Other teams that have confirmed interest in the first baseman are the Orioles and the Nationals, both "local" teams for the Maryland native. Of course, both of those squads are also-rans, while the Red Sox and Angels have been American League contenders in recent seasons.
Angels general manager Reagins has said the Angels have not been handicapped in their offseason planning by the Teixeira negotiations, claiming that the Angels have moved forward on other fronts -- "Plan B, C, D and in some cases E." But they did lose out on one option they considered very attractive when free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez signed with the Phillies. The Angels saw Ibanez as an excellent fit in left field whether or not they signed Teixeira.
In the final shopping days before Christmas, the Angels decided to scratch the top item off their wish list.
Team vice president Tim Mead said Dec. 21 that the Angels had withdrawn their offer to free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. Los Angeles was believed to have bid $160 million over eight years for the slugger.
The announcement added more intrigue to an already interesting battle for Teixeira. Days earlier, Red Sox owner John Henry had announced that his team was no longer a factor in the Teixeira sweepstakes given that his club had been outbid.
Whether or not either Boston or Los Angeles will remain in the running to sign Teixeira was unclear.
Other teams that have confirmed interest in the first baseman are the Orioles and the Nationals, both "local" teams for the Maryland native. Of course, both of those squads are also-rans, while the Red Sox and Angels have been American League contenders in recent seasons.
Angels general manager Reagins has said the Angels have not been handicapped in their offseason planning by the Teixeira negotiations, claiming that the Angels have moved forward on other fronts -- "Plan B, C, D and in some cases E." But they did lose out on one option they considered very attractive when free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez signed with the Phillies. The Angels saw Ibanez as an excellent fit in left field whether or not they signed Teixeira.
--Free agent OF Juan Rivera signed a three-year contract worth $12.75 million to return to the Angels. The versatile Rivera can play multiple outfield positions and was the team's best pinch hitter last season.
--RHP John Lackey has expressed interest in playing for Team USA in next spring's second World Baseball Classic. Lackey said he has planned his offseason workouts in order to be ready for the early spring start necessitated by the WBC. Last spring, Lackey opened the season on the disabled list with a strained triceps muscle in his pitching arm.
--The Angels tendered contract offers to all five of their arbitration-eligible players before the recent deadline -- C Mike Napoli, RHP Ervin Santana, INF Robb Quinlan, INF Chone Figgins and INF Maicer Izturis. LHP Darren Oliver is also eligible for salary arbitration after the free agent accepted the Angels' offer of arbitration earlier this month.
--C Mike Napoli has expressed an interest in playing for the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic, according to GM Tony Reagins. The Angels might be hesitant to let Napoli participate. He had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in October.
