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As much as we hate to say this, the bottom line is that the A's should not
re-sign Miguel Tejada--at least not at the expected terms that Tejada's
agent will be demanding (rumored to be $10-to-12 million per year for at
least 8 years).
With any plans for a new stadium dead in the water, the A's simply cannot afford that kind of contract for a middle infielder when, long term (despite that shiny new league MVP trophy on his mantle), he may be only the team's fifth most valued player. Plus, history suggests Tejada will likely never win another MVP. So why pay him at a rate due a perennial MVP candidate? Tejada is just not that important to the success of the A's. It is starting pitching that makes the Oakland motor run. The primary mission for one Mr. Billy Beane is to fork over whatever dough is necessary to keep at least two of the A's Big Three. Next in line, behind the starting rotation, would most definitely be Eric Chavez. Chavez is a 50 HR season waiting to happen and is the type of player that can carry a team. Tejada, and this is by no means a slight, is simply not that type of player. Yes, we know he carried the A's for part of 2002. Derek Jeter once carried the Yankees. Tejada is fantastic. We at Bucketfoot love Tejada and hope he retires having never played a game for any franchise other the Oakland Athletics. But... Beane's dilemma this year will be the same one he had two years ago. Does he keep Miguel, push for a championship this year, and this time get nada in return (remember, you no longer get a draft pick when you loose a free-agent)? Or does he trade Miggy to some deep-pocketed (at least we can be pretty sure it won't be the Yankees) contender and make a playoff run with Mark Ellis? The 2004 season is less of a concern, as Bobby Crosby should be ready to take his place with the team. Recent history says that letting Tejada leave is the way to go, and that the A's will be just fine. The Seattle Mariners lost Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson and Alex Rodriguez; AND GOT BETTER. The A's lost Jason Giambi and won one more game last year than they did the previous season with him. Then again, the Red Sox haven't won a world title since selling that Ruth guy. The A's have done a good job of putting their money where they need to, in their young talent. Hopefully the day will come, very soon, were they can actually keep some of that talent.
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