Santa Comes Early For Tejada - Tejada Trade Starts Rejuvination Of Orioles

Tejada may be saying goodbye to Baltimore, however, Tejada does not seem to be to upset about it.

It has been well documented that Tejada has been unhappy as the Orioles continued to lose.

ESPN News reported that Tejada was quoted as saying, "I'm very happy - very happy. It's the biggest gift Santa Clause will give me."

The Houston Astros were eager to gain some extra fire-power in their line-up and with the free agents dwindling were too eager in handing over handful of good young players for the 31 year old shortstop.

Tejada has been said to be losing some of his range, maybe better suited as a third-baseman and last season was one of his worst offensive seasons in his career.

The Astros however gave up 29 year old outfielder Luke Scott, 24 year old RHSP Matt Albers, 22 year old LHSP Troy Patton, 26 year old RHRP Dennis Sarfate, and 24 year old third baseman Michael Costanzo.

While it seems that the Astros gave up too much for Tejada, they gained a player that they feel will help them in their quest to get back to the playoffs and helped the Orioles re-stock their young players, but that may just be the beginning.

The Orioles are said to be shopping 29 year old lefty, Erik Bedard who will probably fetch three or four extremely good young talents, either close to or maybe already major league ready.

Not to mention that other veterans, notably 35 year old third baseman and utility player, Melvin Mora may also be on the market and according to ESPN Insider, the Orioles are listening to offers for 30 year old Brian Roberts.

The Orioles already have some extremely talented young players and just keep adding to them.

It seems that the Orioles are ridding themselves of some inflated contracts for a lot of young talent that can help them in the future.

It doesn't seem that the O's will be a competitive team in the near future, however, if these players that they are trading for and those that they already have turn out to be the players they expect them to be, the Orioles can return to the glory days of being playoff contenders as well being a team to reckon with for years to come.