Tejada Enjoying Early Success

Since last week, Miguel Tejada's age jumped to 33 from 31 when he admitted he lied about his age when he was 19 so he could improve his chances of playing big league baseball. But the age change doesn't seem to be affecting him; he's playing like he's a rookie with fire and something to prove. The newest Astro shortstop is punishing the National League with a .360 AVG and 19 RBI and his defense as been quite a pleasant surprise.

There's also something else the Dominican native brings to this team besides a big bat; leadership and a passion for the game. This guy is hustling, sliding, clapping and taking charge like he's playing in the World Series. He brings a breath of fresh air to Minute Maid Park. Something we haven't seen in a long time. Since Jose Lima.

When we had players like Beltran, Kent, Bagwell and Biggio back in '04, they all had the same personalities. They were quiet and didn't show a lot of emotion. They just did their job, patted you on the back and went about the game. You don't get that with Tejada. You see his emotion when he scores or makes a big play on the field. The Astros need that. Hunter Pence and Jose Valverde have that emotion too. They wear their emotions on their sleeves. It's good for the game. It's good for Astros fans to see and enjoy.

Some fans might of questioned the move of general manager Ed Wade for trading five players for Tejada, but this Houstonist writer loved it from the get-go and is looking forward to the summer at Minute Maid Park with No. 10 at shortstop.

Photo courtesy of Astros.com