Over his firstseven seasons in the major leagues, Ralph Kiner led the National League in home runs every year. Over those same seven seasons, his team, the Pirates, finished last, or next to last, five times. When he was traded to the Cubs in June 1953, Pittsburgh GM ? the legendary Branch Rickey ? was quoted as saying “We can finish last without you.” He was right. They finished last that year and the two seasons after that.
Rickey also said: “Trade a player a year too early rather than a year too late.” More on that later.
When the Orioles signed shortstop Miguel Tejada to a 6-year contract as a free agent in December 2003, they did so with the thought that he could be the centerpiece of the club?s return to respectability as a contender. It hasn?t quite worked out that way.
In the wake of the Rafael Palmeiro debacle last year we learned that Tejada?s training regimen includes self-administered shots of vitamin B-12. We also learned that he was willing to inject his teammates if they desired. After those revelations were publicized amid criticism, Tejada implied that he?d prefer to play somewhere else this year, and the Orioles, in fact, listened to offers for their Dominican all-star.
They had designs on a deal that would have brought Texas first baseman ? and local product ? Mark Teixiera to Baltimore, but that never panned out. A couple of sources said Houston offered shortstop Adam Everett and closer Brad Lidge, but the Orioles felt that wasn?t enough.
It?s hard to argue that Tejada?s not getting the job done. He?s hitting well over .300 with power at a skill position. But a closer look reveals a player who doesn?t always run out a ground ball. A player who sometimes plays a nonchalant defense. In truth, I hadn?t noticed that myself until a former player and, later, a major league coach, brought it up to me. He?s gotten a little better, but he?s clearly lost range at shortstop.
Players of Tejada?sstature are expected to lead by example, and you wouldn?t expect their peers ? current or former ? to dwell on the negatives. The fact remains, however, that despite his frequently outstanding play, the Orioles hoped-for turnaround has yet to materialize, and Miguel may still be questioning his decision to sign here.
If Tejada is indeed unhappy in an Orioles? uniform, it may be beneficial to see what offers are out there before the July 31 trading deadline. You?re not going to give him away ? but his value will never be higher than it is today.
At 30, he has three years to go on his contract. Cincinnati famously traded a 30-year “old” Frank Robinson to the Orioles, who led them to a world championship in 1966. But the Reds won it all ? beating the Orioles ? just four years later.
Is it too early to trade Tejada? Maybe. But next year it may be too late.
Hear Phil Wood every Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN Radio 1300.
