Don't Make The Same Mistake Twice

With the Hot Stove League season well underway, major league baseball's impressive list of free agents remain unsigned. The big names, including Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and Manny Ramirez, are hoping for resolution at the winter meeting in Las Vegas which begin Dec. 8.



The Angel contingent, led by general manager Tony Reagins, had better open up the pocket book and sign their free agent, Teixeira. At 28 years of age, the hard-hitting first basemen is in the prime of his career. Coming to Anaheim from Atlanta last July 29, Tex put up impressive numbers over the final 54 games. He hit .358 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs. His season totals were .308, 33 and 121.



Rumor says the Angels won't agree to a 10-year contract, which agent Scott Boras is seeking. Their fans will remember that the Angels made this same stupid mistake after winning the World Series in 2002. They let 28-year old homerun hitting Troy Glaus go, and they've been looking for another power hitting third basemen ever since.



Not only does Teixeira bring power to a power position, but by batting third in the Angel lineup, he also made cleanup hitter Vlad Guerrero more productive down the stretch.



Alex Rodriguez signed a similar 10-year, $250M deal with Texas in the 1990's and he hasn't missed a beat. If the Angels don't come close to matching that package it could be disastrous, especially if the switch hitter winds up in Boston. Teixeira is not only a sound, fundamental hitter, he's a great character guy and a class act.



If Reagins, who didn't take advantage of the opportunity to hammer out a deal before the trade was completed, and owner Arte Moreno can't strike a deal, it will be the same old story. Win the weak, weak American League West, and strike out in the playoffs. AGAIN!!!