Dec 24 2008
Teixeira Signs with Yankees
The New York Yankees stunned baseball fans and pundits by signing Mark Teixeira. Teixeira, a free-agent first baseman, agreed to an eight-year contract worth a total of $180 million.
Teixeira, a two-time Gold Glove winner, solidifies New York’s hole at first base. Twelve different men played at first in 2008 for the Yankees. Teixeira is a switch-hitter who bats for average and power. He can be put in the middle of a potent Yankee lineup with Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui.
Teixeira finished the 2008 season with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after being traded from Atlanta. So did Boston, Washington and Baltimore. Teixeira was born and raised in suburban Maryland and he stated a preference to play on the east coast.
Boston thought its eight-year, $168 million offer would be enough. However, Teixeira and his agent, Scott Boras, waited for a better deal. Just as the Angels and Red Sox abandoned their plans to sign him, the Yankees made their blockbuster offer.
New York now has the three biggest free agents of 2008 signed so far: Teixeira and pitchers A.J. Burnett and CC Sabathia. The Yankees also now have the four highest-paid players in baseball: Jeter, Rodriguez, Sabathia and Teixeira.
