Mark Teixeira doesn’t have much time to keep up with Sports Center.  He’s too busy watching Sesame Street.  Not in creepy way–with his kids.

On the subject of steroid use, Teixeira had this to say: “My parents would kill me before any of the media could if I ever got caught doing drugs.”

I happen to think that one of the missing ingredients in the Yankees clubhouse in recent years has been more players with a healthy fear of what their parents would do to them if they got busted doing something bad.  So I actually feel good about this comment.

But Teixeira wears his family values well.  He isn’t holier-than-thou.  And while he may take a hard line with himself, he’s nothing if not forgiving with others when it comes to their indiscretions.  When questioned about A-Roid, Teixeira said, “I’m going to open my arms for Alex and be there for him. He’s not on an island. A lot of people think this is going to tear the team apart. I think it’s going to bring the team together.”

It’s like he fused the philosophies of John Donne and Dr. Phil and evolved into the most perfect, adorable person ever.

Given everything going on with the Yanks and how tough the New York media can be, Teixeira may be just what the doctor ordered to repair our tattered reputation. A family man, who works hard, leads by example, stays positive and keeps his hands cleans.  Sort of like Mike Mussina minus the judgment and the inability to deal with the press.  (Much love, Moose, but you know it’s true.) 

As far as Teixeira’s future relationship with the New York media is concerned, I don’t think we have much to worry about.  He’s already made a point of introducing himself to every reporter in the Steinbrenner Field clubhouse, including those who were only in town for the Rodriguez circus.  He promised that he would learn all of their names eventually. 

Most players never bother, but something tells me Teixeira’s parents might have something to say about it if he didn’t.