Tejada tests positive for steroids

Nearly a week ago, it was discovered that Miguel Tejada, a Bay Area icon and former AL MVP, tested positive for steroids.

With Jason Giambi also admitting to steroid use, A's fans must be wondering if all their recent stars were on steroids.

My guess is the Big 3 -- Zito, Mulder and Hudson -- earlier in the century were not on steroids, but no one can be sure.

Tejada's positive test comes day after Rodriguez admitted to steroid use between 2001 and 2003.

Tejada began his career in 1997 with A's and made steady improvements every season. In his 2002 MVP season, he had a .308 batting average, 34 homers and 131 rbis.

But, as with most A's stars, his greatest season made him noticed by other teams and he was lured away by big free-agent money.

The A's were never able to resign Mulder, Zito, Hudson, Giambi and Tejada because they simplyp did not have the revenue, and general manager Billy Beane believed that they could restock with great drafts and player development in the minor leagues.

Yet, all true A's fans that I have met are willing to accept Beane's tactics. And although Beane has not taken the A's to a World Series, he made the A's a consistent contender in the early 2000s.

Just two years after his MVP season, Tejada took the money, a six-year, 72 million$ contract, with the Baltimore Orioles.

Last year, Tejada signed with the Houston Astros. He struggled mightily, hitting just 13 homers (his lowest total since his second season) and a .283 batting average.

Ultimately, the Bay Area may be the mecca of steroid ball. Barry Bonds and Matt Williams were two of my favorite hitters growing up, and they both took some type of performance-enhancing drug.

With BALCO's headquarters just around the corner, it would not surprise if other Giant and A's greats took 'roids.