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All Nats Want for Christmas Is Teixeira

Team offers first baseman $160 million

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 | Updated 5:36 PM EST

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Mark Teixeira tries to get out Jed Lowrie of the Boston Red Sox after catcher Mark Napoli tried to catch Lowrie leading off during Game Four of the American League Championship Series on Oct. 6, 2008, at Fenway Park in Boston.

LAS VEGAS -- Major League Baseball’s winter meetings in Las Vegas are over, and Washington Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden left Sin City with a huge offer for first baseman Mark Teixeira on the table.

Signing Teixeira is the team’s No. 1 priority, Bowden said.

"I tried to be up front and honest,” Bowden said. “We are trying to build this club through development and scouting, through young players, through trades for young players. We also said if it was a free agent who was young and in his 20s, (we would want him) to be part of the long-term solution."

According to MLB.com, the Nationals offered Teixeira an eight-year, $160 million contract. Bowden confirmed the club had made an offer but wouldn't discuss figures, the report said.

Teixeira is considered the best offensive player available on the open market. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees also are interested in Teixeira. The Orioles reportedly offered the Maryland native a seven-year, $150 million deal.

Teixeira, 27, hit a combined .321 with 33 homers and 121 RBI for the Atlanta Braves and angels last season. He is a career .290 hitter with 203 homers and 676 RBI in 904 games.

In an interview with ESPN last month, Teixeira said he was hopeful he would sign a new contract by Christmas. Powerful agent Scott Boras said he was unsure if his client would sign by then.

So what do you think about the Nationals’ bid? Are you happy with their attempt? Do they even have a shot? Do you think there is enough money in the world to bring Teixeira to the worst team in baseball in 2008? Post your thoughts in the comments below.