Tejada to short? Again, no

I guess it's worth repeating. Interim manager Juan Samuel was asked after last night's game whether he's given any thought to moving Miguel Tejada to short. Samuel is giving the same answer we've been hearing, from the front office and former manager Dave Trembley, since the winter. "It never crossed my mind," he said. OK, that's not the exact same answer, but the message is a duplicate. Tejada will not be replacing Cesar Izturis. That wasn't part of the equation when they signed him. "We're thinking Tejada is our third baseman right now and he's going to be at third base," Samuel said. "We're not thinking about that." Tejada could move across the infield or to designated hitter if Josh Bell comes up later this summer. Or perhaps the only move he makes is to another team at the non-waiver deadline. But the Orioles aren't contemplating a return to shortstop, no matter how many times they're asked about it. They'll be facing Hisanori Takahashi for the first time tonight. If he's smart, he'll learn how to throw a knuckleball this afternoon. Takahashi has allowed 11 runs in his last two starts covering 9 1/3 innings. He's surrendered three home runs, or one more than the Orioles have hit on this homestand. Takahashi is a lot like the Mets - much better at home. He's posted a 3.80 ERA at Citi Field, compared to 5.40 on the road. Opponents are batting .261 against him at home, .345 on the road.