The Padres have scored fewer runs than any winning team in the major leagues, so their need for offense is clear. Reports have connected the Padres to a number of outfielders, but they also have interest in Miguel Tejada, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock (via Twitter).
The former AL MVP has a .275/.314/.372 line, for his lowest OPS since 1998. That's still better than the marks middle infielders David Eckstein and Jerry Hairston Jr. have posted, but not by much. Perhaps the Padres believe Tejada can hit like he did a year ago, when he posted a .795 OPS and made the NL All-Star team, or perhaps they view him as a capable backup.
Tejada is playing third in Baltimore, though he spent more than a decade as an everyday shortstop before the 2010 season. The Phillies have been linked to Tejada on and off, though their need for an infielder is less acute now that Placido Polanco is healthy.
Meanwhile, the Padres are not targeting Tejada's teammate, Jeremy Guthrie, according to Brock. The Padres have discussed Guthrie and would like to add pitching depth, but Brock's report suggests the team would prefer to add other starters.
The Padres have no need for Tejada. He plays in a band box and his numbers would drop substantially from his career lows if he moved to Petco. Hoyer is by no means stupid and understands park factors. This is misdirection at best by Hoyer and not the Padres true target.
I totally agree with you.
I agree, I think they should try to ask about Ryan Theriot even though he’d probably cost more.
I hate to sound liek an idiot but does this make sense to anyone? Maybe posturing maybe veteran depth?
The padres need some pop, theriot would do nothing for them.
Their MO is pitching, contact, and speed, how does that NOT fit with them?
I could see the Padres getting him, adding to their bench if they let Oscar Salazar go in attempt to spell Chase at third against lefties. Chase, (203 .269 .254 .523) against LHP this year and possibly (MAYBE) play at SS on occasion along with pinch hitting. However, if the idea is to play Tejada everyday at third, I think thats insane. Headley’s overall line, Avg .276 HR 7 RBI 33 Runs 54 SB 12. Tejada, Avg .275 HR 7 RBI 35 Runs 35 a push offensively (chemistry and base running ability aside) except Headley plays in the most pitchers friendly park in Baseball, not to mention Headley’s sporting a 12.3 UZR/150 in contrast with Tejada’s -5.7 UZR/150 and him not even playing a lick of SS this year.
I do not really see this unless the Padres plan on moving Chase in a blockbuster deal and that seems pretty remote.
Well put, the Padres have little room for Tejada on their team. When Heath Bell included him on his player wish list, I was confused… And i’m still confused.
Tejada isn’t worth the prospects he would cost, unless of course we are trading away one of our regulars. Which also seems unlikely as our infields trade value is not exactly high. Gonzo notwithstanding.
Tejada has played a solid third, better than many expected. His arm makes up for some fielding mistakes, but he charges and barehands the ball very well. His hitting? Well, no one is really hitting in that lineup, but Miggy does have 100 hits this year in 88 games, so he can put the ball in play.
I’m surprised that the Padres have no interest in Guthrie. That guy can win a Cy Young in that park, I’m telling you. His most recent start was great, he throws mid 90s with movement, isn’t afraid to pitch inside(The Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, and Rays have all complained about Guthrie busting them inside), takes the ball every turn and is a consummate pro. This guy really deserves to be on a winner and I think he makes any team that gets him that much better.
Guthrie was the pitcher at the top of my wish list… This is disheartening.
Guthrie should be the guy interested more than Tejada