San Diego Padres Acquire Inielder Miguel Tejada from Baltimore Orioles

San Diego sports fans have come to expect a certain level of class when it comes to their teams, be it the Padres, Chargers or, well, the Padres and Chargers. Trade talks often cause anxiety as concerns rise over which beloved son will be let go. While the formula has resulted in exactly one AFL Championship for the city, San Diegans appear content with the traditional depth of character despite the resultant dearth of trophies.

Though piloted by a new General Manager, Jed Hoyer, the 2010 Padres appeared to be gliding toward the trade deadline in familiar, quiet fashion; a relief to Padre faithful as fan favorite Adrian Gonzalez is the teams most marketable, thus tradable commodity.

But the 2010 Padres are also winning, and with the best record in the National League, the addition of a big-name free agent could ensure a realistic pennant run. Big names require big sacrifices, however, and it seems only those living outside San Diego's borders, without an emotional investment in the current team, are in favor of the idea.

With headliners Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt finding new homes, and the Padres in no need of pitching anyway, all seemed smooth and secure. Then late Thursday it was announced the Pads made a move for Baltimore Orioles infielder Miguel Tejada. Reactions were mixed (see Anxiety, above), until it was understood Tejada's price tag is Double-A pitcher Wynn Pelzer, with whom San Diegans had yet to become accustomed or inconsolably attached.

Tejada is years removed from the All-Star he once was, but he is still a threat with a bat, and should provide some protection for Gonzalez and current third baseman Chase Headley. Tejada will reportedly get his first start tonight against the Florida Marlins, and no disrespect, but he won't have to do much to make fans forget the name Wynn Pelzer. Fresh from a series win against the unloved Los Angeles Dodgers, Padre fans will be in a welcoming mood. Should Tejada, or even whomever he is hitting behind, have a fair day at the plate, San Diego's courteous masses will joyfully embrace the new addition as one of their own.