During his latest forum, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail reminded fans that he can't confirm any contract agreements until the player passes his physical. But he did his best to get the message across about Miguel Tejada. He wasn't going to issue any denials. Everyone knows the deal is done. And the crowd broke out in applause as MacPhail dropped more hints. "All I know is Dave (Trembley) has been smiling since I talked to him this morning," MacPhail said. Trembley didn't...

The latest forum taking place on the main stage includes members of the 1970 world championship team, and it's a huge relief to see Paul Blair on the panel. Blair, my favorite player growing up, suffered a heart attack on Dec. 22. He was released on Christmas Day and said he's feeling much better. Blair said he was bowling when he began to experience tightness in his chest. He never lost consciousness on his trip to the hospital. Doctors told Blair that he had a 98-percent blockage in the...

It's done. I'm talking about FanFest and the Miguel Tejada rumors. More than 12,000 people attended today's event. I personally counted each one. It would have been nice if you stood still and made it easier on me. I want to thank everyone who waited in line at the MASN booth to have a photo taken with me. You obviously had some time to kill. And it was terrific meeting so many of my readers and putting a face with the name. We really need to arrange a School of Roch night because I...

A humorous exchange from FanFest: Brandon Snyder was standing beside me as Lou Montanez explained that he didn't play first base in Puerto Rico. In an exasperated tone, Snyder said, "You're playing first base now? Oh great! I guess I'll start playing left field." I don't think Snyder needs to change positions again. He's safe. It just might take a while for him to debut at first base with the Orioles. Josh Bell is staying at third base, and he won't be rushed to Baltimore. Maybe...

A team that commits five turnovers and allows 12 men in the huddle after moving into field goal range doesn't deserve to win, but a level playing field in the NFC championship game would have been nice. Three calls went against the Vikings in overtime, which again makes me wonder why they don't demolish the review booth or use it as an extra concession stand. Bad spot on fourth down, bad pass interference call on an overthrown ball, bad reception ruling on a ball that Robert Meachem never...

Miguel Tejada is expected to be re-introduced to the local media this afternoon after taking his physical. I'll provide an update later today once all of the details are official, but you'll probably want to keep your television tuned to MASN. Update: The Orioles will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. They didn't specify the reason, but we'll assume it involves Tejada. I'll head to the Warehouse to attend the press conference. Steve Melewski also will be there, so check out his blog as...

Let's clear up the first controversy regarding Miguel Tejada: He hasn't chosen a uniform number and he doesn't really care. Tejada isn't married to No. 10. He wore it during his first stint with the Orioles because No. 4 was retired. While he appreciated Adam Jones' gesture to surrender 10 for a Rolex, he probably won't press the issue. Miguel Tejada and Andy MacPhail discuss Tejada signing with the Orioles The Orioles didn't hand Tejada a jersey during today's press conference, so...

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail addressed a question during the press conference that was directed at Miguel Tejada. He jumped in like a referee getting between two fighters, though he didn't wave his arms and remove Tejada's mouthpiece. A reporter wanted to know whether Tejada would have any issues with moving off third base to make room for Josh Bell later this summer, if the situation presented itself. More to the point, would he accept a part-time role? "The kind of deal...

Miguel Tejada says he has no preference where he hits, so I guess he won't be submitting his own lineup ideas to this blog. "Last year, I went from second to sixth," he said. "Every day I was in the lineup, I was totally happy." According to president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, Tejada told him, "Just put me in the lineup. Wherever you see fit is fine with me." "I'm sure Dave Trembley's gone through 14 different versions of what it might be," MacPhail said. "I do like...

Miguel Tejada will wear No. 9 this season. Read all about it here on the team's Twitter account - @birdlandinsider. Michael Aubrey wore No. 9 last year, after Gregg Zaun was traded, but I doubt that he'll receive an expensive watch in return. I'm sure he'd settle for a spot on the 25-man roster. He'd probably have an easier time getting the Rolex.