[Illusion]

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada said Thursday he's unhappy with the team's direction and wants to be traded.

"I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," Tejada told The Associated Press during a telephone interview in his native Dominican Republic.

Tejada signed a $72 million, six-year contract with the Orioles before the 2004 season.

He hit .304 with 26 home runs and 98 RBI this year, but Baltimore finished 21 games behind the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East.

"I've done many things with this team and I haven't seen results, and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club," said Tejada, the 2002 AL MVP while with Oakland.

Orioles owner Peter Angelos and team executive vice president Mike Flanagan did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Boston traded shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Atlanta Braves on Thursday for third base prospect Andy Marte.

In other news, free agent catcher Ramon Hernandez and the Orioles agreed to a $27.5 million, four-year contract.

The 29-year-old Hernandez batted .290 last season with the San Diego Padres. He had 12 home runs and 58 RBI, but his main value is behind the plate, where he has a reputation for calling a smart game and capably handling a pitching staff.

[Senator7]

If he ends up in Boston, I'm going to be livid!

[Illusion]

I wouldn't mind seeing him in a White Sox uniform.

[bigboydan]

the question still remains. whos got what to trade for him. and, how much is a team willing to take on in payroll. to absorb that big contract.