Orioles seek to soothe disgruntled Tejada

[Pierzynski 12]

There is still some question, however, whether Tejada will be a part of the team's quest to become a contender.

Frustrated over the team's failure to add quality talent during the offseason, the Orioles' shortstop said last week he would like to be traded. Baltimore has since received several trade offers, but executive vice president Mike Flanagan said Sunday the team wants to hold onto Tejada, who last year hit .305 with 26 homers and 98 RBIs for the fourth-place Orioles.

 

And Sunday, Tejada denied ever requesting a trade.

 

"I never said I wanted to be traded," Tejada said in an interview with Comcast SportsNet. "I said I want to see a better team. I don't want to keep losing like we have the past two years. Look at the division we're in. It's not easy to win without pitching. I'm not saying I don't like the team or the city. If they trade me, I don't want people to think I just want to go to a winning team.

 

"I just want the organization to do something, go get pitching. If they don't, they're telling me they don't want to win. I don't want to take anything away from the pitchers we have. But we need more. We need an ace. I think they've got to make some moves. That's why I'm upset. I hope the fans won't be mad at me. But I think me speaking up might actually help the team get better."

 

Flanagan spent much of the weekend talking with Tejada and his representatives, Diego Bentz and Fernando Cuza.

 

"We had long conversations with Tejada and his agents," Flanagan said. "What came out of it was the sentiment that Miguel wants to play for a winner. Our goal is the same. We want to be a winner."

 

Flanagan would not comment on rumors that the Boston Red Sox have offered left fielder Manny Ramirez for Tejada.

 

"I can't say if we're involved in trade discussions involving Tejada or any other player," Flanagan said.

 

Tejada was signed to a six-year, $72 million contract before the 2004 season. He quickly assumed the role of team leader, and although he did not appear to play with his usual enthusiasm toward the end of last season, he never spoke of his frustration until last week during a phone conversation with a reporter for The Associated Press.

 

"I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," he said. "I've done many things with this team and I haven't seen results, and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club."

 

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