Tom Hicks: Teixeira Turned Down 140 Million

Rangers owner Tom Hicks revealed to the Dallas News the reason the Rangers were so intent on trading Mark Teixeira. According to Hicks, Teixeira turned down an 8 year, 140 million dollar extension two weeks ago. Teixeira is very good, possibly a top-5 first baseman, but 140 million sounds like a lot. The Braves sending 5 of their top 10 prospects (including 1-3) to the Rangers seems very expensive now. Teixeira seems like he is primed to hit the open market in 15 months. The Braves have never paid a player anything close to 140 million and I don't see Teixeira giving out a hometown discount.