Teixeira can still carry weight in the trade market

Mark, you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here

It's an exciting time in Texas Rangerland. The team's winning. Not only are they not the worst team in the league, but they may not be the worst team in their division, thanks a lot to last night's explosive 11-4 win in Oakland.

But the biggest point of interest is in the trade market where the Rangers have a lot of bait (some injured bait, mind you) and seemingly not many takers. Or so we can assume because A) Rangers fans have a constant fear that something will get fucked up; and B) why isn't Sammy Sosa traded yet?

However, the official website for the team states that a number of teams are interested in stud first baseman Mark Teixeira. Specifically, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, California Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants. Of course, this all could be GM Jon Daniels' ploy to increase his value by adding in some interested parties.

It is, however, most gratifying to see that the Rangers are not thinking they can compete in part to the recent success: They are resolute in rebuilding, so it appears.

So with the field narrowed down, let's see who the Rangers can get from these teams:

Boston Red Sox
I think it was a bit silly for everyone to write off the BoSox after Kevin Youkilis went on that hitting streak. Teixeira's a pretty valuable piece and teams with flexible line ups can make room for a guy that'll hit 30 homers, play defense, switch hit and not have to carry the team. And who can also afford to resign him. Yook can play third base and you wonder if the BoSox wouldn't trade Mike Lowell who's come on in a contract year. Who the Rangers could get varies? I doubt Teixeira could bring in a Kason Gabbard or Clay Bucholz, but Jon Lester or Justin Masterson could be had.

San Francisco Giants
Simple. Starting pitchers Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. And according to Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant, the Giants probably feel like they can deal with Tex's agent Scott Boras after an off-season signing Barry Zito. Unfortunately, the Giants are not a good team and the only way the Rangers can pry those arms from the Bay Area is by poor general managing on the Giants' part.

Los Angeles Dodgers
I think a lot of people are making too much of James Loney, who's currently playing first for the Dodgers. Also, there are rumors that the Dodgers are looking for pitching. Can we interest you in a package deal of Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla and Teixeira? The Dodgers have holes, for sure, but the Rangers have bandages. I don't know if they could ever pawn off Millwood right now, but Eric Gagne, Aki Otsuka and Joaquin Benoit could be packaged with Teixeira. For the right price, of course.

California Angels
I think it's silly to trade a gigantic player to a division mate if you don't have to. But if it comes down to the Angels, let's starting with Kendry Morales and Joe Saunders.

Atlanta Braves
I believe Teixeira will be playing in California later this year, but if I had to choose a team that could get him and possibly keep him, it's Atlanta. They always win and they're a team that could compete for the next decade because they're minor league system is always so good. Probably Matt Harrison or MLB-ready Jarrod Saltalamacchia and maybe others.

New York Yankees
I think the Yankees are a team to be had. I think they'll be 10 games out of first in the AL East but GM Brian Cashman will be so desperate to make a move and possibly keep his job that he's liable to do something stupid. Unfortunately, I really don't think they have the players to be stupid with and I find improbable even in New York for them to trade off Phillip Hughes.