ESPN baseball reporters Buster Olney and Peter Gammons are reporting today that free agent first-baseman Mark Teixeira is expected to announce his commitment to join either the Boston Red Sox or Washington Nationals. A contract from either club is anticipated to be eight years in length at a dollar value of at least $160 million. According to multiple news sources, Teixeira's most recent club, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, withdrew an offer Sunday night. The New York Yankees were reported to have made, then rescinded an offer.
As for the Mets and their fans, they're likely hoping Teixeira goes to Boston, where Mets pitchers would only have to face him a maximum of three games in 2009, as opposed to 18 if he were to join the Nationals.
As an Atlanta Brave, Teixeira hit .515 and slugged .788 in 39 at-bats against the Mets in 2008, with 6 doubles, 1 homer and 12 RBI and likely would've inflicted even more damage in the remaining nine games between the two clubs, had he not been traded in mid-season to the Angels. In 2007, Teixeira hit .333 against the Mets, with 2 homers and 6 RBI.
So for Teixeira, a native of Maryland, it appears it's a choice for him of whether to play close to his birthplace or to join a perennial contender for a World Series ring.
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