjoyed pretty much every minute of his two seasons with the Astros. "I love it here," he said. "The fans have been great. One thing I appreciate about this city is that with everything I've been through this season, they've been supportive. Even if I don't come back next year, I'll have this city in my mind." He's probably the toughest decision the Astros will have to make in the offseason ahead. Numbers say it's not a tough call. He's 35 years old and declining both offensively and defensively. But Saturday night, Tejada's two-run homer in the seventh inning put the Astros ahead to stay in a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in front of ..."

Tejada's walk-off single gives Astros win over Braves

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September 10

Houston Chronicle

"As righthander Tommy Hanson finished the eighth inning, Miguel Tejada assumed he might not get another at-bat if the Atlanta Braves' rookie phenom came out for the ninth Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park. Hanson had his way for eight brilliant innings. But once he was gone, the Astros surged to load the bases and win 2-1 on Tejada's game-winning, two-run single up the middle in the ninth. Tejada, who joins Geoff Blum to become the first pair of Astros teammates to collect three walk-off hits together in the same season, smiled and admitted he wasn't the only Astros player pleased to see Braves manager Bobby Cox pull Hanson. "Not just me but everybody," Tejada said after tying the ..."

Tejada denies he tipped pitches

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August 30

MLB.com

"All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada said on Sunday that he never tipped pitches to his Dominican contemporaries on opposing teams, not as a member of the A's, Orioles or Astros, his current employer. "I've never tipped pitches," Tejada told MLB.com before he was given a rare off-day from the starting lineup on Sunday as the Astros closed their three-game series at Chase Field. "I love this game and that's not the way I play it. I'm a proud player. I would never do such a thing. It's tough to get a hit. And for me to tip pitches to anybody, that's crazy. I play for my team." Tejada's comments came in response to an article published in the New York Times on Sunday stating that some teammates ..."

Tejada on pace to reach Astros milestone

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August 13

Houston Chronicle

"Miguel Tejada approached manager Cecil Cooper a couple of hours before Tuesday's game. Tejada: "I hear you're going to give me a day off." Cooper: "I want to." Tejada: "I don't need one." Cooper smiled as he recounted the conversation. Tejada has played 112 of 114 games, and his manager would like to give him a break. Problem is, Tejada hasn't stopped hitting and doesn't want a day off. "I don't want a day off," Tejada said. "Right now, we're in the position we've got to win now. I don't help the team when I'm sitting on the bench." Cooper still thinks it would be smart to give Tejada a break, but with the Astros struggling and Tejada leading the National League in hits, it's not an easy ..."

Tejada's 9th inning single caps two-run rally

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July 23

Houston Chronicle

"As Jeff Keppinger sprinted home Wednesday night, Miguel Tejada rounded first with his arms held high, as if raising the decibels on the thunderous roar that overtook Minute Maid Park. Ivan Rodriguez sprinted toward Tejada and let his All-Star shortstop jump into his arms while Carlos Lee jogged toward home to greet Keppinger with a bear hug, making it clear pennant fever has hit the air in Houston. All the while, Minute Maid Park rocked while folks celebrated Tejada's single in the ninth inning to complete the sweep with a 4-3 victory over the National League Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals. "This is as close as we've been to the top since I've been here," Astros manager Cecil Cooper ..."

Pence, Tejada got there with attitude

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July 6

Houston Chronicle

"Here's to attitude and joy, to hustle and working hard and loving what you do. Those are the things that have helped make Miguel Tejada and Hunter Pence special. They're not just good baseball players. They're good baseball players with exactly the right attitude. Tejada and Pence were named to the 2009 National League All-Star team Sunday, and even though they're at different points in their careers, even though they're different in so many ways, a common thread connects them. They're among the first to arrive every day and the last to leave. They're among the hardest workers. But there's something else about them. They both love their jobs in ways we'd all like to love our jobs. They ..."

Berkman,Tejada put milestones to good use

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June 14

Houston Chronicle

"Not long after Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman collected milestones to help reward Roy Oswalt's perseverance, the Arizona Diamondbacks threatened to tarnish the Astros' special performances Saturday night. Arizona jumped on reliever Chris Sampson for three runs in the eighth inning at Chase Field, but it wasn't enough to overcome the pair of three-run rallies the Astros had on a night Berkman collected his 300th home run and Tejada got his 2,000th career hit. Although Oswalt pitched seven strong innings of one-run ball, the Astros needed five relievers over the final two innings to win 6-4 before a crowd of 29,206. "It's obviously a milestone homer, and I take pride in it for sure because ..."

Tejada a how-to guide

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May 29

Houston Chronicle

"With a handful of teammates watching and laughing, Miguel Tejada pantomimed an awkward swing. He lunged forward, almost tripping. Then he lifted his left hand, tugged at his forehead and shook his head as if bewildered by a pitch. Then Tejada steps back to his imaginary plate, digs in and tells the group, "When that pitcher throws that pitch again, bam. You have to make them think they fool you sometimes to set them up so they'll try to throw that pitch again." He's often giving tips on surviving as a Major League Baseball player, whether it's through teasing Humberto Quintero, discussing how to overcome girlfriend breakups with Hunter Pence or purchasing suits for teammates. "You meet him ..."

Tejada named NL's player for the week

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May 27

Houston Chronicle

"Tejada honored Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada was named the National League's player of the week. "I feel good because you know for me it's something exiting and emotional," said Tejada, who hit .522 (12-for-23) with three home runs and three doubles with four RBIs for the week ending Sunday. "I'm happy because with the work I've been doing lately, the work I did in the offseason is showing," he said. "I think that's what helps me and gives me mental strength daily to show that despite everything that happened I can show the whole world that this is what I know how to do." Working his way back Righthander Geoff Geary felt pain Monday on one pitch during his first bullpen session since ..."

Power of potential

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April 5

Houston Chronicle

"If Miguel Tejada fretted over federal prosecutors analyzing his past statements to congressional investigators, his new Astros teammates hardly noticed last season. With an uncanny ability to shake off negative vibes, the All-Star shortstop's mood hardly soured unless manager Cecil Cooper suggested a day off. A former American League Most Valuable Player, Tejada landed in Houston on Dec. 12, 2007, at an exchange rate of 1-for-5. His stock started tumbling — even if his spirit didn't — when he was mentioned in the Mitchell Report a day after the Astros gave the Baltimore Orioles five players to land him. The ensuing 14 months provided test after test, beginning with the Oversight ..."

Tejada ready to forge ahead

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March 28

Houston Chronicle

"Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada rejoined his teammates Friday morning in Kissimmee, Fla., and was admittedly relieved to have put most of his legal problems behind him. Tejada was sentenced in U.S. District Court on Thursday to one year of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine for lying to Congress about handling performance-enhancing drugs. "It's been stressful," Tejada said. "I don't want to be in that situation I've been in the last few years. It's been a distraction for me. I'm not trying to put it too much in my head. "In the back of my head, I knew I had that situation, but I'm glad everything is over, and I'm good with the decision they made. I'm going to be a ..."

Why such an easy punishment for Tejada?

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March 27

Newsday

columnist Ken Davidoff

"Miguel Tejada cannot own a firearm for the next year. Nor can he possess a controlled substance. If he changes his address within these coming 30 days - are you reading this, Astros general manager Ed Wade? - and he hasn't yet paid up the $5,025 he owes for his crime, then he has to notify the U.S. District Court. Hey, take it easy on the guy, will ya? If you regard the discovery of androstenedione in Mark McGwire's locker as a shot heard 'round the baseball world of sorts, over 10 1/2 years ago, then yesterday marked a day of reckoning. A rather lame one. But we come here today not to rip our government for its sentencing guidelines and decisions. Rather, we question whether Tejada's easy ..."

Probation means play ball

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March 27

Houston Chronicle

"An attorney for Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada said the five-time All Star is "looking forward to playing ball" as he begins a sentence of probation and community service for lying to Congress about handling performance-enhancing drugs. In addition to a year of unsupervised probation, Tejada on Thursday was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and pay a $5,000 fine. The sentence represented the end of 15 months of legal uncertainty for Tejada, who was named in former Sen. George Mitchell's report on drug use in baseball one day after he joined the Astros. Speaking softly to the U.S. District Court on Thursday, a somber Tejada took "full responsibility" for lying to ..."

Not coming clean leaves dirty feeling

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March 27

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Drayton McLane loves it when his players do community work, so he has to be thrilled Miguel Tejada has agreed to do an extra 100 hours this summer. Nice going, Miggy. Way to represent The Good Guys. Incidentally, who decided a $5,000 fine was any way to punish a guy making $13 million? Couldn't the feds have ordered Tejada to pay whatever the government spent proving he's a liar? Anyway, about eight seconds after Tejada's plea-bargain agreement was announced, the Astros issued a statement saying how happy they were to have this whole thing behind them. In other words, let's all forget that this guy is a cheat and that we got fleeced on this trade. As for Tejada, he hasn't exactly been ..."

Probation for Miguel Tejada

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March 27

New York Daily News

"The docket posted on a wall of the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse said "United States vs. Miguel O. Tejada," but when the Houston Astros shortstop stood before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Kay at a sentencing hearing Thursday, he bore a striking resemblance to Jacob Marley, the haunted phantom who warned Ebenezer Scrooge to change his ways in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Compared to Marley, who was sentenced to a tortured afterlife for his misdeeds, Tejada got off easy - Kay sentenced him to a year of unsupervised probation and 100 hours of community service for misleading congressional investigators about steroids. But like Marley, Tejada provides a grim lesson for others ..."

Tejada sentenced to probation, community service

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March 26

Houston Chronicle

"A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada to probation and community service for lying to Congress about handling performance-enhancing drugs. Tejada was also fined $5,000 in addition to receiving a year of probation and 100 hours of community service. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Kay delivered the sentence to a somber Tejada in the U.S. District Court here. The sentence had been expected; U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Taylor last week submitted a 10-page memo urging probation and community service focused on youth education and outreach. But the final sentence was at Kay's discretion. Tejada briefly addressed the court, saying he took "full responsibility." "I apologize ..."

Tejada's day of reckoning at hand

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March 26

Houston Chronicle

"A week after the federal prosecutor in his case recommended probation, Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada will learn his fate today when he is sentenced for lying to congressional investigators. "I don't know what will happen," Tejada said. "I don't know anything. My lawyer hasn't said anything." Tejada expected his wife, Alejandra, to join him when he is sentenced by Federal Magistrate Judge Alan Kay at the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. Tejada's hopes for probation received a boost last Thursday when U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Taylor submitted a 10-page memo in aid of sentencing. In that memo, Taylor requested Kay sentence Tejada to probation and community service focused on ..."

Tejada case stimulates the feds' taste for blood

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March 26

Washington Times

columnist Thom Loverro

"The cover of the Baltimore Orioles' 2005 media guide should wind up in Cooperstown if the Baseball Hall of Fame ever stages an exhibit to document the sport's steroid era. Media guide covers are a team's sales pitch, the place a club usually puts its biggest attraction. The sales pitch for the Orioles entering that season was a cover photo of their three biggest stars - Miguel Tejada, Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro. By the end of that season, Palmeiro was a national disgrace, the first big star in baseball to have a positive steroids test become public. Tejada, with his so-called "B-12" vitamin shots, was rumored to be the Dr. Feelgood of the clubhouse. Sosa shrank to the size of a batboy ..."

Probation likely fate for Tejada after lying to Congress

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March 20

Houston Chronicle

"A week before his sentencing for lying to Congress, Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada received an assist from a federal prosecutor on Wednesday . Asking the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia to consider Tejada's expressions of remorse and the fact he had "no prior contact with the criminal justice system," U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Taylor recommended in a 10-page memo that Federal Magistrate Judge Alan Kay sentence Tejada to probation. " The United States respectfully requests the Court impose a sentence at the low end of the applicable Guideline range, in this case a sentence of probation," Taylor wrote in the conclusion of the government's memo in aid of sentencing. "As part of ..."

Prosecutors Are Seeking Probation for Tejada

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March 20

Washington Post

"Federal prosecutors yesterday told a judge that former Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada should be sentenced to probation for lying to Congress about his knowledge of performance-enhancing drug use in baseball. Tejada, 34, pleaded guilty last month to making a misrepresentation to Congress, admitting that he lied to congressional staffers during an interview in a Baltimore hotel room in 2005 that focused on the prevalence of steroids in the game. Federal guidelines call for a sentence of probation to six months in jail. Under Tejada's plea deal, prosecutors agreed not to oppose a sentence at the low end of the guideline range. In recommending a sentence of probation and community ..."

Tejada will compete for Dominican team

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February 28

Houston Chronicle

"Felipe Alou’s 11th-hour attempt to convince Miguel Tejada to participate in the World Baseball Classic paid off when the four-time All-Star committed to play for the Dominican Republic. Tejada, 34, who early this week decided not to play in the tournament, changed his mind after Alou assured him he wouldn’t have to play first base. Alou is managing the Dominicans. “My preference would be for him to be here with me, but that’s his decision, his choice,” Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. “Apparently he got convinced to do it, and I’m OK with it. The big key for me is him continuing to get work at shortstop.” Diego Bentz, the agent for Tejada, told Astros general manager Ed Wade on Friday ..."

Tejada to play in World Baseball Classic after all

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February 27

Houston Chronicle

"Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada has decided to participate in the World Baseball Classic. Tejada had previously turned down the request from the Dominican Republic to play for his country, but had a change of heart after talking with Dominican manager Felipe Alou. Tejada will play third base, shortstop and be a designated hitter and will likely report for workouts beginning Monday. “We fully support Miguel’s decision to play in the WBC,” general manager Ed Wade said. Astros manager Cecil Cooper was against Tejada’s participation if he wasn’t going to play shortstop. “My preference would be for him to be here with me, but that’s his decision, his choice,” Cooper said. “Apparently he got ..."

Tejada will skip World Baseball Classic

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February 26

Houston Chronicle

"Although he hasn’t told the Dominican Republic coaching staff, Miguel Tejada already has informed the Astros he will not participate in the World Baseball Classic. “I’m sure it’s disappointing to other people that he won’t play, but I’m happy,” Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. “He’ll get a chance to do his regular routine for working on his defense. That’s stuff that he does every day with (bench coach Ed) Romero . He felt like going there and not being able to do his stuff and not being able to play his position, he’d lose that.” Tejada likely was not going to play shortstop for the Dominican Republic, so he and the Astros decided it would be better for him to work on his position this ..."

Tejada says he won't play in World Baseball Classic

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February 25

Houston Chronicle

"Although he hasn't yet told the Dominican Republic coaching staff, Miguel Tejada already informed the Astros that he will not participate in the World Baseball Classic. "I'm sure it's disappointing to other people that he won't play, but I'm happy," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "He'll get a chance to do his regular routine from working on his defense. That's stuff that he does every day with (bench coach Ed) Romero, his early work. He says he brought it from Oakland way back in the day and he's always used this routine. He felt like going there and not being able to do his stuff and not being able to play his position, he'd lose that." Tejada wasn't likely to play short for the ..."

Tejada may skip World Classic

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February 25

Houston Chronicle

"Shortstop Miguel Tejada is leaning toward skipping the World Baseball Classic, telling the Chronicle he would rather work on playing shortstop with the Astros in the Grapefruit League than play another position for the Dominican Republic in the WBC. “It’s always been really important for me to represent my country,” Tejada said. “It’s something that I’ve done for a long time. … At the same time, I have to realize that this is the last year in my contract, and I need to work hard because I want to show all the other teams that there’s still a lot left in me. God willing, I want to start the season well to see if Houston wants me to stay here, which would be my desire.” If Tejada stays in ..."

Tejada arrives at spring training, addresses teammates

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February 17

Houston Chronicle

"Almost a week after pleading guilty to lying to Congressional investigators, Miguel Tejada donned his Astros’ uniform today and joined his teammates for the club’s annual meeting before their first full-squad workout of spring training. Then amid the comforting embrace of his peers, the All-Star shortstop stood up to address his teammates. And, once again, he apologized, just as he did during a brief and tearful statement to the media a week earlier at Minute Maid Park. This time around, a few of his teammates said, there weren’t any tears rolling down Tejada’s cheek. There also wasn't an admission of ever using steroids or the human growth hormone he bought with the $6,300 check that ..."

Tejada pleads guilty

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February 12

Contra Costa Times

"Dressed in a defendant's dark suit instead of an All-Star's crisp uniform, Miguel Tejada became the first high-profile player convicted of a crime stemming from baseball's steroids era, pleading guilty Wednesday in federal court to misleading Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Under a plea agreement with the same prosecutors pursuing a perjury indictment against Roger Clemens, Tejada admitted he withheld information about an ex-teammate's use of steroids and human growth hormone when questioned by a House committee's investigators in August 2005. Tejada - the 2002 American League MVP with the A's and a five-time All-Star shortstop now with the Houston Astros - also ..."

Tejada pleads guilty to misleading U.S. Congress

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February 12

Toronto Sun

"Dressed in a defendant's dark suit instead of an all-star's crisp uniform, Miguel Tejada became the first high-profile player convicted of a crime stemming from baseball's steroids era, pleading guilty yesterday in federal court to misleading the U.S. Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Under a plea agreement with the same prosecutors pursuing a perjury indictment against Roger Clemens, Tejada admitted he withheld information about a former teammate's use of steroids and human growth hormone when questioned by a House committee's investigators in August 2005. Tejada -- the 2002 American League MVP with the Oakland Athletics and a five-time all-star shortstop now with ..."

Astros ready to put Tejada probe behind them

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February 12

Houston Chronicle

"Astros owner Drayton McLane and general manager Ed Wade are standing behind their troubled shortstop. Miguel Tejada, who gave a tear-filled apology Wednesday at Minute Maid Park hours after pleading guilty to lying to Congress, left without answering questions from the media, leaving Wade to deal with dozens of reporters and television cameras. “He’s always been honest and upfront with me as far as I know,” Wade said when asked if he will question anything Tejada tells him in the future. Wade, who traded five players to Baltimore for Tejada in 2007, hopes Tejada’s admission of guilt will bring closure to the situation. “Miguel is very apologetic for what took place, and we hope this is a ..."

Astros have themselves to blame, too

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February 12

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"If someone was going to cry, it should have been Astros general manager Ed Wade or maybe team owner Drayton McLane. They are the ones who traded for a lying baseball player with declining skills and $26 million left on his contract. Now, about Miguel Tejada’s apology. Yes, it seemed straight from the heart. So did Alex Rodriguez’s. It’s amazing how these guys become contrite after they’ve been caught. Whether Tejada was sorry for lying to congressional investigators or sorry because he was caught lying to congressional investigators is a good debate topic. If a certain 354-game winner is paying attention, Tejada’s indictment should come as unsettling news. They are coming after you next, ..."