Turkey Day is almost upon us, and Angel nation undoubtedly has thankful memories of the record-setting, 100-win season, despite the bittersweet taste of yet another playoff trouncing at the hands of Boston.
As recently as mid-2002, the Angels were widely regarded a mismanaged Junior Circuit punching bag, overshadowed by the palm trees of Chavez Ravine. The team's success since Artie Moreno took over as owner -- in both the standings and stands -- illustrates how far it has come in establishing itself as a legitimate every-year contender.
Things have changed -- Moreno's tenure has been a renaissance for the franchise, marked by regular playoff appearances, marquee free agent signings and lower beer prices -- heck, even the uniforms are much cooler.
Moreno and Angel brass face some major decisions this off-season if they want to keep franchise's salad days continuing into the 2009 season.
And none is more important that signing Mark Teixeira.
The 29-year-old slugger proved, in 54 second-half games with the team, he is the elixir to the offensive inconsistencies that have plagued the team in recent years. More important than the gaudy numbers he tallied -- a .358 average with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs -- was the menacing presence he provided in the middle of the order. Replacing the light-hitting Casey Kotchman, Teixeira turned a run-of-the-mill offense into one of baseball's best overnight, helping spark the fading bat of Vladimir Guerrero in particular.
Simply put, the first baseman is a must-have if the Angels desire to stay amongst the league's elite.
His durability and consistency has been Cooperstown-worthy based on the first six years of his career, as he has the fifth-most RBIs in that span, while playing nearly everyday.
"There are very few players in sports who offer a team a franchise face, the completeness of offense, defense, and of being a good teammate," his agent, Scott Boras, told the Associated Press at the GM meetings last week. "The marketplace for Mark Teixeira is going to be very aggressive."
Just as important as his on the field accolades, Teixeira complemented the team's hustling attitude with his own stellar work ethic.
"I think he liked everything about the Angels -- the organization, players, coaches, the ballpark, the area," Angels general manager Tony Reagins told the AP. "But he has to make the best decision for his family."
And that family-based decision will likely be decided in an off-season auction that would make the most aggressive Sotheby's bidder blush. Boras, a negotiator at the Jedi level, has already insinuated the first baseman won't accept anything less than a long-term contract in the $25-million-a-year range.
The costs will be exorbitant, even with commissioner Bud Selig admonishing teams to keep their bidding at reasonable levels, in hopes the nation's economic uncertainty does not bleed right into its favorite pastime.
Is he really worth it? Yeah.
The ever-shrewd Moreno has proven his aggressive enthusiasm toward inking the prettiest girls at the free agent dance. He understands the Steinbrenner-esque message it sends to the growing fan base, ensuring plenty of sellouts before the first pitch of the spring training is thrown. Not to mention the fun in stealing a few headlines away from the team up the freeway. Perennial MVP candidates like Teixeira in the prime of their careers only come along so often.
Pounce, Artie. Pounce.
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