The Final 9

By JACK CURRY

The Los Angeles Angels have the best record in the major leagues, and with a double-digit lead in the American League West, they can already peek ahead to the playoffs. After acquiring first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, the Angels will probably start looking ahead to the World Series, too.

To obtain Teixeira and strengthen their ordinary offense, the Angels sent first baseman Casey Kotchman and the minor league pitcher Stephen Marek to Atlanta. Teixeira, a switch-hitter whom the Braves acquired at the trade deadline last year, will probably bat behind Vladimir Guerrero and should make the Angels, the strongest team in baseball, even more formidable.

Formidable Angels Acquire Teixeira From the Braves....