BALTIMORE, Maryland (AFP) — All-star shortstop Miguel Tejada was traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Houston Astros in a five-player deal on Wednesday.
In dealing Tejada, the Orioles freed themselves from the remaining two years and 32 million dollars on the four-time all-star's existing contract.
"We've added a run-producing, All-Star shortstop who will be an absolute force in the middle of our lineup," Astros general manager Ed Wade said.
The subject of numerous trade rumours over the last two years, Tejada has seen his offensive production dip since 2004 - his first season with the Orioles.
"With the exception of some time missed in 2007, Miguel has been someone who plays hard for every single inning of every single game," Wade said.
"Placing (Tejada) in our lineup solidifies the offence and gives us a very tough batting order."
The Orioles acquired outfielder Luke Scott, righthanders Matt Albers and Dennis Sarfate, lefthander Troy Patton and minor-league third baseman Mike Costanzo.
"I don't think it's ever an easy thing to trade away a player of Miguel's stature," Baltimore president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail told MLB.com. "It clearly signals a change."
Tejada, 30, batted .296 last season, finishing with just 18 home runs and 81 RBI - his lowest totals since an 11-homer, 45-RBI campaign in 1998 with the Oakland Athletics.
Tejada is a career .287 hitter with 258 homers and 1,033 RBI in 11 seasons with the Orioles and A's.
The Dominican native won the American League MVP in 2002, when he matched a career high with 31 homers.
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