O's reject Angels' offer of Santana, Aybar for Tejada

	Miguel Tejada is in the third season of a six-year deal worth $72 million. Chuck Solomon/SI

The Orioles have rejected the Angels' seemingly compelling offer of top young pitcher Ervin Santana and shortstop prospect Erick Aybar for superstar shortstop Miguel Tejada, SI.com has learned.

And while Baltimore remains engaged in trade talks with the Astros and Rangers, the Angels appear out of the hunt and the chances for any trade involving Tejada are diminishing.

The Rangers are offering third baseman Hank Blalock and pitching prospects to Baltimore but it isn't clear yet whether Texas has agreed to relinquish either of its top two prospects -- Thomas Diamond or John Danks.

The Astros are dangling closer Brad Lidge and third baseman Morgan Ensberg in talks with Baltimore, but the sides appear to be still haggling over a third player.

The Orioles had been fielding offers for their franchise player and twice appeared to be close to a deal before owner Peter Angelos rejected the proposals. The 4 p.m. Monday trade deadline is fast approaching.

Even if the Orioles change their minds on Los Angeles' offer, the window may have closed on that deal. After Baltimore's rejection, Tejada told the Baltimore-Washington press he was reluctant to switch to third base from shortstop. The Angels have no intention of moving their current shortstop, Orlando Cabrera.

Houston and Texas, however, appear not to be deterred by Tejada's public remarks. Both the Astros and Angels thought they were close to acquiring Tejada, only to have their proposals rejected late in the game. Both rejections came after Orioles brass said they'd "take the offers to ownership.''

Opposing executives praised the Angels' proposal, with one even calling it a "great offer the Orioles should take.'' But apparently, Angelos, who loves star players, felt otherwise.

The Angels have turned their attention to star outfielder Alfonso Soriano of the Nationals but are unwilling to offer a player like Santana for Soriano, who amounts to a nine-week rental. The Angels still could have several superb young players who could entice Washington, which especially seeks pitching.

Prospects such as pitchers Joe Saunders, Chris Bootcheck and Nick Adenhart and first baseman Kendry Morales could interest Washington.

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