Mark Teixeira tidbits

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LAS VEGAS -- Few give the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals much of a chance to land Mark Teixeira, but both appear to be very serious about the pursuit of the free-agent first baseman, who remains the Angels’ top priority.

Team sources told the Washington Post that the Nationals, who finished last in the National League East and lost 102 games last season, are mulling a significant offer to Teixeira, whose price tag could approach 10 years and $200 million, and owner Ted Lerner reportedly met with Teixeira’s agent, Scott Boras, in Washington last week.

Orioles General Manager Andy MacPhail also told reporters today that he met last week with Boras and Teixeira, who grew up in Severna Park, Md. Though no offers were made, parameters of a deal were discussed.

In addition to the Angels, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are interested in Teixeira.

Washington GM Jim Bowden, speaking in general of the feedback he’s received from free agents, told the Washington Post: ‘Players recognize we have one of the finest ballparks in the game. They recognize we are located in the most powerful city in the world. They also know, if they come here, we may not be ready to win next year, but ... they also look at all the other pieces and the potential revenue and the young players coming, and say, ‘This franchise is on the way up.’’

The Nationals know they need to outbid deep-pocketed teams to have any chance of landing Teixeira, so they are the team most likely to come closest to the 10-year deal Boras would like. The Angels were hoping to re-sign Teixeira for five or six years, but it is becoming more apparent that they will need to go to seven or eight years to sign him.

-- Mike DiGiovanna