What are the chances the Braves will be able to re-sign Mark Teixeira? If they can't sign him before the Winter Meetings, should the Braves trade him immediately for a starting pitcher?
With this in mind, Teixeira's price tag will be high and possibly reach that stratosphere where only organizations like the Yankees and Red Sox can compete. The Yankees will likely be erasing Jason Giambi's $20 million-plus salary from their payroll at the end of next season. There is a $5 million buyout clause in his contract for the 2009 season.
With next season also being the last one that Mike Hampton's hefty contract will appear on the Atlanta payroll, the Braves may have some room to compete for Teixeira's services. But Boras has already made it known that they'll have to end their practice of not granting no-trade clauses.
Some of you have asked if Frank Wren's move in the general manager's role will change the Braves' stance on granting no-trade clauses. While that remains to be seen, let's not forget that John Schuerholz is still his boss and Schuerholz has always held a firm stance against providing these clauses.
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