Olney: Tejada, Piazza Put On Waivers

ESPN’s Buster Olney has some waiver activity for us this evening.  Keep in mind that many, many players are put on waivers; there’s no risk for a team in doing so.

Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada was placed on waivers, and the White Sox made a claim.  Olney simply says that the two sides "did not work out a deal," but doesn’t say whether they negotiated.  The Sox have had their eye on Tejada for a while; they had talks with the Orioles about him back in December of 2005.  Olney says the Orioles will now keep Tejada for at least the rest of the season.  There’s no real rush for the Orioles; they can get more teams involved during the winter meetings.

Tejada makes another $3.85MM this year plus $13MM in each of the 2008 and 2009 seasons.  He’s also owed $4MM in signing bonus money spread over those last two seasons.  So, $33.85MM for 2.32 seasons.  That’s an average annual value of about $14.6MM.  He’d certainly create some much-needed excitement on the south side of Chicago.

Olney also adds that Mike Piazza passed through waivers without being claimed.  Any team in baseball could’ve had Piazza if willing to pay the remaining $2.6MM on his contract.  Instead, the A’s will try to work out a trade and would most likely have to assume some of Piazza’s salary.  The Twins, Angels, and Mariners seem to be the main possibilities.