Where the contenders stand on Teixeira

Anyone who commits $200+ million and 8 to 10 years to a guy who has hit 40 home runs once (three years ago) and driven in more than 112 RBI's only once, ought to be committed to an insane asylum.

The Red Sox won't get him. They will "just" miss out on everybody they persue. It's a design to get the payroll down in a bad economy.

forget tex. let,s offer burnett 85 mil for 5 years sign him and then trade him and lugo to the rangers for salty. we pick up 5mil a year for burnett and 4 mil a year for lugo and get rid of lugo,s 9 mil a year contract thus we get salty a good young catcher for nothing except his salary which is p[robably no more than500,000 a year

It's not all just about hitting. Gold Glover, good clubhouse guy, OBP, etc. With power hitting, obp, and slick fielding corner infielders a rarity, it is not a bad idea to lock one up for the long term

All of this money being thrown around like its Monopoly money is absolutely insane in itself! When kids stop playing baseball because they can't go to games (and its already happening) MLB will dry up and go out of business, so I guess they should enjoy stealing from the fans for as long as there is some interest in the sport of baseball.

What do you get from Lowell, and who will be available (big bat) in 3 years? That's what this entire deal is about. Sox do not NEED to make this deal. Lowell could be his old self (.290, 20, 90) for 2 seasons and Lars Anderson could be a rising superstar to take over the reigns (at 1B) in 3yrs. How much are the Sox willing to pony up for what is ultimately an insurance policy? Current rumor is 10yrs @ $20M per. How much value for production do you get at 37 & 38 yrs old (last 2 yrs). If you can't land him at better than 8yrs for $22-$23M per, forget it. Take a peek at Carlos Delgado's career, which is essentially what you'll get from Tex. Still think it's worth it? I'd rather spend the money on pitching.

Anyone who still thinks that the marks of being a great ballplayer are limited to just RBIs and Home Runs is living in the dark ages.

Texiera in the clean-up spot after Big Papi.....HELLO WORLD SERIES.....

i agree, "ghost," i think he's a great player but i also think that he will slide into obscurity soon enough.

no player is worth that type of money....

From 2004 to 2008, he's hit 112, 144, 110, 105, 121 RBI's respectively (including at least 30 HR's each year). I agree $200M and 8-10 is ridiculous, but don't under-estimate his value.

promote from within, we need speed , defense and players that play for their teammatesnot their next contract.Keep all our real hot prospects.

Most of baseball's management should be locked up, then, since they have well-established track records of throwing huge contracts at guys who somehow mysteriously level off after having the monster year that earned them those big bucks.

Let the Texiera dust settle and let's trade for Matt Holliday in July.

Fred Zout - the economy is in a downturn, you're right, but do you think the Red Sox will have any issue selling out the entire season again? Or selling a ton of merchandise? One thing they have going for them is that a ton of folks will pay to see Fenway, fans of the Sox or not (which is something I am not thrilled with, believe me, but that's a whole other issue)

Despite the injuries last year, Tek's horrendous hitting, Papi's downturn, and the Manny distraction, the Red Sox were one win from returning to the World Series; not too shabby at all. The point is the Red Sox don't need much to duplicate last season's sucess. Fans are seduced by hitting. I would like Tex in the lineup, no question, but if the Red Sox have to make a choice between the two, I would rather have Burnett.

What I don't understand is why teams like Orioles and Nationals would even bother with offering a contract like that but has a lousy rest of the team to compete. Do they really think a first baseman, as good as Teix is, could carry the team and turn them around? If they think like that, they are more stupid than I thought. If I were Teix, knowing I am going to get similar money with varies length of the contract, I'll stick with a contender.

I would absolutely never commit to the number of years 8 - 10 that they're talking about - 5 years with year to year options going forward - make the options healthy based on top 5 salaries at that time, automatic kick-in based on X production - get creative. I can't believe the Orioles are a player, Boras wouldn't throw smoke out through various sources - would he. Say what you want about Boras, as long as he's not pointing a gun to anyone's head, I'd certainly love to bring him into MY year end salary review.

With Mark Teixeira in the lineup, the Sox are immediately the World Series favorite....even with the Yankees new players.

Pull the trigger Theo!!!!

I love Mike Lowell, and Big Papi and Kevin. While Teixeira's an excellent player, I don't want to see any of these men leave. Each is ingrained in Red Sox lore. When Mike or Big Papi can no longer produce at a championship level, we can get someone to stand in their place, if not replace them. I'd take the savings and sign Kevin to a long term contract, and institute a family plan so working and middle class families can take their kids to some games again.

The Nationals are going to get him for 10 and 200 because they absolutely have to have a guy to promote their new stadium -- how much pressure do you think is on them from the commish considering all the lobbying that went into getting that stadium-- which didn't sell as it should have the first year. Peter Angelos is dreaming of ways to sue MLB for hurting both franchises, just as he said a DC team would.
Also, hasn't anyone seen that the ONLY thing that matters to both Tex and Boras is the biggest deal. Sox won't go 10 and 200 and therefore won't get it done.
Good. It's crazy to invest that much in one guy. It has never worked out. Name the $100 million-plus contract that has (and Manny doesn't count because they tried to waive him and trade him... only because it was such a terrible contract did it finally pay off?)

sick of these $. let's have some colussion to make these game playing boys feel some pain like evreyone else. I'll hold my breath.

I think people need to realize the current state of the Sox offense. While Papi will almost certainly bounce back this year I think its fair to say that he's probably not going to be the 40 homer/130 RBI guy he used to be. Add to that the fact that his contract ends either after 2010 or 2011 (if they pick up the option), and the need for a power hitter of the future becomes much more obvious. While Youk, Pedroia, and Bay are able to collectively make up the loss of Manny's bat I think there is still a need to have that one strong centerpiece of the lineup. Also, I'm not entirely confident that Lowell is going to be the defensive wizard at third that we're used to after this hip surgery. Having Teixeira at first and Youk at third would guarantee a solid defense. Finally, if the Sox do re-sign Varitek for another one or two years, having Teixeira would decrease the impact of Varitek's decreased offensive ability.

While the Sox could almost certainly do fine in 2009 without Teixeira, the long term interest of the team suggests that signing him is probably the best option.

It's when Boras gets involved...he always pushes the Teams to their limits....Smart guy...but it's killing baseball and before you know it, the economy is going to catch up with the game!

With the forseeable dimunition of Ortiz' skills/end of his curent contract as well as Lowell's, Texeira could hardly be described as a luxury. Thus Lars Anderson (probably not as adept a first baseman as Texeira) the potential future DH (able to sub at 1B occasionally for Texeira, i.e. this would fit into the Red Sox usual "flexibility" strategy enabling them to sign a fourth outfielder who does not have skills at first base and also perhaps could provide Crisp-like speed).

Fred,
why do they need to trim their payroll?
Is John Henry hard up for cash? No.
Is the team losing money? No.

Everybody acts like its THEIR money.

Those who are sick of these big contracts need to get a life. Judge Judy makes $30 mil, Howard Stern $100 mil, Bill Clinton $20 mil, about 100 different actors over $20 mil, thousands of CEO's and entrepeneurs well in excess of $20 mil.
Sorry to inform you, but it's the going rate for the TOP of your profession.
Deal with it and stop the jealousy.

Thank kevinb for the reasonable analysis of the sox's lineup. It seems a lot of people are more concerned with keeping together the group of players they are used to rooting for then looking prospectivly at what is best for the club.
I love Mike Lowell, but anyone who thinks he can come close to Texeira production next year or any future year is out of their mind. Tex. is one of the best hitters in baseball, period. He would be a force in the middle of the lineup for 6,8,10 years however long he is signed for. Do not underestimate the completness of his game (as has been noted) including is OBP and defence, 2 things Theo is very high on.

Hopefully Theo can get a deal done then ship out Lowell for a young SP or C or a bullpen arm.
But again, anyone doubting Teixeira's potential impact, he would be an MVP candidate in the Sox lineup due to the protection around him. Period.

hes not worth the money
concentrate elsewhere

I hope the Orioles get him. The American League East would be even more fun if all teams were contenders, and contrary to what Joe above says, Teixeira would help move them in that direction. Just because the O's want to sign him doesn't mean they think he alone will turn the team around.

Go home, Tex!

All I can say is that if any sport needs a salary cap it's baseball. MLB is right on the brink of pricing it's self beyond the fans ability to pay and in the present business cycle corporations are not going to spend for games and sky boxes. In fact last season was the first that I did not take customers to a game and I know I won't in 2009.

It's kinda funny, seeing folks here thinking that the Sox have no shot at landing Teixeira, but in B-more, our locals are saying the exact same thing!!!

We need him a lot more than you guys. And our lineup is good enough to compete if we do get him - unfortunately, our pitching isn't!

Joe December: Do some research on teams you write about so you don't sound like a retard. The Nationals gain immediate credibility and become an instant player in the NL East with Tex. He's the missing link.

Boston sucks so bad. Not just the Sox, but everyone in Boston. Boston is a "city" of drunks, inbreds, Irish and all around cocksucker. Bahston Sawks Cack.

LET'S GO YANKEES !!!!!!

C.C'ya in the spring time, cawksawkahs.

When did Teixeira become the best player in baseball? I'm not saying he in't good, but, is it possible we've all just bought into the hype to the point where we think the Sox need him more than they do? I didn't expect the Sox to even go for him, assuming he, along with CC and Burnette, were heading to New York in an effort to help the Yankees compete with the Sox. Now it somehow feels the Sox need him to keep up with them. How did that happen?

I want him in Boston, because it's not my money and because it, on paper, makes them stronger, but it's not the end of the world if they don't land him. But they do need to lnd somebody. Lowe?

Texeira = the next JD Drew. Too much money for production; Put free agent money into pitching (Burnett plus reliever), trade for Jermaine Dye for big bopper & MIchael Young for help at SS

I suspect Tex prefers Boston as a destination. Sox won't be top bidder, but there's no rule saying he has to go to the top bidder. Think he wants to spend his best years with the "rebuilding" 3rd-place Yankees and its Drama Queen Steinbrenner plantation-style management? The Nats, who'll finish last for most of the next decade only because there's nothing lower? The also-ran, pitching-starved Orioles (see comment #32 above)? His current club, which just lost its star closer to the Mets?

Or would he prefer to play for an organization where he can contribute WITHOUT the burden of being tagged "the hope and future of the franchise"?

Given his options, there's really only one that makes sense. The Sox know it, so they won't do what the Yanks just did with CC and wildly outbid everyone. He'll still be expensive, though.

skutch - good point, well supported ideas and comments. The value the Yankees got out of their $215 million last year was great. Did you come to this blog because you thougth we would be afraid of CC... we already drubbed him in the playoffs.....

ok to those obsessed with the idea of burnett.

you realize burnett is injured as much or more then he starts. you think that trend will actually change when he gets a big contract and the team who gets him is stuck with him regardless if he plays or not?

signing for burnett is a worse idea then signing for tex,. at least tex is a workhorse not some pampered baby who goes on the dl if he gets even so much as a hangnail.

Teixiera is younger, healthier and more productive than Mike Lowell. He will add about 50 runs per year to our offense. That's about 5 wins. 8 years and $180+ will get it done. Do it.

skutch... your parents must be proud of you ! With such a command of the English language, you must be at the top of your second grade class!

Down in DC, we also don't think we have a real chance. The Nats have some pieces on offense (Dukes, Milledge, Zimmerman) and some younguns on the way, but Tex would anchor the lineup. They might not make the playoffs next year, but after that, who knows.....

Pitching, however, is another story.

Tex is a great player but how would this work? If your gonna pay him that much money you know he's going to play first base, Youk would then move to 3rd, but where's that leave Lowell? I know he's struggled with injuries but I'd hate to see him left out of the picture when I know he's still got a lot of good baseball in him. Would they trade him? Would they even consider trading Papi while he's at peak value (maybe for a quality shortshop) and move Lowell to DH? All I know is if Tex signs with the Sox, somebody's gonna be left out.

I am surprised that these salaries are still designated in dollars, rather than yuan.

The Orioles Lineup would be as good as any in baseball with the Mark Teixeira in the 4 spot. Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Cesar Izturis, Melvin Mora and Teixeira are all Gold Glove caliber defensive players. The lineup would look something like this. Roberts(best Leadoff man in the game)Melvin Mora(perfect number 2 patient hits for avg and power)Markakis(best young right fielder in the game, hits for avg and power)Teixeira(hits for power, avg and an RBI machine)Huff(best DH in 2008)Jones(offensive force)Wieters(best prospect in baseball)Scott (.257 23hrs 65 rbi)Izturis(NL Allstar 2005).

Teixeira IS the best player in baseball when you consider offense, defense, leadership, and his overall character period. He is far more valuable then A-Rod because he he can hit in the clutch. In addition ONLY the Yanks and the Sox are in the hunt based on the criteria relative to East coast, winning organization, available money. It will take a minimum of 8 years @ 200 million and that will be the Sox limit. If the Yanks want Tex and they do they will win with a contract around 225 million for 8 years. With the addition of Tex, CC, and likely Burnett the Yanks will win it all with the Sox likely finishing in 3rd place.

I think the Red Sox should sign Tex. for 10 years, and here why, The Nationals offer is for 180Mil.for 8 years. That’s 22.5Mil a year; the Orioles are offering only 150mil for 6 to 8 years, if we go with the 8 years that amounts to 18.75 mil they could offer match the offer that the National’s are offering for 10years. Teixeira said he would play for less if he was offered a long term deal. If the Sox’s offered the same money as the Nationals but made the contract for 10 years that would cost the Red Sox’s 18Mil. a year for 10 years. I think this would be the steal of the century. His better years are ahead of him and he has been one of the best at his trade from the start defensevely and offensely. I think if we give him what he wants, to play the rest of his career in one city on the east coast close to his home with a team comitted to winning, his choice will be the Boston Red Sox.

John D.

Tex makes sense! Two question marks, Papi & Lowell. Papi could be done. Give it 3 months and if he is indeed done you can move Lowell to DH, Tex at First and platoon Lowell at Third 3rd with Youk going back and forth from first to third giving everyone a day off from time to time. If Lowell & Papi are both done you'll be glad to have Tex at any price.

I'm a big time sports fan. I don't know about you, but I hope that several franchises fold during this recession. These long term contracts can't be justified by any rational basis. For the Nats to sign Texeira is an act of financial stupidity so great that the team owner should immediately be elected to Congress, where he'll fit right in with the other idiots who are ruining our economy. You would think somebody on that team would remember how the long term A-Rod contract messed up Texas.
With Ortiz on the way down, when do you think the Sox management is going to start badmouthing him, so they can force him out.

who cares how much they pay him, there is no salary cap in baseball and the owners have the money. why does everyone worry about players salaries?

yo, skutch. As someone living in NY, I must say that you are en embarrassment. stifle yoself, bro. Idiots are distributed equally across the populations of Boston and NY.

No brainer. Go to California. The money is all pretty equal. You can't beat the weather...and the Angels will win lots of games.

anyone see this? Looks like the Yanks might be out of the picture

younggunsradio.com

Teixeira OPS'd 1.081 after he got traded to the Angels last year.. against American League pitching. Does everyone remember what Manny did with the Dodgers last year? Check out Teixeira's numbers, he was Manny-esque and he was hitting against better competition. The Sox signed Manny to an 8 year, 160 million dollar deal 7 years ago.. does anyone think the new ownership can't afford that for a younger switch hitting beast of an OPS machine? he gets on base and has pop. He is the quintiscential Theo Epstein player. The Sox want/need him. Word is the Sox already have a taker for Mike Lowell if they sign Teixeira.. they're not just talking numbers and dollars with Boras, they're ready to start moving the line-up and defense around to accommodate this signing. Check out this guys career.. forget about his RsBI, that's a stupid stat based on your team having people get on-base ahead of you... check this man's EqA, check this man's WARP3, check his RC/27... he's an animal!! Worth every penny (if Soriano is worth it, if CC is worth it (pitchers only pitch once every five days... Teixeira will be cheaper than CC), and if Manny at 37 is worth it... Teixeira is a deal at twice the price. Not to mention, he's an incredible first baseman, will get one base for the other pop in the order, or use that pop to get in the other OBP machines the Sox have (Papi, Drew, Pedroia, Youk). This would be a historic signing which would put the Sox in position to start catching up to those Yankee rings!! We're coming for you Yankssss!!!

Go get him, Sawks!!!

I would be all for bring in Tex at any price except I don't want to have to get rid of Lowell so lets save some of the money and throw it at some pitcher.

If Teixeira is better than Lowell and Youkilis is better than Lowell, why should Lowell be the one to stay? Because of sentimentality? If you want to win championships, you bring in the best players that you can. Tex would certainly upgrade the Red Sox offense. I just hope the Yankees don't ratchet up the price too much. I'm pretty sure the only reason they are 'in it' is to bring up Tex's final price.

What if the new Red Sox road uniforms and cap put him off? I mean, Tex will want to look good and those new circus uniforms might be a deal-breaker.

Forget about Teixeira..... Do a trade with Texas for Josh Hamilton and either Salty or Teagarden for Drew or Jason Bay and prospects... whatever it takes.... Hamilton would look great in either left or right field and would provide POP behind Papi. These keeps our infield intact.

come on sawks you have plenty of money and you have to respond to the yanks signing. Tex would be a great fit for the sox line up . ellsburry pedroia tex ortiz youlk drew bay lowerie tec or other catcher would be the deepest lineup in the game. hes so worth the money. COME ON THEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's my idea. Sign Tex, trade Papi (He's an old fart),move Youkilis to 3B, and have Lowell play DH. AND KEEP VARITEK, WE NEED THE LEADERSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!