Angels bringing back Vlad, Lackey

The Angels exercised the options on the contracts of ace pitcher John Lackey for $10 million and star outfielder Vladimir Guerrero for $15 million, SI.com has learned.

The decision to retain both players at a reasonable cost is not a surprise, but the Angels are expected to try to lock up Lackey to a long-term deal. Guerrero had an off year and his knees looked somewhat worrisome this year, but the contract gave the Angels another year to decide whether to sign him long term.

The Angels are going to try hard to sign free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira to a multi-year deal, AL sources said. Teixeira is believed to seek about $200 million on a 10-year deal. The Angels may also be in the bidding for star free agent pitcher CC Sabathia. They wouldn't mind retaining Francisco Rodriguez, their record-setting closer, but appear unlikely to come close to meeting K-Rod's asking price of $75 million over five years.