We called Arte Moreno to talk about Mark Teixeira. He wanted to talk about Jeff Mathis.
We wanted to talk about a big bat, and why the Angels must play on without one. The conversation went a long way toward explaining why Teixeira isn't here, Alex Rodriguez isn't coming and Bill Stoneman isn't leaving.
The July 31 trading deadline is a big deal in some cities. In Anaheim, no deal, year in and year out. The joke is tired and worn now, the one about how the Angels' general manager truly is a stone man.
Stoneman rarely makes a trade, in July or in any other month, protecting his prospects above all. He made his best trade only because he had to make a trade, dumping problem child Jose Guillen on the Washington Nationals for Juan Rivera and Maicer Izturis.
Yet Moreno has heard enough of the see-no-trade, hear-no-trade, make-no-trade caricature of Stoneman.
"It's not like Bill is in a little bubble and just says, 'I don't want to do it,' " Moreno said.
In Anaheim, Moreno is The Boss, just not with bluster. The owner does not advertise his deep involvement in baseball operations, but in the three weeks preceding the trading deadline he spoke with Stoneman every day.
"Some days, five or six times a day," Moreno said.
Stoneman consults with his scouts. Mike Scioscia, the manager, consults with his coaches. Moreno assesses the consensus.
When Stoneman says no to Teixeira, Moreno already has said no.
"I could have told Bill, 'I want this thing done and send them three players,' " Moreno said. "But, if all the advice I'm getting from the people I pay is not to make the deal and I'm not listening to them, why are they there?"
Teixeira had turned down $140 million over eight years to stay in Texas, according to Rangers owner Tom Hicks. When he hits free agency next fall, he and agent Scott Boras might seek $200 million.
So, as the Angels evaluated which players they might include in a trade, Scioscia asked if they should expect to re-sign Teixeira.
"I don't believe we can," Moreno said. "We get him for two months this year, and next year, and then you have to negotiate with Scott Boras."
What if Teixeira can get the Angels into the World Series this year or next year? Isn't that worth it?
"If you could guarantee me a World Series, we're going to empty out everything," Moreno said. "Does he get us to the World Series if we don't have the pitching?"
