Astros Trade Big, Pick Up Miguel Tejada

The revamping of the Astros roster is starting to look more and more like an episode of Extreme Makeover. Today, the Astros announced that they've reached an agreement with the Baltimore Orioles for former MVP shortstop Miguel Tejada in exchange for (deep breath): Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate, and Lou Costanzo. Patton, Sarfate, and Albers are all young pitchers with some major league experience; Patton was the Astros' most experienced and highest-rated pitching prospect. Costanzo is the third base prospect acquired in the Brad Lidge trade, and Scott is the odd man out in the crowded Astros outfield.

Also announced today was the team's decision to non-tender current starting shortstop Adam Everett. Everett, a Gold Glove-caliber defender who was a liability at the plate, has been a subject of concern within the Astros organization after he broke his leg during a collision with Carlos Lee during the season. Everett had noticably lost a step after the injury, and if his defensive mobility is reduced, his utility to the team is lessened.

Tejada will unquestionably be an offensive upgrade from Everett. In an injury plagued "off year" Tejada hit .296 with 18 homers and 81 RBI as the main run producer for a lethargic Baltimore team, at a home stadium not nearly so inviting as the Juice Box (where he won the 2004 Home Run Derby, as shown here). He did have some conflicts with Orioles management after signing as a free agent, having made a name for himself with the Oakland A's; hopefully he'll leave that baggage in Balmer. It's anticipated that he'll hit third, giving the Astros a veriatable Murderer's Row of Tejada, Berkman, Lee, and Pence. With speed at the top of the lineup (Michael Bourn & Kaz Matsui), the sluggers in the middle should have a lot to work with.

This trade will definitley be controversial. The Astros have now gutted their farm system of some top young arms, dealt one of their best chips (Scott), and now only have Chris Burke for trade bait, and still no definite #2 starter. The free agent market is thin, and Burke can't be counted on to return a top-tier arm. They also lose a fan favorite in Everett, who was (at his defensive best) like poetry in motion at short. Like it or not, most of the final pieces are in place for the 2008 Astros. Come April, we'll see what this baby can really do.