I wanted to take a couple extra days to allow the smoke to clear and to get my thoughts together before posting my comments on the Yankees signing Teixeira. I've gone back and forth on whether the Angels should go all-in on re-signing Teix, or if they should let him go. Now that he's signed with New York and the Angels have made it clear that they're not going after any other free agents other than possibly Brian Fuentes, I figured I may as well spout my opinion.
Torii Hunter was quoted in this LA Times article regarding Teixeira and the Angels' offer, "He said he really wanted to come back, but he needed the Angels to step up," Hunter said. "I didn't know what he meant, because I thought eight years and $160 million was a pretty impressive offer." He needed the Angels to "step up"? This is from a player who allowed his agent to let the Angels offer sit for almost two weeks without any response. If he truly wanted to return to Anaheim he should have stepped up and told the Angels what it would take for him to return. He could have said something like, "Look, I like the Angels and would be willing to return for a salary of $22M over 8 years. This is less than some other offers, but that's what it will take." I've read that Boras came back to the Angels and gave them one last chance (from this LA Times article)
"...another source said Tuesday that Boras had given the Angels one last chance to sign Teixeira on Monday, for eight years and about $176 million. The Angels declined, severing ties with the switch-hitter they acquired last July 29."
But then this nugget from the NY Daily News:
"It was then learned that Teixeira had favored the Yankees all along and according to sources he conveyed that to them this week."
We fans may never know what truly happened or the circumstances surrounding Teixeira negotiations and signing, but the feeling I get from all of this is, "Show me the money".
Some other post-Teixeira thoughts:
- With the Yankees signing Teixeira, the Angels now have the 26th pick (plus another supplemental pick) in next year's draft. That pick was orignally going to the Brewers after the Yanks signed C.C. Sabathia, but Teixeira has a higher Elias ranking than Sabathia meaning the pick now goes to the Angels. The Angels now have the 25th pick (from NY Mets for K-Rod), the 26th pick, and the 33rd. Plus they'll receive supplemental picks between the first and second rounds for K-Rod, Teixeira and Garland signing elsewhere.
- No Manny. Angels' GM Tony Reagins stated, "Manny will not be an Angel," Reagins said. "We're going to give our kids an opportunity to play. We signed [outfielder] Juan Rivera to a three-year deal, and we think, given at-bats, he can be a productive player. With Torii Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero, Gary Matthews Jr. and Reggie Willits, our outfield is intact. It will not happen. We are not going to sign Manny Ramirez. End of story." I wish I had some inside information on this so I could find out if it's more of a financial decision or possibly the Angels are tired of dealing with Scott Boras (both Teixeira and Ramirez are Boras clients). Whichever the case, I'm a bit disappointed it's not going to be a "Manaheim" summer in SoCal. It would have been fun to watch.
- No Adam Dunn. Within the same "No Manny" article, Reagins added the Angels were not pursuing free-agent outfielders such as Adam Dunn, Bobby Abreu or Pat Burrell. I have a feeling this might change if the salary demands continue to drop. The Halo ownership is too smart to let a play like Dunn, who would fill the hole in their line-up for a power bat, to go to another team if the price were right. I've written before, and read the same opinion elsewhere, that if the Angels don't sign a free agent hitter this winter, there'll be plenty of high-impact talent available during the season. With the nations economic uncertainty and teams needing to trim payroll, the Angels should be able to swing a deal or two (Lance Berkman?).
- A new closer? I've read the Angels are looking into signing Brian Fuentes. Fuentes originally was looking for a 3-year contract in excess of $30M-$33M, but like free agent outfielders, the market has slipped for closers. If the Angels can sign Fuentes to a deal in the range of $8M-$9M a year, about $1M a year less than what they paid Frankie Rodriguez last season, it would be a good move. This would allow Arredondo more time to prove he can handle MLB hitters.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I want to send a special thank you to my sister and brother-in-law for the great time we had at their home...they're awesome people and we always enjoy spending time with them.
Jim,
Texeira: I agree with the Angels' assessment that Boras was just using them to raise the ante. I really do think he wanted to go to the East Coast. If they had gone 8/$176M, the Yankees would have gone 8/$192M or added a 9th year. When all is said and done, I know there are a lot of peopl who have 'complained' about the Kotch trade, but I still think it was 100% the right thing to do.
Manny/Dunn: I think they should go after one of these two. By my account, if the season started today (and the arb cases went through), their payroll would be under $95M. Manny would be so HUGE in Anaheim. Dunn would fit multiple spots (spot LF, spot 1B, DH against RHPs). And he would not cost them one of their 6 picks before the 2nd round.
Lackey: I think the focus now has to be to get Lackey signed to an extension. If not, and he hits the open market after the 2009 season, we will lose him.
Happy Holidays !
G.T.-
Yeah, the Yankee's ability to spend money is mind-boggling. There's been a lot of talk after their spending binge that baseball needs a salary cap. I don't think I agree with a cap, but they need to do something.
There was word yesterday that the Dodgers were talking to Dunn's agent. If the Dodgers sign Dunn, Manny's price is going to drop drastically. There's no way he's going to get another 2-year/$45M offer. But the problem with that would be if Manny doesn't think he's getting paid what he should be, is he going to play to his potential or would he be a baby and pout the entire season?
I agree with you about Lackey, but I'm worried that he might want to test the market since the Angels haven't done anything to improve their offense. One of his statements at the end of last year was he wanted to see what the Angels do in the off-season before committing to coming back.
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