Cardinals reportedly interested in Tejada

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post Dispatch has reported that the Cardinals are supposedly interested in the idea of adding Houston Astro's shortstop Miguel Tejada to bolster the lineup. There are opinions on whether he would play shortstop or third (he has never played a single inning at any position other than SS in his career), or if he is willing to play a different position at all.

There are some concerns as to whether this deal would ever actually go through, as the Astros have a history of unwillingness to give up on a season and unload. It seems to me that they believe they can contend and do not want to concede the season, especially considering their strong finish last year. The other is Tejada's willingness to play third base, as he has a history of not wanting to switch positions (during his tenure in Baltimore). This is in spite of the fact that defensively, he is likely one of the worst regulars at shortstop in baseball.

I personally would not be excited about adding Tejada. Houston will likely command more for him than what he is worth and adding him will make us worse defensively, and he really doesn't put much fear in opposing pitchers. Yeah, he is leading the NL in batting average, but he has drawn a total of 6 walks all season and his power is a far cry from what it once was (granted he is a doubles machine with an NL-leading 21).

Going after Mark DeRosa or even the struggling Garret Atkins makes more sense to me, especially if Atkins can be had at a bargain. I would imagine that Tejada and DeRosa would require a similar package to acquire, while DeRosa adds much more to the team with his ability to play multiple positions effectively and his homerun power. As for Atkins, his numbers have been uncharacteristically bad this year, but if he can be had for cheap, he might be worth the risk in my opinion.

I have faith that the Cardinals will make a move for a bat in due time, I just hope it isn't for Tejada. I would much rather see us pick up somebody to play third base, rather than shortstop or outfield ( such as Matt Holiday). I expect nothing out of Khalil Greene for the remainder of the season, but I think Brendan Ryan can be serviceable there. Instead, I would rather find a replacement for the underwhelming Thurston/Barden/T.Greene platoon at third.



Source:
Cardinals interested in Tejada?
Tejada at 3B for Cards?