Star shortstop in shape, on time for new-look O's

	A slimmer, trimmer Miguel Tejada looks to improve his defense and be more of a threat on the bases. AP

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Over the winter Orioles executives asked star shortstop Miguel Tejada for help in smoothing over problems concerning some of his teammates. And each time, Tejada's prompt response was: "I'm going to help you with everybody.''

Tejada started his Oriole aid the moment he arrived in camp early Monday, merely by pledging a new allegiance to the organization that's been slumping for close to a decade. Tejada said he rededicated himself to fitness this winter, and one scout who saw him play in the Caribbean World Series said he did indeed look quicker and thinner, just months after there were whispers he'd lost a step, or two. He also rededicated himself to his team.

"I'm happy to be here,'' Tejada declared. "I'm happy to be with the Orioles."

This has to be refreshing news to the Orioles, who spent $79 million on seven free agents in hopes of getting better (and also pleasing their best player, who wanted out a year ago). Tejada apparently is starting to see the light at the end of the Fort McHenry Tunnel. Not only that, but when quizzed whether he believes his team can make the playoffs, despite being stuck in the division with the powerful Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays, Tejada didn't hesitate.

"Yeah, we can,'' he said. "You don't have to have nine superstars. You have to have nine guys who believe. You have to have nine guys who have hunger."

The Orioles didn't make the headline-grabbing moves this winter, but they attacked their weaknesses as well as anyone, improving their bullpen and enhancing their outfield, lineup and depth, four big areas of need, for just a few dollars more than it took to sign Tejada alone three winters ago (his deal is for $72 million for six years). A year ago they were forced to use minor-league shortstop Brandon Fahey as their left fielder for stretches, but by adding Jay Payton and Aubrey Huff to their outfield-first base-DH mix, that shouldn't have to happen again. The bullpen has four new faces (Jamie Walker, Danys Baez, Chad Bradford and Scott Williamson) that cost a combined $42.4 million. Orioles VP Jim Duquette said, "If you're in that clubhouse and you don't think this team is vastly different and vastly improved, you're crazy."

The biggest improvement may be in Tejada himself. This time there wasn't a hint of the discontent that led him to ask the Orioles to trade him a year ago. It's uncertain whether Orioles owner Peter Angelos could bring himself to part with his biggest star, anyway, so at least it'll be something of a time saver now that they both appear to be on the same page. (Folks around baseball couldn't believe Angelos killed a superb and sensible deal that would have sent Tejada to the Angels for vaunted young pitcher Ervin Santana and shortstop prospect Erick Aybar. Astros owner Drayton McLane appears to be the one who nixed the trade that would have sent Tejada to Houston, star pitcher Roy Oswalt to the Mets, and a package of youngsters to Baltimore, including Lastings Milledge.)

As it turns out, the Orioles get to keep a new and improved Tejada. Upon arriving Monday, Tejada said he might not hit as many home runs this year but will steal more bases "because that's my game." In the past it's also been his game to lead and set a tone, and he started doing that from the moment he got here.