faba Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Report: Tejada interests Tigers Dombrowski refuses to comment on team's desire to make a trade for Orioles shortstop. Tom Gage / The Detroit News Shortstop Miguel Tejada, frustrated by Baltimore's struggles, wants to be traded. See full image Printer friendly version Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery DETROIT -- Ah, January. What would the first month of the year be without a link between the Tigers and a high-profile player looking for a new team? Two years ago, it was Pudge Rodriguez. Last year, it was Magglio Ordonez. Now it is Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada. According to the Boston Herald, the Tigers have expressed interest in Tejada, who would like to be traded. The Tigers tried to sign Tejada two years ago as a free agent. They offered him a reported $60 million, but he ended up signing a six-year, $72 million contract with the Orioles instead. At the time, he also thought the Orioles had a better chance of contending. Now Tejada, 29, is upset with the strides, or lack of such, the Birds have made in that direction. Most of the speculation has centered on Tejada, who batted .302 last season with 26 home runs and 98 RBI, possibly being traded to the Red Sox in a mega-deal for Manny Ramirez. The possibility of such a deal already has fluctuated, however -- so much so that other teams have called to express interest. Kenny Williams, the general manager of the World Series champion White Sox, admitted he called just to test the waters. "I made the call out of curiosity," Williams said. "Early on, there was no match for our club." At least Williams said he called. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski won't even say that. When asked on Thursday about the report, Dombrowski said, "I don't like to talk about players on other teams." When asked if he wished to deny the Tigers had interest in Tejeda, Dombrowski wouldn't even acknowledge that. "It's just something I don't wish to comment on at this time," he said. Sound familiar? It should. Dombrowski didn't wish to comment about Rodriguez two years ago at the first smattering of smoke that the Tigers might be interested in him. Dombrowski also wouldn't comment about Ordonez last year when it was initially learned that the Tigers had expressed interest. That's just his way. Cautious to the hilt. It would be easy for Dombrowski to say the speculation is incorrect, which he's been known to do when that's the case . But when it's not the case, or more specifically not yet the case, Dombrowski envelops himself in secrecy -- often in overcast January secrecy. The last two times, however, the Tigers ended up with major additions to their roster. That could be the case again with Tejada. It wouldn't be easy to land him -- and a player who's dealt in the midst of a long-term contract becomes eligible to request a trade after one season with the team to which he's dealt. But Tejada is a premier player at a position where there's lingering uncertainy for the Tigers. If healthy, Carlos Guillen is a valuable part of the lineup. Two years ago, he offset the Tigers' futile attempt to sign Tejada by having an All-Star season. Guillen missed much of the 2005 season, however, because of knee problems. The Tigers are hoping he's fully recovered but can't be sure until they see it for themselves on the field. In the meantime, Tejada is unhappy and could be traded. The Tigers wanted him once; it's not a reach to think they're interested again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 It'[s a reach to expect the Tigers to trade for him..The other 2 guys were FA signings, so it was a lot easier. If the demand from the Birds starts with Bonderman, the Tigers should hang up that phone as fast as they can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gun Of Bavaria Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Dombrowski and the Tigers have made so many moves that could be termed 'desperate' that this one can be added to the list. The Tigers have an All-Star SS in Carlos Guillen and need pitching. Unfortunately DD stood by on the sidelines while almost every available pitcher was snatched off the market. The Tigers have a nasty habit of signing FAs for their name and to appease the fans vs actual positional need. Last season was a nightmare. Ordonez out over 1/2 the year, Pudge went off the deep end, both in the batter's box and in the clubhouse and easily had his worst year in a long time. Before getting injured, Percival was repeatedly getting rocked and blowing saves. When it came to the only brightspot, bullpen star Farnsworth was shipped out of town for a back of rocks and some pencils. If the Tigers sign Tejada, the only thing I can see is them moving Guillen over to 3B. Last year when the Tigers were courting Renteria, the plan was to move Guillen to 3B and Inge to the outfield. Guillen has played some 3B so it's not that far out of the realm of possibilities. As much as I like Inge and think he did a good job at 3B, he had a massive amount of errors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 If the Tigers sign Tejada, the only thing I can see is them moving Guillen over to 3B. Last year when the Tigers were courting Renteria, the plan was to move Guillen to 3B and Inge to the outfield. Guillen has played some 3B so it's not that far out of the realm of possibilities. As much as I like Inge and think he did a good job at 3B, he had a massive amount of errors.I can see Guillen at 3B, but he might be part of the deal to get Tejada. But if the discussion involves Bonderman, hang up!! He is a legit ace, a real bona-fide #1. You don't trade these guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gun Of Bavaria Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I can see Guillen at 3B, but he might be part of the deal to get Tejada. But if the discussion involves Bonderman, hang up!! He is a legit ace, a real bona-fide #1. You don't trade these guys. Agreed MBN. They try to trade Bonderman away and I kid you not Comerica may be set aflame by angry Tigers fans. I'll be the one with the lighter. Perhaps there is something going on we don't know about, a concern about his health. I don't know but I can tell you that I'd rather keep Guillen. If the move is designed to move Guillen to 3B I'm ALL FOR it as long as it doesn't involve Bonderman, Zumaya or Verlander. The Tigers farm system is FINALLY coming around after being a stinking arm pit for 10 years. There is a bright future for this team if they continue to play their cards right. Trading away youth for some "instant talent" is pointless because this team is nowhere near where it needs to be to truly compete in the AL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gun Of Bavaria Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Tejada must have heard ther interest by Dombrowski and decided to stay in Baltimore after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbn007 Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Tejada must have heard ther interest by Dombrowski and decided to stay in Baltimore after all. Since when is Detroit a town that does not attract anyone's interest?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gun Of Bavaria Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Since when is Detroit a town that does not attract anyone's interest?? 1994. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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