Angels will not make a offer to Teixeira

The LA Times reports:

The Angels hold exclusive negotiating rights to Mark Teixeira until midnight Thursday, but they are not expected to make an offer to the free-agent first baseman by then, and it could be days, or even a week or two, before they bid on the slugger.

By no means is that a reflection of the Angels' interest in retaining Teixeira, who is their top priority this winter; it's simply a negotiating tactic they will likely take in pursuit of a premier player who will be in high demand once he hits the open market Friday.

Agent Scott Boras, who represents Teixeira, has apparently made it clear to the Angels that his client plans to test the market, regardless of any offer the Angels make during the 15-day window in which they hold exclusive negotiating rights.

Teixeira, 28, is expected to draw heavy interest from the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals, and he will likely command a deal between five and 10 years in length for at least $20 million a year.