[Full Cougar]

Despite acknowledging the weight of his country's failure in the World Baseball Classic, All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada appeared refreshed Saturday and even embraced a willingness to move to third base if the Astros requested.
In the past, Tejada has chafed at any suggestion that he move from shortstop to third. But after playing third for the Dominican Republic's disappointing entry in the WBC, the four-time All-Star vowed to move to third if asked.



"Wherever they want me, I'll be there 100 percent," Tejada said. "If they want me to move to third, I'll do it. I just want to be here. I'm a free agent after this year, and the No. 1 thing for me is that I want to be here."
Aaron Boone and Geoff Blum are expected to platoon at third this season for the Astros, who also have third base prospect Chris Johnson close to the majors. For now, at least, Tejada is set for shortstop, a position where there isn't much quality depth in the organization.

[AstrosFanatic]

Houston needs to consider this, a lot. Tejada has already stepped it up in Spring Training, obviously trying to waive the whole steriod situation off his shoulder, and if the Astro's want to get this guy going, try him at 3rd base as we don't have tons of depth and Blum can fill his spot nicely, and he may even improve his numbers with a move like this. This may also finally make Houston dip into their bull - pen too, maybe picking up a SS and a 1st baseman.

Like, I really hope this team wants Tejada here as much as he does!

[Full Cougar]

Actually I think the manager said he had no intention of moving Tejada to 3rd and that there is enough depth at 3rd. He also said who would he put at shortstop if he moved Tejada. I think Tejeda played the hot corner a bit during the Baseball Classic which is why this even came up.

Going a bit off-topic here, what do you think the Astros chances of making the play-offs is?

[AstrosFanatic]

Originally Posted by Full Cougar

Actually I think the manager said he had no intention of moving Tejada to 3rd and that there is enough depth at 3rd. He also said who would he put at shortstop if he moved Tejada. I think Tejeda played the hot corner a bit during the Baseball Classic which is why this even came up.

Going a bit off-topic here, what do you think the Astros chances of making the play-offs is?

Yeah, I guess that's true. Like, I understand it was just a little thing that was brought up, but I wonder if Tejada likes it better at 3rd then at short - stop. I mean, I do agree the the Astro's have some weak depth at SS, but I know the 2nd guy on the depth chart (Blum...) is good and with Tejada there, he's going to be outshined once again.

I mean, do what the Rays did and dip into your bull - pen and pull out a SS, and let him relieve Blum now and then and leave Tejada at 3rd as even though it wouldn't mean tons to him, it would get production out of more guys, which is exactly what they need...

I think there is a good 45% chance that Houston could make the playoffs. I do expect them to improve hugely this season, but I don't know if they can beat the other teams in the conference out. Ask me again after maybe, the first 5 - 6 games and I'll have a better answer!

[Full Cougar]

I think the whole thing was for Tejada to show he could be versatile and willing to try other positions. There is no real need for him to switch.

I actually think they do have a shot. They came in 3rd in the NL Central but the 2nd place team made the wild card. I think if they can beat out the Brewers they have a legitimate shot.

[AstrosFanatic]

Originally Posted by Full Cougar

I think the whole thing was for Tejada to show he could be versatile and willing to try other positions. There is no real need for him to switch.

I actually think they do have a shot. They came in 3rd in the NL Central but the 2nd place team made the wild card. I think if they can beat out the Brewers they have a legitimate shot.

Yes, but those Brewers scared me last year and still scare me. They're just one of those teams who love being the underdogs, and they got pretty far as the underdog last year. And to be honest, looking at both teams throughout the offseason, Milwaukee got better an Houston stayed pretty much exactly where they were. (they may have even dropped a little bit!)

Like all I'm trying to say is it's easier said than done beating the Brew Crew and that goes espiecally to the Astro's...

[Full Cougar]

One big trade or one big pick-up could set them for the season.

[AstrosFanatic]

Originally Posted by Full Cougar

One big trade or one big pick-up could set them for the season.

Oh yeah, it could turn this season around but GM Wade doesn't have enough balls to do invest on anyone young, or doing anything that provides any risk. Like this team is ready for a shake up, but than Wade on the other side is that angel who is too nice, and is never agressive enough. They did just pick up Ivan Rodriguez, and he is a 13 golden glove catcher, but it still tee's me off a little.

Like, the guy is 37 years old! I mean, yeah, he has a deep history but don't you want to build a team like Houston up long term? Uh, this team makes me tear my hair out!