Tejada isn't coming to the Cubs...

As much as I would like to see Tejada as a Cub, I just don't think it's going to happen. To begin with, Baltimore hasn't given any indication that they're at all inclined to trade him. All we know is that Miggy wants a trade. Big deal. Manny Ramirez has wanted a trade for the last three seasons and as of this writing, at least, he's still with the Red Sox.

And that brings me to the second point. I've heard repeatedly from folks in the blogosphere that the O's would never trade Tejada within their own division. But would they really be so hesitant to trade Tejada to a divisional rival if they received a comparable talent in return? Would they be so hesitant to trade Tejada, say, if they received Manny Ramirez in return? I don't think they'd be hesitant to make that move at all. Nor do I think the Red Sox would be hesitant to trade their own superstar to a divisional rival either.

In fact, news reports out of Boston indicate that the Red Sox have, in fact, made the offer to trade Ramirez to their divisional rival for Tejada:

The Red Sox called the Orioles yesterday and offered Manny Ramirez for shortstop Miguel Tejada, according to an American League source. However, it is way too early to know if the Red Sox or any other team will be able to pry the disgruntled superstar from Baltimore.

The Red Sox’ call came a day after they created a vacancy at shortstop by trading Edgar Renteria to Atlanta, a transaction followed shortly by Tejada’s announcement that he wanted to be traded from the Orioles because of their dim future.

Tejada also informed a source close to him that he welcomed a trade to the Red Sox, who have been trying to deal their own disenchanted superstar, Ramirez, since the season ended. With Tejada having four years and approximately $49 million remaining on his deal and Ramirez with three years and $57 million left, the stage would seem to be set for an epic swap.

“The Orioles will explore trading for Ramirez,” the source said. “It’s a logical move to make, but I don’t know how likely it is right now.”

The source indicated the Orioles would need the Sox to throw in a starter or reliever before the deal could be considered more seriously. Multiple teams contacted the Orioles yesterday and presented enough intriguing offers that even the prospect of Ramirez launching home runs at Camden Yards did not stand out.

“Some of the other teams match up as well as the Red Sox, which is why it doesn’t look likely,” said the source.

The only obstacle, in fact, that I would see, would be Manny - who may not want to play for the O's any more than Miggy does.

For Miggy to come to the Cubs, 1) the O's will have to indicate a willingness to trade him, 2) he will have to agree to a trade to the Cubs (and by all accounts he seems most interested in playing for the Red Sox), and 3) Hendry will have to put together a deal that the O's can't refuse.

I just don't see it happening.