Tejada slim possibility in Philly

November 10, 9:23 PMHouston Astros ExaminerStephen Goff

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Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada should generate significant interest on the free-agent market if Houston declines to offer him arbitration, and he could be on the Philadelphia Phillies radar if he's willing to move to third base. (AP Photo)

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., finds himself having a great problem this offseason -- upgrading the 2009 NLCS champions, who lost in six games to the New York Yankees in the World Series.

For several years, the Phillies were terrible, but managed to build a successful farm system with talented prospects such as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino.
 
When Philly won the 2008 World Series title, they earned the respect of everyone associated with Major League Baseball, and continues to rank among the top tier teams.

With the New York Mets struggling to rebuild their roster, along with Atlanta and Florida still looking to break out, the Phillies will enter the 2010 season as the favorite to win the NL East, and possibly return to its third consecutive World Series.

In order to be a World Series contender once again, Amaro recognizes the Phillies need to upgrade at third base and the bullpen. Closer Brad Lidge remains a major question mark after blowing 11 saves this season and having a major meltdown in Game 4 of the World Series. 

Although Lidge signed a three-year extension in July 2008, Amaro will likely take a strong look on the market to address the team's late-inning struggles, and could target Houston Astros closer Jose Valverde, who led the National League in saves from 2007-08. 

What about the third base position?

After declining Pedro Feliz's $5.5 million option for 2010, SI.com's Jon Heyman reports the Phillies still have interest in possibly bringing the 34-year-old third baseman back next season.

However, since the Phillies have established themselves as yearly World Series contenders, Amaro knows he can sign a standout third baseman on the free-agent market.

"There are going to be a lot of free agents, and I don't know how many teams are going to pounce on the third baseman," Amaro told the Philadelphia Daily News Monday. "I just think there are more players than there are seats this offseason. We feel like there are more third baseman available than there are third-base positions to be filled."

Among the free-agent third baseman being rumored in Philadelphia include Chone Figgins, Mark DeRosa, Adrian Beltre and Miguel Tejada. In the past, the Phillies have been interested in adding DeRosa, and would likely pursue him over Beltre.
 
The 31-year-old Figgins made the AL All-Star team for the first time in his career this season, and ranks as the top third baseman on the market after hitting .298 with five homers, 54 RBI and 42 stolen bases with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Then there's Tejada.

The six-time All-Star led the Astros in 2009 with a .313 batting average and 199 hits. Also, Tejada led the National League with 46 doubles, but no longer resembles the power hitter he once was with the Oakland A's and Baltimore Orioles. 

Unless he's willing to take a pay cut and move to third base next season, the Astros aren't expected to offer him arbitration, making Tejada an attractive free agent on the market.

It's being rumored that Oakland may strongly consider bringing Tejada back, but at the same time, the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals could make a strong pitch for the 35-year-old veteran shortstop.

If Tejada's willing to move to third base, he gives teams the option of playing him at both left-side infield positions next season. Still, Amaro likely prefers Figgins, DeRosa and Beltre over Tejada, who has yet to play third base in the majors.

Realistically, Tejada won't be wearing a Phillies uniform in 2010, but Amaro wants to upgrade the Phillies at the hot corner and will keep his eye on the 2002 AL MVP.