Trade Recap- Miguel Tejada ready to launch in Houston

The News

Miguel Tejada got an early Christmas gift on Wednesday, learning he was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Houston Astros for five players. The Astros look to add a boost to their lineup by trading outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate and third baseman Michael Costanzo in exchange for the 2002 MVP Miguel Tejada. It was two years ago that Tejada first caused a stir in Baltimore by questioning the direction of the organization and requesting a trade. Despite backing off his comments it was well known Tejada wanted to be traded to a contender. Tejada is a four time all- star with career highs of 34 home runs, 151 RBI's and a .330 batting average. The Baltimore Orioles coming off a 69-93 season are looking to fill a lot of holes and by adding multiple players they hope to re- build for the future. Luke Scott, 29, hit .255 with 18 homers and 64 RBIs as Houston's regular right fielder. Matt Albers, a 24-year-old righty, went 4-11 with a 5.86 ERA he filled in last season as a reliever and as a starter later in the season. Tyler Patton, a 22-year-old lefty, with a lot of hype made his major league debut this season, but is currently recovering for a shoulder injury. Dennis Sarfate, a 26-year-old righty, was 1-0 in seven relief appearances. Michael Costanzo, 24, was acquired from Philadelphia in the deal that also brought Bourn. He hit 27 home runs in Double-A this season. The Orioles will assign him to the minors.

Fantasy Outlook

I expect this trade to revive Miguel Tejada a little, even though he already was playing in a hitters park at Camden, Houston has always been known as a launching pad. In Houston Tejada will likely bat third in a lineup featuring newly acquired speedster Michael Bourn, Kaz Matsui, Tejada, Berkman, Lee, Pence and rookie catcher J.R Towles. Houston figures to finally break out of its offensive struggles of the past few seasons and look to have finally brought Berkman some help and protection. Unfortunately Houston has not done the same for Ace Roy Oswalt as the market for pitching has become a bidding war. Miguel Tejada has always been a good contact hitter and I expect him to hit around .300 with 25 home runs and a return to 100 RBI's in his first season in Houston. With the new found depth at shortstop Tejada is no longer a top 5 option, but this season he should come at a bargain for the possible production he could provide. The other end of the deal is hardly intriguing. Luke Scott figures to start in right field with Jay Payton possibly filling the DH role. Scott could provide a nice boost as an extra outfield as he does figure to get at least 500 at bats and could produce 20-25 home runs for power hungry managers. Beyond Scott there isn't much fantasy impact, Matt Albers is a two- pitch pitcher who won't be greeted kindly in the rough AL East. Tyler Patton is still recovering from a shoulder injury and it is unknown how he will come back, either way he is a #4 pitcher at best. Dennis Sarfate will join the Orioles middle relief and Michael Costanzo will be assigned to the minors and isn't a sure bet to ever make the major league club.