A Shortstop At Third Base

Before I offer my analysis of the Jeter versus Ripken debate, I want to offer my opinion of another famous shortstop. I came upon a story earlier this week concerning former Orioles’ shortstop Miguel Tejada. According to the Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-sp.orioles19jan19,0,7347196.story), the Baltimore Orioles are considering Tejada among their options to fill their current void at third base. While I am intrigued by the idea of the Orioles bringing back a former player, I wonder if this is the right move for the team.

Unfortunately, when thinking about Tejada, my mind immediately goes to the thought of performance enhancing drugs. The Orioles were hammered throughout the early phases of steroid saga (Rafael Palmeiro). I believe they narrowly escaped the brunt of further bad press by trading Tejada to the Houston Astros one day before he was named in the Mitchell Report – basically making the story the Astros’ problem. Eventually, Tejada pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about steroid use.

The Orioles were fortunate to trade him when they did. It would appear that either Tejada’s use of steroids or his advanced age had an impact on his power numbers. In his final year with the Orioles (2007) and in his two years with the Astros (2008, 2009), Tejada averaged 15 home runs per year. Prior to that (from 2000 – 2006), Tejada averaged 29 home runs per year and never hit fewer than 24 home runs (which was in 2006).

Despite his recent power struggles, Tejada did have a decent 2009 campaign. Although his home run numbers may not return, Tejada did prove to still have the ability to get extra-base hits. He finished the year with a .313 batting average and four doubles short of his career high at 46. Clearly, he can still play the game of baseball at a high level.

For the Orioles, the questions remain about whether or not he is a good choice for their team. They dodged a bullet in 2007. Is it a good idea to bring in a player like him onto a young team? What if another unflattering story comes out about him during the next year? The distraction that comes with steroids casts a dark shadow over a player and a team. I don’t believe that is what the Orioles want or need at this point.