It appears the Angels have given up on acquiring Miguel Cabrera and are now focused on Miguel Tejada. Sources are saying talks have not gotten to specifics, but it makes sense that they would turn to Tejada. But where does Brandon Wood fit in? Or Chone Figgins? It is possible they would play Wood at short, Figgins at third, and play Tejada at DH. That would keep the team together and give Wood a spot to shine. The Angels nearly acquired Tejada from the Orioles back in 2006 for Ervin Santana and Erik Aybar, but that deal fell through. The Orioles hope they can trade Tejada before the end of the off season and this seems like a perfect fit. The Orioles could get Ervin Santana, Howie Kendrick, Chris Bootcheck, and maybe Sean O'Sullivan and shed some cash to spend elsewhere while the Angels get the big bat they need. "We're dealing from a position of strength, and we're confident that we'll be able to get the bat that we're looking for," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said from his California home last night. I expect something to get done around the Winter Meetings in two weeks.
UPDATE: According to MLB Rumors Corresponent Tim Wallace, the Orioles have opened talks with shortstop Cesar Izturis suggesting that they are in talks with the Angels.