Here's a resolution for Miguel Tejada -- shut up!

	Tejada should have known what he was getting into when he signed with the O's. Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Miguel Tejada is spending the final days of 2005 in his native Dominican Republic, dabbling in some winter ball for the Aguilas Cibaenas and getting ready to play for his country in the World Baseball Classic in March.

On the off chance that the Orioles shortstop's busy offseason has left him little time to brainstorm New Year's resolutions, we're here to help. When the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, the first words out of Tejada's mouth should be, "Resolved: I will keep my mouth shut for the rest of 2006."

On Thursday, Tejada reiterated the trade demand he leveled at the Orioles a few weeks ago, telling an Associated Press reporter that, "I am more upset than when I requested the trade because it's been a month and they haven't done anything."

It was an unfortunate remark for several reasons.

First, after blindsiding the Orioles with his request during the winter meetings, Tejada had seemed to soften his stance, especially after Baltimore signed free-agent catcher and Tejada homeboy Ramon Hernandez. Now the former AL MVP doesn't just sound disgruntled. He sounds bipolar.

Second, the Orioles are trying to improve, as the signings of Hernandez and outfielder Jeromy Burnitz show. Those may be misguided attempts, but the O's aren't exactly Marlinizing their roster either. You were spoiled by your years in Oakland, Miggy, but don't be fooled by the nonchalance with which Billy Beane builds his teams. Crafting a contender isn't that easy.

Third, the Orioles don't appear to be in any hurry to trade him. They've explored a few deals -- the names Manny Ramirez and Mark Prior keep popping up -- but seem to have worked just as hard to get their angry star to back off his trade demand.

And fourth, and most important, there's the small matter of the six-year, $72 million contract Tejada signed before the 2004 season. He knew what he was getting into when he took that deal: The O's had had six straight losing seasons and weren't on the verge of contending anytime soon.

Baltimore signed Tejada to be someone they could build around, not someone who would torpedo their efforts when things took a while to develop. So keep quiet, Miguel: The Orioles, who have been in an organizational tailspin for nearly a decade, have enough problems without your griping. You happily joined this dysfunctional family when they were offering millions two years ago. Take one of your B-12 shots. Honor your contract. And if the O's are still treading water in 2008, we'll listen to your complaints then.