Miguel Tejada Rejoins Orioles

The Orioles today announced that they have signed free agent INF MIGUEL TEJADA to a one-year contract for 2010. The six-time All-Star rejoins his former team, for whom he batted .311 with 102 home runs and 429 RBI in 619 games over four seasons from 2004-2007. Traded by the Orioles to Houston on December 12, 2007 in exchange for RHP MATT ALBERS, INF MICHAEL COSTANZO, LHP TROY PATTON, RHP DENNIS SARFATE and OF LUKE SCOTT, Tejada spent the last two years with the Astros. Last season, he led the National League in doubles (46), was second in hits (199) and tied for second in at-bats (635) and multi-hit games (57). His .313 average led Houston and was the second-highest single-season average of his career behind his .330 average for the Orioles in 2006. Tejada was also named to his sixth All-Star team and finished the 2009 season with a 21-game hitting streak, the second-longest of his career. Over the past 10 seasons since 2000, Tejada has played in 1,581 games, most among major league players during that time. He also ranks third in hits (1,860) and fourth in RBI (1,046) over that span. Among Orioles all-time franchise leaders, Tejada is second in career average (.311) and ranks fifth in career slugging percentage (.501). He was a three-time All-Star and two-time Most Valuable Oriole (2004 and 2006) and Silver Slugger Award winner (2004 and 2005) during his previous stint with Baltimore. A corresponding roster move to make room for Tejada on the 40-man roster will be announced at a later time.