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Update on Teixeira

By Tom, on 06-08-2008 13:59

So the trade deadline has come and gone, and I think the Teixeira sweepstakes has changed a little bit.  At the beginning of the year, all of the big players for Teixeira were on the east coast:  Atlanta, Baltimore, and both New York teams.  The climate has changed a bit.  Atlanta just traded for their first basemen of the future, so there is no chance they're going to sign him this offseason.  This is good news, a lot of people thought he'd stay in Atlanta (even with his reluctance to sign an extension there) because that was where his wife is from.  The other big players were the Mets and Yankees.  Giambi's contract is still done at the end of the year, so the Yankees will be a player.  The Mets are in an interesting position.  Delgado has a club option next year for 12 million, however the buyout is 4 million.  With the slump that Delgado started the season with, it seemed like he'd be gone.  However, Delgado has come on as of late, and it may be worth the 8 million to keep him for another year.

 So Atlanta is out of the picture, and maybe the Mets too.  However, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are now in it.  They offer a competitive team, great city, lots of money, and many other benefits.  Let's hope that Teixeira is trully a east coast guy and comes home this winter.

Last update: 06-08-2008 13:59
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Bring Mark Teixeira to Baltimore!

By Tom, on 04-03-2008 22:36

Brant Sanderlin/Atlanta Journal Constitution, via Associated Press

 

There has been a long standing courtship between the Baltimore Orioles' fans and Mark Teixeira. It started in 2001 when many O's fans, myself included, were hoping that Teixeira would fall in the draft. On top of that, would the Orioles were interested in negotiating with Scott Boras. In the end, it didn't matter as the Texas Rangers snatched up the local product. The Orioles wound up taking a lefty by the name of Chris Smith from Cumberland University. Even at the time, this pick was considered a reach. In the end, it didn't really work out for the Orioles or Chris Smith.

The Need

Ever since Rafael Palmeiro left after the 1998 season, the Orioles have needed a middle-of-the-lineup run producer. Teixeira has the type of bat that fits into any lineup. In the Orioles lineup, he would be replacing the likes of Jeff Conine, Will Cark, Kevin Millar and Rafael Palmeiro (the second time around). This is clearly an upgrade; the stats speak for themselves.

The Front Office Impact

Clearly, signing a player of this caliber will take some money. "Big Tex" has already turned down an 8-year/$140 million dollar contract extension from the Rangers. This type of player goes beyond production on the field, though. He will be LOVED in Baltimore. This is at a level that approaches only what Cal knows. Teixeira will be looked at as a homegrown player, because he went to high school at Mount Saint Joseph. It won't matter that the Texas Rangers drafted him. His impact will cause a boost in ticket sales and merchandise. It may wind up that there are more O's fans at those Red Sox and Yankees games for once.

The Money

FoxSports.com reports the Baltimore Orioles 2008 team salary as $65,986,637. These numbers fairly modest by today's standards. However, there are some key salaries coming off the books in the next couple of years. Here is 45.2 million that will be out after the 2009 season, possibly before depending on trades (Ramon Hernandez and Jay Payton):

Jay Gibbons - $6.2 million after 2009

Jay Payton - $5.0 million after 2008

Danys Baez - $5.5 million after 2009

Ramon Hernandez - $8.0 million after 2009, 2010 club option

Aubrey Huff - $8.0 million after 2009

Melvin Mora - $8.0 million after 2009, 2010 club option

Jamie Walker - $4.5 million after 2009

Chad Bradford - $3.5 million after 2008 (Traded to Rays with a year left on the contract)

The Quotes

The O's have been spurned by multiple big ticket free agents in the past few years. Carlos Lee and Vladamir Guerrero both decided to go elsewhere. That is to be expected with a team that has now had ten straight losing seasons. A lot of people chalk up the Mark Teixeira-Baltimore Orioles connection as Baltimore fans dreaming. So why would Teixeira be different? Teixeira has given us some nuggets over the years:

When asked about the possibility of playing for the Orioles: "That would really be a dream come true."

 

Another Teixeira quote: "In a year and a half, we'll have some fun conversations. Baltimore, obviously in the future, is a place I'd love to look at."

 

MLBTradeRumors.com throws a poll out there too. Weigh in on the poll, and then check the results.

 

From a Jon Heyman SI.com article: "The Orioles are close to my heart,'' Teixeira admitted.

The Action - Sign the Petition!

So at this point, it is time for the strong Orioles fan base to rally. We have gone from a once proud franchise, to the league laughing stock. This petition will show all parties involved how important this signing is. Orioles management will see how this signing will rally the rabid fan base. Mark Teixeira himself, will see how badly we want him back home. Show your support for the Baltimore Orioles and sign the petition today!

Last update: 25-08-2008 16:52
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