Miguel Tejada News: Pro Sports Daily

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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, ..."

‘I just want to apologize’

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February 12

Houston Chronicle

"At times nervously picking at his face while looking down and choking back tears, Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada tearfully apologized to a number of people Wednesday after pleading guilty to making misleading statements to Congress. “First of all, I just want to apologize,” Tejada said at Minute Maid Park, hours after he entered his plea at the U.S. District Court of Washington. “I made a mistake, and now I know how serious of a mistake that I made for not answering questions about another teammate. I take responsibility. … I’m very sorry for what happened. I’m sorry to my family, to the Congress, to the Houston Astros, the Orioles, the major leagues.” At that point, Tejada’s voice cracked ..."

Tejada Pleads Guilty

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February 12

New York Times

"Miguel Tejada stood in front of a federal judge on Wednesday wearing a pair of headphones so he could listen to an interpreter. For over 10 minutes, the interpreter read to Tejada in Spanish the specifics of his plea agreement with federal prosecutors. It was an unusual scene, a famous shortstop getting language help as he admitted his guilt in a case involving performance-enhancing drugs. But in other respects it fit in with the other major developments in baseball over the last week. On the eve of spring training, the issue of drugs has pushed just everything else aside. Tejada pleaded to a charge that he lied to Congressional investigators who were looking into whether Rafael Palmeiro ..."

Piatt unworthy of Tejada's fall

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February 11

Contra Costa Times

columnist Monte Poole

"HISTORY IS filled with folks whose lust led them to ruin, so Miguel Tejada is not the first and won't be the last to cast an admiring glance at a well-toned body, follow his curiosity and end up regretting it. Tejada's descent into baseball's seamy underside began in the spring of 2002 when, according to documents filed in federal court Tuesday in Washington, he took a look at A's teammate Adam Piatt - and liked what he saw. Adam Flipping Piatt, for crying out loud. When Tejada today follows Alex Rodriguez as high-profile cheaters swallowing hard and saddening up their eyes for the long walk through the intersection of Liar's Boulevard and Apology Road, he will be accompanied by our man ..."

Tejada pleads guilty to misdemeanor charge of lying to Congress

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February 11

Houston Chronicle

"Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada this morning pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of making a misleading statement to Congress. Dressed in a gray suit, white shirt and tie, Tejada told U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Kay at the federal courthouse in Washington that he had made the misleading statement during a transcribed interview with congressional staffers in 2005 over the use of banned performance-enhancing substances in major league baseball. Accompanied by a defense team led by Mark Touhey of Vinson & Elkins, a subdued Tejada conceded that he had violated the law during a congressional probe of the use of steroids and human growth hormone by baseball players. “Your plea of ..."

Tejada charged with lying to Congress

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February 11

Denver Post

"All-star shortstop Miguel Tejada has been charged with lying to Congress about an ex-teammate's use of steroids, the latest baseball player to get caught up in a web of cheating and juicing that has stained the sport. Tejada is expected to plead guilty in court today. The charges against him were outlined in documents filed Tuesday in federal court. The teammate is not identified in court documents, but he is referred to as having played with Tejada on the Athletics. Tejada won the 2002 AL MVP award while playing for Oakland and is a five-time all-star. He now plays for the Astros. The documents indicate a plea agreement has been reached with Tejada. The court papers were filed a day after ..."

Too Late For Tejada, Congress Takes A Pass On Alex

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February 11

New York Post

"Alex Rodriguez can look in the nearest toilet, home of the U.S. economy, and give thanks that Congress probably isn't interested in hearing his steroid story. If only Miguel Tejada and Roger Clemens could have been so lucky. "The American people need leaders who will focus on stemming job losses and getting credit to flow in the marketplace before hearing from yet another person who cheated both himself and the game of baseball," Edolphus Towns (D-Brooklyn), the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said yesterday. Towns called it "disturbing" that Rodriguez was among 104 players, according to Sports Illustrated, who tested positive for banned substances in ..."

Tejada likely to avoid jail

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February 11

Houston Chronicle

"While at least one of Miguel Tejada’s teammates threw his support behind the embattled former All-Star shortstop, manager Cecil Cooper was holding out hope Tejada won’t be facing jail time. “Sounds like I’ll have my shortstop,” said Cooper, who was still sorting through the facts of the latest developments in Tejada’s legal saga Tuesday night. Tejada, who was caught last year lying about his age, has been charged with lying to Congress about steroids and is scheduled to appear in court today in Washington. He’s expected to enter a guilty plea. The 2002 American League Most Valuable Player could face as much as a year in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor charge of making ..."

Tejada will appear in court today to face charges of lying to Congress

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February 11

Houston Chronicle

"The government has charged Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada with an error. In the case United States of America v. Miguel Tejada, U.S. Attorneys of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section on Tuesday filed a “criminal information document” with the U.S. District court of Washington. Top legal minds who have read the document predict Tejada will reach a plea deal on a misdemeanor charge. “I read it,” said Franklin, Cardwell and Jones attorney Vidal Martinez, a former assistant U.S. Attorney in Houston. “First of all, the section that they filed this information on is a misdemeanor. It lends itself to a monetary fine and acknowledgement that he committed a crime and that he’ll never do it again ..."

Tejada Charged With Lying to Investigators

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February 10

Washington Post

"Former Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada was charged today with lying to congressional investigators about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. Federal prosecutors accused Tejada of making misrepresentations to congressional staffers during an interview in a Baltimore hotel room focusing on the prevalence of steroids in the game. The charge came in "a criminal information," a document that can be filed only with the defendant's consent and usually signals a plea deal is near. Tejada, who now plays for the Houston Astros, is scheduled to appear at 11 a.m. tomorrow in U.S. District Court in Washington, court officials said. Prosecutors did not charge Tejada with lying ..."

Grand jury may target Miguel Tejada

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January 14

New York Daily News

"Roger Clemens is not the only All-Star who should be nervous about admitted steroid supplier Kirk Radomski's appearance before a federal grand jury Thursday. When Radomski appears before the grand jury examining evidence that Clemens used steroids, possibly Wednesday, prosecutor Daniel P. Butler could grill the former Mets clubhouse attendant about Houston Astros star Miguel Tejada, too, according to a person close to the investigation. Tejada has been the target of an FBI perjury investigation that was initiated in January 2008 at the request of Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who was the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform when it held two hearings on the ..."

Tejada plans to skip winter ball

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August 31

Houston Chronicle

"In the Dominican, Tejada is known as “el pelotero de la Patria,” or the nation’s ballplayer, in part because of his annual commitment to play winter ball during an era when most stars don’t bother. “I’m going to be calm this winter and relax with my family,” Tejada said. Tejada is a legend for Aguilas, one of the most popular clubs in the Dominican Winter League. He helped Aguilas reach the Caribbean World Series last winter, showing his commitment to the club by continuing with the team even after his brother was killed in a motorcycle accident. Next season will be a contract year for Tejada, and it’s clear he wants to earn an extension. “I want to have a super season,” he said. “I want ..."

Astros GM Wade assures Tejada to remain Astro

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July 30

Houston Chronicle

"Astros general manager Ed Wade put to rest any speculation All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada would be dealt, saying Tuesday the club never had an interest or intention of trading him. Wade approached Tejada following Monday’s 5-4 victory over Cincinnati after hearing rumors the Boston Red Sox were trying to acquire Tejada and told him he was staying in Houston and he hadn’t talked to the Red Sox about him. “I went in the weight room and said I’m not talking to any other clubs about you, I’m not trading you, you’re a Houston Astro and I’m glad to have you here,” Wade said. Tejada, acquired by the Astros last December in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, hit his 11th homer of the season in ..."

Trade winds bring Astros’ Miguel Tejada into picture

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July 29

Boston Herald

"Nothing gets people talking like a loss near the non-waiver trading deadline. Last night, the rumor mill started percolating for those exiting Fenway Park moments after the Red Sox dropped a 7-5 decision to the AL West-leading Los Angeles Angels. Both the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays and third-place New York Yankees also were defeated, but that didn’t stop many from surmising that these second-place Sox need to be fixed in some way, shape or form. Yet with just three days to go before the deadline, the Red Sox, like most major league teams, are finding the cost of dealing a bit too prohibitive. While Manny Ramirez’ situation remains in flux - a trade of the left fielder continues to be ..."

Red Sox contact team about Tejada

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July 29

Houston Chronicle

"The Boston Red Sox have contacted the Astros about Miguel Tejada, and the All-Star shortstop wouldn’t be intimidated about playing at Fenway Park if a deal is made. According to a person familiar with the talks, the Red Sox would like Tejada if they ultimately trade Manny Ramirez. As a policy, Astros general manager Ed Wade doesn’t divulge his current conversations with clubs, nor confirm or deny trade rumors. For that reason, he wouldn’t confirm or deny whether the Red Sox have inquired about Tejada, although he did say he spoke with most clubs Monday. Tejada is one of the most accomplished active players against the Yankees, and he wouldn’t shy away if he were drawn into the storied ..."

Tejada bats second

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July 27

Houston Chronicle

"Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada did a double take when he arrived at the home clubhouse at Miller Park on Saturday and looked at the lineup. Tejada was hitting second in the order for the first time this year. Tejada, who snapped an 0-for-16 slump with a first-inning single, had hit second in the lineup once previously since 2002, but hit No. 2 extensively for Oakland from 1999-2001. “There is a little rationale behind it,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “I want to see if it will help him hitting in front of Lance (Berkman). Some guys it helps; some guys it doesn’t matter. Maybe with him, it will spark him.” Tejada said a lineup switch won’t affect him. “I don’t think trying a different spot is ..."

Berkman, Tejada honored to play at Yankee Stadium

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July 13

Houston Chronicle

"Since it opened in 1923, Yankee Stadium has played host to 37 World Series and four All-Star Games — 1939, 1960, 1977 and 2008. With the Yankees set to move next door to a $1 billion, state-of-the-art facility next season, Yankee Stadium will hold its final Midsummer Classic on Tuesday. The Astros' Lance Berkman will start at first base and Miguel Tejada will be the backup at short for the National League. Together, they will join some of the greatest names in baseball history on the list of players who have participated in an All-Star Game in the park that has become a baseball shrine but soon will be no more."

Add Tejada to Wade's list of woes

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July 6

Houston Chronicle

"To Ed Wade's list of mistakes, add the name of Miguel Tejada. Put another $26 million on the general manager's tab. Six weeks ago, Tejada looked like Wade's best acquisition. He was productive and energetic on the field and a delight in the clubhouse. Lance Berkman was among several players effusive in his praise of his new teammate. Snapshot evaluations during a marathon of a season can be wildly inaccurate. Tejada is hitting .220 in the last 40 games and has declined defensively as well. Maybe this is nothing more than an extended slump."

Risky business to slide for Tejada

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June 22

Houston Chronicle

"Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada has slid into first base on several occasions this season, prompting manager Cecil Cooper to remind the four-time All-Star it could be dangerous. "We've talked about it," Cooper said. "You don't get there faster, but sometimes guys do stuff instinctively without thinking about it. The only time you want to slide into first base is if the guy is going to make a tag." Tejada said he knows the dangers, but can't help it. "That's the way I play," he said. "I like to play hard, and I think sometimes if I slide I have a chance at a hit. Sometimes I think if the play is too close, I slide on instincts.""

Tejada Offers His Perspective

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June 18

Washington Post

"The move gave finality to a relationship that had been strained. Twice at the end of the 2005 season, Tejada demanded a trade after becoming frustrated with the club's inability to keep pace in the AL East. In January 2006, Tejada backed off his aggressive stance but said he was surprised when he learned of his move. "I never gave up," he said of his time in Baltimore. "I always play this game hard, because that's the only thing I know how to do. "They had to have a team to compete with [the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees] to be a champion. It's not only about me. Are the Orioles in first place now?""