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O's trade Tejada to Astros — Team gets OF Scott, pitchers Albers, Patton, Sarfate, 3B Costanzo in return — Two years after he first suggested that he'd benefit from a change of scenery, Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada finally got his wish as he was traded to the Houston Astros today …
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You're going to love Miguel Tejada. This trade? Not so fast. — Miguel Tejada is an impact player in every sense of the word. He's a terrific clutch hitter and may hit 50 home runs playing half his games at Minute Maid Park. His arm is tremendous, and he plays with a flair you're going to love.

Astros part ways with Everett — Longtime Houston shortstop becomes free agent — HOUSTON — Adam Everett has been hearing Miguel Tejada's name floating around Houston for the better part of 18 months, and understandably, he was hoping the Astros' interest in the Orioles star would never blossom into a done deal.
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Al's Ramblings

Cubs part ways with Prior — A Cubs career than began with a bang ended with a whimper Wednesday night for one-time ace Mark Prior. — Two hours before the 11 p.m. deadline to offer arbitration to eligible players, general manager Jim Hendry non-tendered Prior, allowing him to leave via free agency at age 27.
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Cubs non-tender Prior — CHICAGO — The Cubs and Mark Prior have parted ways. — The Cubs opted to not tender a contract to the right-handed pitcher by Wednesday's 11 p.m. CT deadline, and he is now a free agent. — The Cubs would've preferred to non-tender Prior and re-sign him for less …

Giants ink Rowand: 5 years, $60 million — Rowand Agrees to 5-Year Deal with Gaints — SAN FRANCISCO — Aaron Rowand wanted some long-term stability for his family. The San Francisco Giants wanted the same thing in center field. — Rowand agreed to a $60 million …
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Texas Rangers acquire 1B Broussard from Mariners — egrant@dallasnews.com — The Rangers apparently solved their first base dilemma late Wednesday by acquiring the player they had coveted, Ben Broussard, from Seattle for minor league infielder Tug Hulett.
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BBTF's Baseball Primer …
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Ben Broussard traded to Texas — The Mariners shipped Ben Broussard off to the Texas Rangers within the past hour, receiving minor league infielder Tug Hulett in return. Hulett spent last season in Class AAA at age 24, playing second base as his primary position despite also seeing action at third base as a minor leaguer.

Vizcaino close with Rockies, Pirates — LIKE THIS STORY? — Free-agent reliever Luis Vizcaino is close to signing with either the Pirates or Rockies, according to major-league sources. — Vizcaino, 33, is expected to receive a multi-year deal after rejecting a one-year contract through salary arbitration with the Yankees.

Sources: Floyd, Rays could have deal in place by weekend … The Tampa Bay Rays are in serious discussions with free-agent outfielder Cliff Floyd and could have an agreement in place by the weekend, baseball sources told ESPN.com. — The Rays have been looking for a bat …

Padres, Pirates deep in trade talks about OF Bay … Frustrated in their attempts to land outfielders this offseason, the San Diego Padres are deep into discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates about a multiplayer deal that would be centered around All-Star outfielder Jason Bay.
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Padres and Pirates — The Padres and Pirates have done a lot …
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MLB Trade Rumors


Willie Randolph says Mets not giving up on Johan Santana or Erik Bedard — Willie Randolph insisted Tuesday that he is not giving up on landing Johan Santana or Erik Bedard, even though Mets GM Omar Minaya continues to prepare fans for a ho-hum winter by talking up Oliver Perez and John Maine.
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Mets sign three to Minors deals — Team invites two catchers, right-hander to Spring Training — NEW YORK — The Mets signed catchers Raul Casanova and Gustavo Molina and right-hander Nate Field to Minor League contracts on Wednesday, inviting each to big league Spring Training camp.
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Mets Merized Online

Beltran is baseball's tenth highest-paid player — Here's an AP-tabulated list of the highest-paid players in baseball. Carlos Beltran checks in at No. 10. — Player, Club Years Avg. Salary — Alex Rodriguez, NYY 2008-17 $27,500,000 — Manny Ramirez, Bos 2001-08 $20,000,000