Dominos

Word is that the Mariners have offered Miguel Tejada a three year 25M dollar deal. So, aside from the fact that Tejada is not returning to Oakland, what does this mean? For one, it means that the M’s must feel like they are out of the Kaz Matsui sweepstakes. If that’s the case (coupled with NYY’s new deal with Aaron Boone) it means Matsui is likely to go to either LA, Anaheim, or NYM. Of the three, LA is the most likely bet because a move to LA would not require Kaz to switch positions. The NYY and NYM already have shortstops and would ask Kaz to switch to second base. Another reason NYY is likely out is that with Sheffield coming to NYY the outfield is full and Alfonso Soriano will have to stay at second. Also, LA has a large Japanese population and two Japanese players on the Major League roster. If Kaz goes to LA it may push Anaheim to step up their pursuit of Nomar, which could help Boston trade Manny for A-rod.

In short (no pun intended), Tejada to Seattle could mean Kaz to LA, Nomar to Anaheim, A-rod to Boston, and Oakland rookie Bobby Crosby trying to stay out of the shadows of the Big 5. Fans in the O can only hope that the idea of Tejada staying in the division will irk A’s owner Steve Schott more than Giambi and Damon going east, or Izzy going to the NL. Still, the chances of keeping Tejada in Oakland seem slim.