Astros trade for Tejada

HOUSTON -- Miguel Tejada got his wish -- albeit a couple of years later than he wanted.

Tejada was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Houston Astros for five players Wednesday, giving the 2002 AL MVP a fresh start.

The Orioles got outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo for the four-time all-star shortstop.

Two winters ago, Tejada caused a stir in Baltimore when he said he was unhappy with the Orioles' direction and wanted to be traded. He later backed off that stance.

Tejada hit .296 with 18 home runs and 81 RBIs this season. In 11 seasons, he has hit .287 with 258 home runs and 1,033 RBIs. His home run total ranks him fourth all-time among shortstops.

Rowand signs with Giants

SAN FRANCISCO -- Aaron Rowand wanted some long-term stability, and so did the San Francisco Giants.

Rowand agreed to a $60 million, five-year contract with the Giants, giving the club a Gold Glove center fielder without having to trade young pitchers Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum.

He is coming off his best season yet, earning his first Gold Glove award and all-star selection while helping the Phillies to the NL East title. Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBIs, 105 runs, 189 hits and 45 doubles in 161 games.

Fukudome joins Cubs

CHICAGO -- The Cubs reeled in another marquee free agent, reaching a preliminary agreement with Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome on a four-year, $48 million deal to be their right fielder.

In Fukudome, they have added a needed left-handed bat who can get on base, hit with power, run and play strong defense.

He had surgery on his right elbow in August and sat out the Japan Series, but has 192 homers and a .305 batting average and .397 on-base percentage over nine seasons with the Chunichi Dragons, who won their first championship in 53 years on Nov. 2.

-- The Associated Press