Scott Boras compares Matt Holliday to Mark Teixeira

[missionhockey21]

And no, he did not say they compare because they both have choked in the 2009 MLB playoffs.

Scott Boras threw out the ceremonial first pitch in free agency today, comparing Matt Holliday to Mark Teixeira in the impact the agent believes each player can have on a club.

"These guys are blue-collar superstars," Boras said. "They don't hit 50 home runs, but they're complete players. They can give you something without swinging a bat."

Teixeira signed with the New York Yankees last winter, for $180 million. Boras would not say what his asking price would be for Holliday, but he made clear he considered Holliday's abilities in getting on base, hitting for power and playing superior defense similar to those of Teixeira.

"There are differences between hitters and complete players," Boras said. "Matt Holliday is a complete player.

"There is, frankly, no one like him in the market."

Holliday and Jason Bay, both outfielders, are expected to be the top hitters available in free agency. Boras, speaking before Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Angel Stadium, does not represent Bay.

The demand for Holliday could be considerable. Holliday, 29, batted .313 with 24 home runs, 109 runs batted in and a .909 OPS this season, split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics.

Holliday spent last winter in Orange County and has expressed interest in the Angels, who could use a big bat to replace Vladimir Guerrero. However, as last winter's Teixeira talks showed, Boras' marathon negotiating style clashes with owner Arte Moreno's approach of making a first and best offer and moving on if that offer is not quickly accepted.

The Boston Red Sox could recruit him to replace Bay, who has rejected extension offers from Boston and said he intends to test the market.

The Yankees could use Holliday as an upgrade to Johnny Damon, who also is eligible for free agency. The New York Mets could use Holliday as an upgrade over any of the nine players they used in left field this season. The Cardinals would love to retain Holliday, but signing him might mean foregoing a long-term extension for Albert Pujols.

The San Francisco Giants, with arguably two of the top four starters in the National League in Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, would instantly become the National League West favorites if they signed Holliday.

Agent Scott Boras compares Matt Holliday to Yankees' Mark Teixeira -- latimes.com

[catman]

Hmmmmm......I wonder if he might be trying to pad his bank account a bit?

[realmofotalk]

Angels ALCS dugout seats aren't cheap.