"First baseman Mark Teixeira should be an offseason priority for the Los Angeles Angels.

Teixeira was one several position players in the Angels lineup for last night’s Game 3 of the Division Series against the Red Sox whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Before last night’s 5-4 win in 12 innings that kept the Angels alive, Teixeira wouldn’t speculate about his future plans. But the switch-hitting basher with two gold gloves will have many hot-stove suitors in the free agent market - topped by the Angels and the Yankees, who will be looking to replace Jason Giambi.

“I’ve enjoyed my time (in Anaheim) and it’s a nice place to have a little 2-month vacation for my family,” said Teixeira. “I still have to go to work every day, but my family’s enjoying it.

“I’m going to keep my options open, but the only thing I’m worried about is playing the game tonight.”

Teixeira was acquired by the Angels in a deadline trade with Atlanta on July 29 for infielder Casey Kotchman and right-hander Steve Marek. Teixeira quickly adapted into the kind of player Angels manager Mike Scioscia depends on to grease the machine in the middle of the order.

Teixeira adequately honored his obligations as a hired gun during the Angels’ uncontested run to the playoffs. Scioscia inserted Teixeira into the third spot in the order between Garret Anderson and Vladimir Guerrero, with speedster Chone Figgins at the top of the lineup and Torii Hunter fifth.

“Any grouping that’s hitting in the front of the lineup, whether it’s your first or second guy in the order that’s hitting behind the middle of the order, has a big responsibility for the continuity of your offense,” said Scioscia. “Tex has been an extension of that in the third hole in front of Vlad and Torii, and behind guys that you want to set the table. I don’t think it’s fair to focus on one guy.”

Teixeira played in 56 regular season games for Los Angeles, making his Angels’ debut at Fenway Park. Teixeira is batting .358 (122-for-393) with 14 doubles, 13 home runs and 43 RBI since the trade. Among active players in their sixth year in the majors, only Albert Pujols (250) of the St. Louis Cardinals has hit more home runs than Teixeira (203)."