Tejada on the move

Rumors have been flying that the Orioles were working up a fire sale, and on Wednesday, the first shoe dropped. The O's have traded short stop Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros for five players including outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate and third baseman Mike Costanzo. Tejada, the 2002 AL MVP, has two years remaining on a six-year contract signed in December 2003.

Just two years ago, the Astros made it to the World Series on the backs of Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Craig Biggio. But as the 2008 season opens, the 'stros will have a new look which could help Houston erase the bitter taste of 2007. Along with this mega deal, they have picked up second baseman Kaz Matsui through free agency as well as enhance their bullpen through a trades including one with the Atlanta Braves that brought them Oscar Villarreal and another with the Phillies which saw them send Brad Lidge to Philly for pitcher Geoff Geary, outfielder Michael Bourn and prospect Mike Costanzo.

Meanwhile, the O's are in shambles. They have horrible ownership, new coaching and are rumored to be offering Erik Bedard and all-star Brian Roberts to the highest bidder. Not to mention they happen to be in the same division as the Yankees and Red Sox who look to be holding the AL East ransom for the next five years.

(source)

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate