Tejada Upset With Orioles' Lack of Action

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - Disgruntled shortstop Miguel Tejada is "more upset" with the Baltimore Orioles because they haven't gotten stronger in the offseason than with the team not fulfilling his trade request.



"Now, I am more upset than when I requested the trade because it's been a month and they haven't done anything," Tejada told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Tejada, who is entering the third year of a $72 million, six-year contract, said three weeks ago that he wanted a "change of scenery."

On Thursday, the disgruntled All-Star said he was upset by the Orioles' failure to make trades that would strengthen the team.

"I don't want to say anything bad that can hurt my teammates, but look at Toronto, they have strengthened themselves and we haven't done anything," said Tejada, who hit .305 last season with 26 homers and 98 RBIs.

The Orioles and free agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz agreed on a two-year contract Wednesday, pending the results of a physical, a team source told the AP. The team will pay the former Chicago Cubs right fielder between $10 million and $12 million. The 36-year-old Burnitz hit .258 with 24 homers and 87 RBIs with the Cubs last season.

Baltimore also reached a preliminary agreement with free agent Jeff Conine on a $1.7 million, one-year contract. Conine, who played in Baltimore from 1999-03, needs to pass a physical for the deal to be finalized.

Tejada noted that division rivals New York and Toronto made moves to improve. The Yankees acquired outfielder Johnny Damon and the Blue Jays signed closer B.J. Ryan, starting pitcher A.J. Burnett and shortstop Troy Glaus.

"If the Orioles don't do anything, I want them to trade me because I am tired of losing," Tejada said before a winter league game.

If he isn't traded by the Orioles, Tejada said he would "respect the game as I have always done."

"I am not asking for a team of superstars, I only want a good group that helps me to win," he said.

Tejada also responded to comments made by former teammate Rafael Palmeiro, who tested positive for steroids.

Palmeiro has said Tejada gave him vitamin B-12 earlier this year, and suggested it might have been tainted with performance-enhancing drugs.

"Everyone knows that vitamin B-12 doesn't do anything bad," Tejada said. "I am not upset with Palmeiro, but enough speaking about that already," he said.