The best team in baseball just got a little better today, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California, USA, North America, have acquired Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves.

(”California, here I come!“)

The LOS ANGELES TIMES reports that the slugger has been swapped to SoCal for Casey Kotchman and minor leaguer Stephen Marek.

Looks like new Angels GM Tony Reagins had a last-minute change of direction, after all, already doing more than his successor, Bill Stoneman.

With the acquisition of Teixeira, the Angels not only add more power to their arsenal, but also likely derail the Dodgers’ plans of making a run at Manny Ramirez.

As OVER THE MONSTER (via SI) explains, the Blue Crew has been looking to add some firepower to their anemic offense, and has been reportedly interested in Manny’s batting prowess. And it would be a great chance for owner Frank McCourt to add yet another Bostonian to his line up.

However, now that one of their potential AL playoff rivals has just landed a big hitter, the Red Sox may be more reluctant to unload Ramirez during their run to and in the postseason.

Also, the Dodgers were apparently interested in getting Teixeira, as well. So, it looks like the Angels may have stolen *two* players from their rivals from Chavez Ravine.

Score a deuce for Arte Moreno’s squad in the baseball battle for Los Angeles. Now please clean up your concessions.