Angels offer arbitration to Teixeira, K-Rod

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (TICKER) —The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Monday protected themselves should any of their coveted free agents decide to leave this winter.

The Angels announced that they have offered salary arbitration to first baseman Mark Teixeira, righthanders Francisco Rodriguez and Jon Garland and lefthander Darren Oliver.

Teixeira, Rodriguez and Oliver are Type A free agents, meaning the Angels would get a first-round selection and a supplemental pick in next June’s amateur draft as compensation should they sign with another team.

Garland is a Type B free agent, meaning the team would net a supplemental pick if he departs.

The Angels declined to offer arbitration to left fielder Garret Anderson, a Type B free agent.

Teixeira is likely to command a nine-figure deal this winter, with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and Angels mentioned as possible suitors.

The 28-year-old Teixeira is a career .290 hitter with a .378 on-base percentage and a .541 slugging percentage in six seasons. A Gold Glove-caliber first baseman, Teixeira has 203 homers and 676 RBI in six seasons.

Rodriguez set the major league record for saves in a season with 62 last season. The 26-year-old four-time All-Star is the most coveted closer on the market this winter, with the New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers in need of a stopper.

Oliver, 38, has been a strong lefthander out of the bullpen the past two seasons for Anaheim, posting a 7-1 record with a 2.88 ERA in 54 games last season.

Garland, 29, is said to be looking for a three or four-year contract on the open market.