Deep In the Heart of Tex

I was a little disappointed to read today that the Baltimore Orioles have fallen behind in the Mark Teixera sweepstakes. People who know me may ask why I care considering that I'm a Yankee fan. And if you think it's because I'm worried he'll go to the Red Sox, you're mostly wrong. Sure, I don't want to see him in Boston, but the reason why I'm sad that he's likely not going to the Orioles is because it has been well documented that the Orioles are Mark Teixera's hometown team.



Before I go any further I will readily admit all of these issues:

1) Teixera has the right to sign anywhere he wants

2) He has earned the right to a large contract because of his stellar play

3) He has the right to choose a team that is already a contender



I think part of me wants to see him go to his hometown team because so many of us who played baseball growing up dreamed of playing for our favorite team and hitting the winning home run that won our team the world series. There is something very romantic about putting on the uniform of your childhood heroes (and getting paid handsomely to do it -- though I guarantee there are those of us that would do it for free). So now we see a major leaguer with a chance to do just that. And not only play for his hometown team, he could be the savior of his hometown team that has struggled so mightily in the last few years, and is in desperate need of that major superstar that will help them back on the path to contendership.

You know that the fans of Baltimore are praying that this guy will give them a "hometown discount." It's so hard to bring a superstar to a floundering club, especially if they feel no special tie to the organization, and it's particularly frustrating for the fans. And not only will they lose out on Teixera, but they will in a way lose out on the other free agents who might have signed in Baltimore if they see a superstar like Teixera signing there. A player like Tex automatically gives the organization more credibility.

Believe me, as an Islander fan I understand this. Right now, no big name player wants to play for the Islanders. They are a very bad team that is in serious rebuilding mode. They play in an old building with a very localized fan base. When the hockey off-season rolls around, I can guarantee you that the major free agents aren't going to have the Islanders at the top of their list....however, if there was a great player who grew up on Long Island, rooting for the Islanders, and decided to come to the organization as free agent, it would help gain the team a measure of respect, and maybe we could lure some other good players, instead of the leftovers that nobody else wants (I really hope this blog reaches Chris Higgins).

In a sports world right now where everyone wants to play for the big market teams, or go to the highest bidder, it would be nice to see a guy go back to his roots. Who said you can't go home?

Tex has every right in the world to sign where he wants and take whatever contract he wants, but the romantic in me would like to see him go play for the hometown team, and be the hero that I'm sure he dreamed of being as a kid.

And if you disagree...go ahead and tell me I'm wrong.