In an attempt to rebuild and get younger, the Orioles traded shortstop Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros Wednesday for five players.
The former American League MVP was dealt for outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.
Scott, 29, is a left-handed hitting left fielder, and batted .255 with 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in 132 games with Houston in 2007.
The right-handed Albers, 24, and the left-handed Patton, 22, provide the Orioles with two young starting pitchers, while right-hander Sarfate, 26, provides a power arm for the bullpen.
Costanzo, 24, batted .270 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs for Philadelphia?s Double-A affiliate last season.
By trading Tejada, 31, who hit .296 with 18 homers and 81 RBIs in 2007, the Orioles save an estimated $26 million in payroll over the next two seasons.
