Price tag for Teixeira too steep

SEATTLE —  The Angels backed out of a potential trade for Texas slugger Mark Teixeira because they believed the deal would have deprived them of too many key components and would have been counterproductive to their playoff push.

“What we were being asked for was going to hurt us more than the deal would help,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said Monday, without specifically mentioning Teixeira. “We are looking at this season and setting ourselves up in the best position for getting in the postseason. We’re not going to destroy our ability to compete for next year or future years just for a shot at now.”

The Rangers are believed to have sought a package of players that included first baseman Casey Kotchman, left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders and either third baseman Brandon Wood, minor league pitcher Nick Adenhart, second baseman Howie Kendrick or recently demoted right-hander Ervin Santana in exchange for Teixeira.

“Considering the names that were bantered around on our side, I wouldn’t call it disappointing because I think it would have been creating a huge hole in what we need to do,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “I know Bill made a terrific pitch and unfortunately it didn’t work out.”

Texas agreed to trade Teixeira to Atlanta on Monday as part of a six-player deal in which the Rangers acquired coveted Braves rookie catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus.

While acknowledging that a deal was still possible before today’s non-waiver trade deadline, Stoneman said “to me right now it would be a surprise.”

The Angels could try to complete a last-minute trade for Oakland designated hitter Mike Piazza, Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye and/or White Sox right-hander Jon Garland. They also could probably cheaply acquire Houston third baseman Morgan Ensberg, who the Astros designated for assignment only two years removed from a season in which he hit 36 homers and drove in 101 runs.

The Angels’ quest for additional offense could take on additional urgency because outfielder Juan Rivera is not progressing as quickly as expected in his recovery from a broken leg and might not return until September.

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Weaver versus Weaver will have to wait until at least the end of next month.

Brothers Jered and Jeff Weaver missed facing each other for the first time in their careers by a day; Jeff starts tonight for the Mariners, Jered on Wednesday for the Angels.

“I’d have to be in the situation to let you know how it felt,” Jered said of the possibility of squaring off against his brother. “It’s just too weird to even think about.”

Didn’t they play against each other in the backyard growing up?

“I was always too young to be hanging out with him,” said Jered, who is six years younger. “He didn’t want his punk brother hanging around with him.”

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Scioscia said Dustin Moseley would “most likely” start Friday against Oakland at McAfee Coliseum, though the Angels are still mulling their options. Moseley said he thought he made a strong case for a second consecutive start with his effort Sunday against Detroit, when he pitched 4 2/3 innings and came within an out of recording the victory during the Angels’ 13-4 victory.... Kendrick had the splint removed from his broken left index finger and is expected to begin strengthening exercises.

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