Teixeira Makes Angels World Series Contenders

Wow. The Angels made a rare deal tuesday to show that they are serious about this whole playoffs, world series thing. Monday the Angels traded Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitcher to the Braves for the switch-hitting slugger Teixeira.

The Angels already had the best record in baseball and a top-flight rotation and now they have a top-flight lineup to go with it. Since their 2002 World Series championship, the Angels have won three division titles but just a single playoff series. Twice they were swept in the division series, including last October by the Red Sox. The problem has been with the offense, and in finding a hitter dangerous enough to bat effectively behind Guerrero. The Angels give up a bit of tomorrow for some runs today and the problem is more than solved!

Teixeira gives the team great power and run-production. He is also going to help out Vlad Guerrero a lot. Oh and did I mention he plays great defense? I know a lot of people in Haloland loved Casey Kotchman and the way he played but they both play great defense and Teixeira is going to produce quite a bit more at the plate (from both sides at that!). Plus, if they can win a world series this year maybe they can resign Teixeira too!

I'm liking this trade a lot for the Angels. I think the entire AL better watch out. My prediction is that if everyone can stay healthy this team is going to roll over everyone on their way to an AL West crown (already leading the division by 11.5 games) and all the way to the World Series.

This team was dangerous before but this solidifies it in my mind. The Angels are built to win a championship this year. I believe that the Angels are going to the World Series (notice how in saying Angels I did not say Yankees or Red Sox!). With Mark Teixeira behind Vladimir Guerrero in their lineup and ahead of Torii Hunter and Juan Riviera the Angels are World Series-bound in my opinion.