Do the Angels Really Need Teixeira?

When did they get the cool American flag Angels hats? I want one.

Before you say it, let's not go into whether they would be better with him or without him. We all know the Angels would like to have the clean-up hitter and Gold Glove first baseman, but Nick Cafardo and others have stated the Angels need Teixeira. But do they really?

First, Teixeira is going to cost $20M for the next 8-10 years. That's a lot of money and a lot of years. If you want to give such a deal to someone, Teixeira is the man to give it to. He's talented, durable, and plays a position where guys usually age fairly well. However, just because he might be the best bet doesn't mean you should give it to him. There are still risks. What happens if he slips on some ice outside of his house and breaks something? What if he gets hurt? A knee ligament or hamstring could easily pop and cause chronic problems. Do you need that headache?

Second, the Angels haven't had that big hitter in years, and yet, they still win. Teixeira didn't get them to the playoffs. This is a team built to win, and they have the talent to do it, even without the slugger.

Third, there are other options. Internally, Kendry Morales is ready now. Matthew Brown? Mark Trumbo? Next year, Adam LaRoche could be on the market. Is Teixeira better than all those players? Definitely. But is he worth that huge contract when there are other good options that would be much cheaper?

Fourth, the Angels could use the money for pitching. Next year, they'll have a staff of John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, and someone else. Let's not talk about Peavy. Nothing seems to be going on there. But, with the staff they already have, they just need a decent guy for spot 5. They even have Nick Adenhart, who struggled last season but that happens when the guy is 21. Let's say that John Lackey's feelings are accurate and he gets an extension. Next season, they could add one of Josh Beckett, Rich Harden, or Brett Myers to make the staff better.

Fifth, the biggest concern is Vladimir Guerrero. If they can't bring him back, then they need to replace him. Next year, Jason Bay, Rick Ankiel, Matt Holliday, and Xavier Nady could be available. Matt Holliday would require a Teixeira-like contract, so let's cross him off the list because I think we'd all prefer Teixeira. But the others could fill in and give you around as much production as Guerrero has over the past few seasons. With a better defensive outfielder, that opens up the DH spot.

Do the Angels need Teixeira? No, but I do believe they'd prefer to keep him. He'll probably be in the MVP discussion for the next 3-5 years and be pretty good for the remainder. He does fill the hole the Angels believe they have in their perfect team, but if he didn't make the difference this year, when will he?