Pat of me wants to believe that the Red Sox and Nationals and Orioles are not really making these outlandish offers. It is within the realm of possibility that Scott Boras was told by Mark Teixeira that he wants to play in L.A. of Anaheim and to get the most money possible for this? Boras could be yanking Arte's chain. He could be yanking YOUR chain. This is a hopeful, almost wistful scenario... but with Scott Boras, ya nevah really know what you know and don't know.
UPDATE: Tim Dierkes reports that mainstream reporters agree with me.... 2:38pm: Tim Brown and Gordon Edes talked to involved execs (not with the Angels) who believe the Boras camp is "using the media to ratchet up the price beyond what any team had actually offered." Brown and Edes say the Angels were told the Red Sox and Nationals offered eight years at about $20MM per. The Angels don't want to do an eighth year, so they'll look into trades for Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, and possibly Adrian Beltre. Raul Ibanez is the top free agent backup plan.
If a Teix signing is not to be, the stage seems set for Boras to auction off Manny Ramirez. We know he will go where the money is and it is going to be at least three years and for more than 20 mil... the Angels should get out of the Boras-bidding at 2 and move on to Dunn and Bradley. Adam Dunn or Milton Bradley four three seasons at 11-12 mil will be just fine, Kendry will be at 1B and Figgy can be moved for a reliever or - heaven forbid we think about the future - prospects...
Between Free Agent pitchers Randy Wolf and Paul Byrd, I would hope that Tony Reagins stays out of the zoo and stokes Shane Loux and Dustin Moseley to do their best in Spring Training. The certainty of some power bats along with promotions for Kendry Morales and Brandon Wood means that the arms race can wait...
Your thoughts?
0 recs | 88 comments
Personally
I think Lowe would be a good addition to the staff. He is a proven playoff pitcher with good stuff.
Not likely though.
But yeah, everyone everywhere thinks the Angels are out of it. Its ok, I dont like the way Tex looks when hes batting, so no loss there.
Manny would be nice, beat the Sawk with their own.
PhiSlamma - December 11, 2008
Teixeira will go for 8/185...
…that’s my guess. Personally I think it’s a price worth paying, since 8 years of inflation will make the back end of that deal relatively affordable and his peak years will be worth every penny. Nevertheless, I don’t think it’ll be us paying the bill.
I agree on the alternatives – Kendry has earned the right to play. He has nothing left to prove at AAA. Wood, if the back end of last year are to be believed, is good to go (though ultimately I’d prefer him at short in the long term – Aybar is a decent trade chip, and we have a couple of serviceable options coming through at 3b).
Bradley/Rivera for LF, Dunn only if we’re going to use him principally as a DH (which means packaging Chone off as I have him back in super-sub role next year).
Mathis, Figgins, Willits, Speier, Aybar are all expendable for any of the following – corner outfielder (preferably left handed), 3B, high upside outfield or pitching prospects
The Limey - December 11, 2008
Nice guess!
Rumour (your spelling) out just now is that it is 8/184.
Downing Rules - December 18, 2008
Boras' M-O is to screw with your head.
…..makes you raise your bid against yourself. That’s what we’ve always heard. Moreno, Regins, (Stoneman), Scioscia know that. You can only chase so far. Boston would love to either drive up the price to the point where we backed off, or tied us up so that we could not afford anyone else.
Rivera is still an option for 20+ HRs and a strong arm at a reasonable price. Figgins is up for arbitration; Unless he’s extended, he’s a free agent after 2009. You have to wonder about a 3+ year contract at 3B or OF………it’s not the worst thing in the world, but not something you would really hope to do.
The only thing that bugs me about Morales is the step down in 1B defensive ability compared to Teixeira and Kotchman. DH with occasional stints at 1B/COF is his ideal position, but then there is VLAD.
I think we’ve got enough pitching to weather the storm, at least until the second half of the year when we’ll know more about Adenhart, Ortega, Escobar…….Makes you wonder about Peavy, doesn’t it?
wumbug - December 11, 2008
I just think...
this time we need to pony up the money and do whatever we have to do to keep Mark Teixeira on the Angels. I don’t know why everyone is so concerned that we would have to pay him 20 million instead of 15 million, as long as we can field a good team it doesn’t really concern me how much money he makes. Our only power hitter’s numbers are declining and he’s only on the books for this year anyway, so we need to make this move, and Boras knows it.
As far as a LF is concerned, we should definitely get Bradley. His attitude problems have defined him so far, and he’s not getting the money thrown at him that a normal player with his abilities would so we should take advantage of that, and hope he turns the attitude around.
ponusbaum43 - December 11, 2008
concern
if we come up short again with Teix and have no more flex with the team budget then that would be a Concern. i like how are team tries to stick with a budget and doesn’t get stuck in situations were we can’t improve every season. it would be great to have Teix but not at all cost. broken record i know. lol. anyways i have trust that Arte will do whats right for the club and not worry about hurting our feelings.
HALO_86 - December 11, 2008
great perspective
look at the Tigers. They made crazy budget-crushing moves last season and theyre screwed because of it, having to shed payroll and players in a down economy.
We will still have a ton of money to spend if we miss out on teixeira this year and in the future. All is not lost
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
Adios, Tex
If Tex was staying, the deal would be done by now. The team missed out on CC, so we’re looking at the leftovers. I respect that Arte is running a business and must live within a budget. I just wish he applied that same logic BEFORE the team signed GMJ. The $10m per year wasted on GMJ could have been used far more productively – such as being part of the budget to retain Tex.
Kendry will be a servicable 1B, but he’s not Tex. I’d be thrilled if he could be as productive as Wally Joyner, but even that might be beyond his ceiling.
Let’s face it – the loss of Tex and KRod does not improve the team for 2009. The draft choices gained, even if they make the majors, won’t be in Anaheim for several years. This is not shaping up to be the off-season where the Halo’s get the pieces to DOMINATE the AL East teams. If Boston adds Tex to that line-up…watch out.
mustard_man - December 11, 2008
GMJ
u know no team is perfect. every team makes mistakes. its unfortunate that were not the Yanks and can make mistakes and not break a sweat.
HALO_86 - December 11, 2008
Oh they're sweating alright.......
they’ve been sweating since the turn of the decade….which is why they’re overspending like Elliot Spitzer at a Brothel……
norcaliangelsfan - December 11, 2008
Should the Angels not sign any premeire players
especially the one’s Artie publicly said he want’s. Then I think this off-season will have been a failure…pending the outcome of next season.
So should the Halos get shutout with Tex & Manny, than I just wish Artie would quit getting everyone’s hopes up. Don’t get me wrong, Artie is the best owner in baseball, but I think needs to quit talking up the players he says he wants and then not come thru with signing them.
It makes the Angels look like a destination where top players don’t want to go.
Dono Romantico - December 11, 2008
seriously
who cares if he talks up players. most of this stuff is nothing but rumors. i would rather have an owner who talks then someone whos a hermit.
HALO_86 - December 11, 2008
Whats scary is that adam dunn might cost as much as GMJ
:( wow that signing is getting worse by the minute
anaheim angels - December 13, 2008
Just say no...
to Milton Bradley.
thewebb - December 11, 2008
NO F-ing WAY Milton Bradley is a Halo.
Dono Romantico - December 11, 2008
Buster Olney reported live on sports center a few minutes ago
That the Sawk and Tex are basically working on finalizing a deal in the 8/160 range.
I would laugh if the Angels don’t even make an offer at all.
“We are making Tex our primary target. And by primary target we will not offer him anything and watch him go to another team passively”
PhiSlamma - December 11, 2008
Man
if the Angels do not make an offer that would be the greatest winter meetings ever. Arte has all this talk and in the end do not even offer him a deal. I really do not know what I would do except laugh and shake my head in shame. haha
angelskid2210 - December 11, 2008
If you are right and the Halos don't make an offer...
maybe Artie is a financial wizard and has a crystal ball. Perhaps he sees the economy tanking so bad that no team will be immune. Perhaps Artie knows that 3 to 4 years from now (maybe even sooner) the Yankees, and whoever else spends the big bucks on Tex & Manny will be sucking ass. Let the competion run themselves into the ground with ridiculous contracts.
Never underestimate “The Artie”
Dono Romantico - December 11, 2008
This is Bullshit
The bleeping Orioles made a better offer
hauldog - December 11, 2008
Teix
no way that can be true, i’m sure the offers are going north of 20/yr
HALO_86 - December 11, 2008
One Problem
From what i have read, these figures have not come from Boras directly but rather the teams that made the offer. Therefore, I am not entirely sure we can completely blame Boras for driving up these prices.
According the MLB Trade Rumors and the Hot Stove Blog, the halos and the sux have supposedly made offers but no one is saying what the price is. Boras hasnt, Arte hasnt, Ninja hasnt, even Theo over in beantown hasn’t owed up to what he offered…if they have offered anything.
My theory: Halos and Red Sox are both playing the waiting game to see who bids first. To speed up the process, Boras is making public suggestions that we have made offers.
The question lies: Are the Halos really trying to get Teix or just drive up his price? I remember Rev on a certain sports show recently telling an antidote about meeting Arte in the halls of the Big A and Arte going off about preserving our farm league and nuturing talent versus going after a big name by trading prospects or breaking the bank.
If we are trying to get Teix, then what is our end all price? Would Arte go 8 for 180? Personally, I doubt it. I dont care who the player is…that price is ridiculous and a championship never can rely on one player.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - December 11, 2008
Tell that to Cole Hamels
PhiSlamma - December 11, 2008
You think Cole Hamels won the pennett single handedly for the Phils?
How many beers did you drink before the game?
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - December 11, 2008
Pennant*
Yes
Depends on the day, 2ish?
Any other questions/typos I can help you with?
PhiSlamma - December 11, 2008
funny...
i dont remember cole hamels scoring any runs…kinda hard to win a game with how scoring any runs.
all im saying is one guy didnt win it for the phils.
duh.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - December 11, 2008
More than one problem...
If Arte really is all about preserving the farm and nurturing talent, then why let Frankie walk? He’s home grown talent. Why sign GMJ? He cost the team a draft pick. To be competitive long term, there must be a balance between the farm system feeding and signing FAs. I hate saying it, but Boston has been very effective in that regard.
We don’t have a player on the roster at any level that has the capability that Tex has today. If there is anyone on the farm with the potential, they are multiple years away from contributing. The luster is off Reagins unless he finds a viable, proven solution to replace Tex.
mustard_man - December 11, 2008
I dont think Reagins would be to blame...
Its obvious that Teix is going where the most money is and the longest deal. If Arte isn’t willing to let Reagins go that far then what else can he offer Teix? Free In n Out? California Sunshine? Del Taco deals?
If Teix goes elsewhere don’t blame Reagins. Blame Arte for not coughing up the cash. However, I am one who would agree with Arte’s decision if he chose to not go 8 years for a bazillion dollars.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - December 11, 2008
GMJ
honestly i thought he was a bad sign. to fall off that much is horrible. i know he had a career yr, but to fall off that much.
HALO_86 - December 11, 2008
So Far...
with Artie, he has kept his word when it comes to Not Spending More than he believes a player is worth and more importantly what he believes is damaging to our team.
Artie is the best owner in baseball!
Dono Romantico - December 11, 2008
My thoughts are...
it would suck to see Tex go elsewhere, especially Bahston. But, if he were to take $180 million to play for the O’s or Nats, I just feel bad for him.
autry's cowboys - December 11, 2008
aaaaaand end italics.
autry's cowboys - December 11, 2008
isnt it funny
that Tex can go from one of the most poular members of our beloved Angels in his short Tenure here to one of the most hated if he signs with Boston.
If he were to sign with Orioles or the nats I wuldnt be upset but the Bo Sox would really get to me. Plus if he signs with the Nationals we will have one of the top picks in the draft.
However I would actually like to see Dunn get signed for 3-4 years I dont care about the oney, but I would actually like to see him a 1B and Kendry in LF. he feels comfortable in the corner OF spots and has a good arm, I would also quietly shop Figgy even though he is one of my favorite players we can get something for him and a 3b would be great
Sinatrasratpack - December 11, 2008
Funny wouldn't describe it.
Downing Rules - December 12, 2008
If he signs with the Nats
I’m pretty sure that we would only get a sandwich pick, since the top 15 picks are protected. So in a way, if he signs with the Nats, then we get fisted.
halofan4life - December 13, 2008
Well..
it was rumored today that the Angels are going to offer something around 7 years for 160. If thats the case he is not coming to LA, but the rumors are usually not true. Also Dunn I wold take but Bradley is another GMJ. Hitting in Texas he boosted his stats. I do not want him. If we do not get Tex I want Ramirez AND Dunn and I would be happy. The problem is Manny is going to go to who gives him the most money which in the end probably will not be the Angels. I just think right now the winter is gloom and is not getting any brighter at the moment. The good thing though is if the yankees keep stacking then we might get to play them in the playoffs and we all knows how that ends up. Angels Win!! Woot!
angelskid2210 - December 11, 2008
We are to the Yanks what the Sawk are to us.
Its magical.
Still, we need talent.
PhiSlamma - December 11, 2008
Yea we do
need talent in kind of a big way. We have guys who are supposed to have talent but having a proven guy would be nice too. Honestly I just want to see the Angels do something, anything. As long as it is not Bradley. Other than that I do not care just bring some life to people that is all.
angelskid2210 - December 11, 2008
I think there is zero chance of signing Bradley
Management knows his deal, and they learned their lesson from Mr Throwy McHelmet.
PhiSlamma - December 11, 2008
Bradley raked in SD and OAK
hauldog - December 11, 2008
i think we should remove the screen...
protecting the boras dugout suite behind the plate and charge him a $15.0 mill. installation fee for a new screen. dance for me scott! dance for me! it kills me to see his coy mug behind the dish and half the time not even paying attention to the game
thejd - December 11, 2008
agree with the post
mark = a-rod. Would love to have him, but its not the end of the world to lose out. The Angels are not defined by one player. We might even look back on this in 3 years and be grateful we lost out for all we know.
OR if he goes to the nationals we can swoop in when theyre desperate to unload his contract in 2 years
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
and hey!
MLBTR has Peavy-to-Cubs as DEAD.
Consolation prize? You figure Tony’s GOT to be settin up some preliminary talks that kick in if we lose out on Teix, something that is probably a reality to Tony right now..
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
and now they have an ESPN blurb that says we've already started negotiations with Ibanez
as our fall back plan for Teixeira.
While more cost efficient and we know he can hit the AL West, Ibanez is definitely a whatever type backup. I dont hate it, but I dont love it.
Ibanez + Peavy would certainly thrill me though. (Weaver, Adenhart, Bourjos + ? for Peavy?)
How about 12 mil(Essentially GA money) to Ibanez and the 16 to a year to Peavy (Frankie + Half of Garland)
That would still leave us below our projected payroll and allow us to comfortably extend Lackey before spring training.
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
how about 12MM to Dunn and Peavy??
that’s 98234729 times better!
oh, and the Padres want a SS, so figure Aybar into the trade
howiestheman - December 11, 2008
i agree
but i can almost bet that Ibanez’ being a good clubhouse guy and better base runner(presumably?) has something to do with their interest in him over Dunn. Maybe its because he puts more balls in play and thats more Soth-like
Either way, I agree Dunn is a better option since we need guys on base, I was just dealin with whats out there
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
Throwing up in mouth
hauldog - December 11, 2008
ummm
has Peavy ever come out and say what teams he wants to play for? i’ve only read what his agent/GM of the SD has said, but what about him doing some kind of interview with somekind of media? now that CC is gone i would love us to go after Peavy if he’s willing to come to the Angels. i wouldn’t give both Weaver+Adenhart. more like Weaver+Ortega+Aybar+S-Rod+throw in Willits.
how old is Ibanez? how long of a contract?
HALO_86 - December 11, 2008
Whatever type backup?
.290/.350/.837, 20+ homers, 100+ rbi’s and plays left field. Not a bad backup plan if you ask me.
ClutchHomer - December 11, 2008
So why not
Just re-sign GA for that? Similar numbers—going the Ibanez route would downgrade on defense and just add insult to injury.
Clutch - December 11, 2008
Ibanez is better than GA
We wouldn’t lose much on defense:
2008
GA’s Rate2 in 82 games/LF = 107
Ibanez Rate2 in 153 games/LF = 104
Ibanez still played above league average last year, appearing in 70 more games at LF than GA.
ClutchHomer - December 11, 2008
He is 36 and looking for a 3 year deal
He won’t be cheap either.
hauldog - December 11, 2008
I like your thoughts
But……..Randy Wolf sucks. I want nothing to do with is Papier Mache arm.
Aside from that, Rev you may be right Dunn and Boardgame would round out or offense quite nicely. It should be noted that Boardgame’s knees will not hold up in the field though.
hauldog - December 11, 2008
Now this funny. RUMOR: Tex to the YANKEES
LAS VEGAS — The Yankees, who are pressing for pitching and have money to burn, have re-entered the Mark Teixeira Sweepstakes, SI.com has learned.
Good night Boston, if this happens
hauldog - December 11, 2008
1:39 EST - Boras: Teixeira Still In Play
Link to MLB’s TMZ
ReggieBullits - December 11, 2008
Mlb's TMZ...
Lol’ing still. As ridiculous as half the crap they put up there is, it still gets me all riled up.
bruinbrah - December 11, 2008
Holding out hope...
I still think its time to get serious about talking to other bats. Let them know exactly what we’re willing to give them in the event Teixeira leaves. That way, they know what they could be missing if we lose out and we still have a market to choose from in the apparent likelihood Teixeira goes to NY, Boston, Baltimore or Washington
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
MLB's TMZ
awesome.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - December 11, 2008
MLB.com
Their little article on Peavy says the Angels think its a long shot, but that theyll continue to talk to the Pares. Padres want Brandon Wood, Nick Adenhart and Kevin Jepsen. Tony doesnt wanna do that.
Call me crazy, but if thats the ballpark theyre looking for, I think we can get that done.
Maybe sub out Wood and add a Jered Weaver and Trumbo?
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
really?!
i’m suddenly optimistic.
i don’t like the idea of trading Wood, but if we could get away with Weaver, Aybar, Jepsen and a prospect, count me in.
heck, i’d even do Weaver, Adenhart and S-Rod/Aybar
howiestheman - December 11, 2008
Go Philly. Do this!
Phillies in hot pursuit of Ibanez
Thursday, December 11, 2008 | Print Entry
Posted by Jayson Stark
The Phillies stepped up their efforts to sign Raul Ibanez on Thursday, according to one baseball man who had spoken with them.
Ibanez has been sending signals through friends that the Phillies are his top choice.
hauldog - December 11, 2008
Please let that happen
bruinbrah - December 11, 2008
x2
howiestheman - December 11, 2008
What cracks me up
is the fact that the MSN homepage has had “BoSux close with Teixeira” up for the past 3 hours. Has anybody heard a thing about their offer….or is there one yet?
autry's cowboys - December 11, 2008
Scott Boras to the Boston Globe today:
“We’ve been working pretty well around the clock here for a couple days,” Boras said. “We’ve certainly had time to meet multiple times with multiple teams. And I’ve been [through] these things before. They could get done in a short period of time. They could certainly go beyond the time frame of these meetings as well.”
Scott Boras is just playing his reindeer game here folks. Nobody has landed Teixeira yet.
44FAN - December 11, 2008
Gammons says
Tex to Boston and Manny to D.C.
Kristy_Joe - December 11, 2008
while the west coast weeps...
ihearhowie2.0 - December 11, 2008
Screw Gammons
halofolife - December 11, 2008
haha rec'd.
howiestheman - December 11, 2008
Doo you really wanna screw Gammons?
He’s old.
Kristy_Joe - December 11, 2008
Link?
Just looked and couldn’t find that.
bruinbrah - December 11, 2008
Without a change in the hitting makeup of this team,
the Angels will more than likely continue their post-season early exits. And I honestly don’t know that just signing Tex is going to put the Halos into the next round of the playoffs. If the Angels don’t add 2 solid upgrades offensively, it will be more of the same ol’ same ol’.
Unless Wood is finally allowed a full-season of play, and that doesn’t gaurantee anything in the post-season, then depending upon his development, the Angels will have some power to look forward to.
Dono Romantico - December 11, 2008
Bats
i would be happy with just 1 vet bat to hold us over. find someone to trade for with 1-2 yrs left on a current deal. really have to hope for Kendry and Wood to step up. i hope they get the PA to see if they can find some kind of rhythm. i hope we don’t sign/trade for another GMJ.
HALO_86 - December 11, 2008
All I want for Christmas is
Mark Teixeira.
Chzburger Jones - December 11, 2008
Konkerko?!?!
Just say no!!!
jjackflash - December 11, 2008
Now I know you don't like Konerko
but subtly implying that he’s a member of the KKK doesn’t seem fair, either.
Caseys Kiss of Death - December 12, 2008
Thats funny
Seik1177 - December 12, 2008
Oh Geez
I had to look at that three times to get it!
jjackflash - December 12, 2008
same here
halofan4life - December 13, 2008
Nice
hauldog - December 12, 2008
C'mon people
We can’t get into one of those embarrassing, soul crushing arms races with the Yanks and Sox. It’s ridiculous, and insulting to the fans. I want Tex, but no man is worth 8/160+. Arte knows better, and I am confident that this will not get out of control. Two B stars that fills holes and can hit is way better than one A star. We don’t need a franchise face.
Plus, the bottom-line: it is BORAS for crissakes! That guys is a major-league douche, and a mind****er. I don’t support collusion, except in the case where all the owners get together and decide not to overpay for his clients.
BayAreaDM - December 12, 2008
Awe isn't that special
You’re in touch with your inner Bavasi
Seik1177 - December 12, 2008
8-7 X 2
Oh, like the two 8-7 pitchers who could replace Nolan Ryan! LOL
jjackflash - December 12, 2008
Yeah, $20m per year is outrageous. We could get 2 GMJs for that price.
snowhor - December 12, 2008
My thoughts exactly
hauldog - December 12, 2008
Wow
Glad to hear everyone here has learned from the A-Rod fiasco in Texas and even NY. I guess we should just let our pitching slowly degrade just to pay Texeira. Comparing him to GMJ is just plain asinine – in that case we should just pay him whatever Boras wants since “at least he’s not Zito!”
As far as we know.
BayAreaDM - December 12, 2008
Okay, how about comparing Tex at 20m to Torii at 18m?
snowhor - December 12, 2008
You mean...
Torii 5 years at $90mil and Tex for almost TWICE as much? I don’t think that’s a fair comparison.
BayAreaDM - December 12, 2008
You're right, it's not a fair comparison. It makes Torii look well overpaid.
Torii is 33. His 5/90 contract gives averages out to an annual salary of $18m ending when he is 37.
Tex is 28. The 8/160 proposal would give him an annual salary of $20m ending when he is 36.
Thanks for pointing that out.
snowhor - December 12, 2008
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