The Anaheim Angels would love to have free agent Mark Teixeira back as their first baseman. The Angels traded for Tex at the 2008 deadline, shipping 1B Casey Kotchman and a minor leaguer to Atlanta. Players like Tex don’t come around too often - a switch hitting power threat, who can also put up good numbers in batting average (BA) and on base percentage (OBP). He has been amazingly consistent the last two seasons, with BA’s of .306 and .308, OBP’s of .400 and .410 and slugging percentages of .563 and .552. His OPS in 2007 was 150 and 151 in 2008. He maintained this consistency even while being traded to the other league at the July 31 deadline during each season.

Teixeira played in 54 games for each of his new teams after the trades, for the Atlanta Braves in 2007 and the Angels in 2008. In further displaying his ability to perform under pressure, Teixeira improved by a good margin in each of his BA, OBP and SLG percentage for his new team over the prior team.

Teixeira was great during the 2008 playoffs showing tremendous defensive skills in addition to hitting .467. He is an all around superstar. But, even the deep pocketed Angels, and their willing to spend owner Arte Moreno, have their limits. Although they would love to have Teixeira back, their limit is $160 million - but that figure is currently being topped by both of Teixeira’s “local” teams, the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals have offered $180 million over 8 years, while the Orioles have offered 9 years and $180 million. Reports have the Nationals even going up to 10 years and $200 million.

While all that cash is on the table, both the Nats and Orioles having a history of losing. That is why the Red Sox appear to be the front runner for Teixeira, as the Angels might not be willing to match the reported dollar figures of another competing team. Teixeira whet his whistle with his first playoff experience this year and doesn’t want to play for a non-contender, even for the most money. The Yankees remain a distant possiblity.

At the Winter Meetings, The Yankees came here seeking CC, the Mets wanted to close on K-Rod, while the Red Sox and Angels both wanted to put Tex on their maps. The Yankees and Mets finished their deals, and although the Red Sox don’t like to go that far out with a contract, they feel Teixeira is an exception to their rule. Plus, the Red Sox have to keep up with the AL East Joneses, don’t they? The Angels could be on the outside looking in, coming up empty on both Sabathia and Teixeira.

If the Angels miss out on re-signing Teixeira, they will likely pencil in 25 year old Kendry Morales, a Cuban import. Morales has torn up the AAA level the last two seasons, hitting .335 in 828 at bats, with 32 HR’s and 153 RBI’s. His OPS is .889 at that level. He is a good player, will eventually be productive, but still needs to show that ability in the majors. The Angels have a very deep and talented minor league system, and they always bring in someone from the farm to fill the shoes for a departed player. But, Teixeira’s shoes are very big ones to fill. If he does sign elsewhere, look for the Angels to go with their youth, but possible trade for an established pitcher - probably Jake Peavy.

Somewhere Billy Beane is smiling, because if Tex signs elsewhere, the AL West is now up for grabs, and the A’s now have to top slugger in the division - Matt Holliday.