OT: Tex to the Braves
Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:42 pm
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074846
The Braves are on the verge of acquiring Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira.
The deal is done, pending a review of the medical records of the players involved, according to major-league sources.
The Braves will receive Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay.
The Rangers will receive catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Class A shortstop Elvis Andrus and two additional prospects.
One of the prospects is believed to be Class AA left-hander Matt Harrison.
The Rangers had been split on whether they wanted Harrison, in part because he recently experienced shoulder trouble.
However, Harrison underwent an MRI that revealed no damage, and the Rangers evidently are willing to take him despite their concerns.
The addition of Teixeira, 27, would dramatically transform the Braves' lineup, giving them a second switch-hitter with power to join third baseman Chipper Jones.
The Braves rank fifth in the National League in runs scored, but their on-base/slugging percentage at first base is the worst in the majors.
Teixeira, who does not become a free agent until after next season, also would give the Braves lineup protection against the likely departure of center fielder Andruw Jones as a free agent this off-season.
The Angels also made a strong bid for Teixeira, offering first baseman Casey Kotchman and left-hander Joe Saunders. They were willing to include a third player, but not at the level the Rangers were seeking, sources said.
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The Diamondbacks and Dodgers also had been interested in Teixeira, but neither was willing to trump the Braves' proposal.
Saltalamacchia, 22, is perhaps the single best player the Rangers were offered, a switch-hitting catcher with power who offers more upside than Kotchman.
The Braves were reluctant to part with "Salty," who also can play first base. But they would have no place to play him if they had Teixeria through '08; catcher Brian McCann is signed through 2012 with a club option for '13.
Teixeira is earning $9 million this season, and his salary could rise to $12 million next season in his final year of arbitration.
It is almost certain he would not sign a contract extension before becoming a free agent; his agent, Scott Boras, prefers his clients' values to be determined on the open market.
However, Teixeira attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta and might be open to signing with the Braves long-term.