city of angels? apparently so...

If you're a general manager of a professional sports team in Los Angeles, and that team does not play hockey and is not named the Clippers, life is good at the moment. This past winter, Mitch Kupchak successfully acquired Paul Gasol in a laughable deal - the Lakers gave up some promising young talent, but were also able to unload Kwame Brown for a proven NBA star ensuring that the team will be a title contender for years to come. The trade completely shifted the balance of power in the NBA's Western Conference.

And now, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim General Manager Tony Reagins just acquired the most valuable position player on the trade market - not counting Manny Ramirez - without giving that much back in return. With Mark Teixeira in their lineup and playing first base, the Angels go from being a strong team that wins games with pitching, defense and smart offense, to a team that still pitches well, plays outstanding defense and, potentially, can absolutely mash. This trade seemingly shifts the balance of power in the American League - who knows if the Angels will conquer their October nemesis this year, the Red Sox, but with Teixeira in their lineup they do have to be considered the favorite to represent the AL in the World Series.

This deal may not set up the Angels for prolonged future success like the Lakers' trade did for that team - much uncertainty exists as to whether or not the team can afford to resign Teixeira and keep franchise cornerstones, Vlad, K-Rod and Lackey. But regardless, it significantly increases their chances of winning it all this year, and as a smart organization, even if they can't keep all their pieces in place, the Angels will still be a competitive team for years to come.

Also, the Mark Teixeira trade has to be pleasing to Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti. Since division opponent Arizona failed to acquire the first baseman who they clearly targeted, struggling teams in the NL West, like the Dodgers, still have a chance to make a minor deal and compete with the Diamondbacks for the pennant the rest of the season. It's unlikely Reagins thought of helping his colleague when making the trade, but he effectively kept a lot of media pressure from swelling outside Collett's office.

I've followed Kobe Bryant since he was in high school, and I'm a Lakers fan as a result of him being a Laker. So, the Gasol trade definitely brought a smile to my face. But ever since I visited Boston, where my younger sister attended college and I'm about to attend grad school, I've had an affection for the Sox. So, this Angels trade is quite a bit troubling to me at the moment, especially since I feel like the Braves should have gotten more. Kotchman looks to be a good young first baseman, and I satisfactory replacement for Teixeira in the lineup, but acquiring just him and one mediocre pitching prospect seems weak to me. The Braves need middle infield help as well, and I'm surprised they didn't ask for Maicer Izturis or at least another top-level prospect in return for a stud, bat me third or fourth every night guy like Teixeira.

Though I may be dismayed by the trade and others in baseball and all sports, I must admit - the chase for October glory just got a lot more interesting, and I'm sure it will get even more interesting before the deadline passes tomorrow afternoon. As a fan, I'm excited to sit back and watch it all unfold.

Now if only LA could do something about the smog, crime and earthquakes...
(And of course shortly after publishing this post, MannyWood happened!)