Sorry it's been a few days, but I've been sick with a stomach virus. The biggest news in my world over the past few days has been the declaration by Miguel Tejada that he wants out of Baltimore. From Orioles Hangout:

When the Orioles heard that Miguel Tejada told a reporter that he wanted out of Baltimore they assumed that he was taken out of context or speaking out of frustration. But then a day went by without Tejada backing out and without him returning calls from executive vice president of baseball operations Mike Flanagan or manager Sam Perlozzo. Then, according to published, Flanagan and vice president of baseball operations Jim Duquette spoke to Tejada's agents Fernando Cuza and Diego Bentz yesterday and neither backed down from the trade demand. Third baseman Melvin Mora said he spoke to Tejada and that he wanted to be traded unless the front office improves. He told Mora said that the signing of Ramon Hernandez (one of Tejada's best friends and God parent to one of his children) wasn't enough and pointed to the moves made by the Blue Jays. Owner Peter Angelos countered in the Washington Post, pointing out how BJ Ryan got $47 million over five years as a closer when he has just closed one year and $55 million over five years to AJ Burnett who has never won over 12 games in a season. Meanwhile, team's are lining up to speak to the Orioles about Tejada and they are considering trades. The one receiving the most media interest is Tejada to Boston for Manny Ramirez. Angelos said he wouldn't be fond of taking on the $60 million left over three-years on Ramirez's contract, but didn't say he'd reject the trade. Baltimore doesn't necessarily want to trade him within the division, and will find it hard enough for someone to take the $60 million owed to him over the next four years. Of course, they also don't necessarily want to trade him and would like to convince him to stay.

I certainly can't blame him, but it shows volumes about the O's when our unquestioned leader asked to be traded. I was under the impression that Miggy was one of the few elements holding this team together; now the whole organization is up in the air. I don't think we should trade him, I know that's what he wants but he's too valuable to get rid of, even for Manny. Angelos really has some problems right now and I have no idea how he's planning on rectifying the situation.