Showdown In Anaheim…Will Moreno Blink?

In December of 2008 Angels owner Arte Moreno thought he had a deal.

After all the preliminary exploration processes had been taken care of with the agent for the game’s top free agent at that time, switch hitting first baseman Mark Teixeira, it was time for the owner step forth to put the final touches and give the final OK for what would be one of the largest contractual commitments in MLB history.   Moreno, known as one of the most involved and informed owners when it comes to every aspect of his team and players, knew that the acquisition of this player would change the balance of power in the A.L. West , and possibly the entire league.  This negotiation was not easy, but the Angels and Moreno had made every concession that the agent had asked for, had bent over backwards, and Moreno after speaking with the agent was left with the impression that he finally met every demand and an agreement was in place –  the deal was done.  The pressroom was being prepared, and a jersey with TEIXEIRA on the back was being assembled.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the podium.  A stunning reversal had apparently taken place and word was spreading that Teixeira was going to join the dreaded Yankees instead!  What had happened to the deal Arte and the Angels had with the agent?  Moreno was a man of his word, was the agent not?  Was there some misunderstanding?  No, the Angels had simply been mislead, and apparently used by the agent for the sole purpose of getting his player to the where he wanted the player to be all along.

Hard feelings on Moreno’s part?  You bet!  Although it has never been publicly acknowledged by Angels’ officials, it is known that Moreno, a man renowned for his integrity amongst MLB owners, and the Angels would never deal with that agent again.  And so it has been for the past 3 years, that no high profile player represented by that agent has been invited to wear an Angels’ uniform.

All that may change, however, as the player most coveted this off-season by Anaheim, outfielder Carl Crawford, just signed with the Red Sox.  Still needing an impact bat and a third baseman, the logical, and really only significant candidate to fill those voids would be free agent Adrian Beltre.  As fate would have it, Beltre is represented by the persona most non grata to Angels’ nation – Teixera’s agent.

So the showdown in the streets of Anaheim is on.  Will Moreno blink and deal with the man who publicly mislead and embarrassed him three years ago, or will he hold his ground and let the player his team needs so badly go elsewhere?  (Where’s the Clint Eastwood Music?)

Bullets could be flying through the streets of Anaheim during this negotiation if it takes place.  Whatever happens, may Arte’s hands be quick, and his aim accurate.

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