OT: Tex to the Braves

theknicks414 · Post #1 » by **theknicks414** » 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.

Jitpal · Post #2 » by **Jitpal** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:56 pm

Well done. Who are we getting? Boston is getting Dye, Braves are get Teixeira and Angels will probably get either Dunn or Piazza. Who are we getting? -Jitpal

Post #3 » by **PR07** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:02 pm

Gagne?

This is a good trade for both parties I think. Teixeira probably will resign with the Braves if the money is there. I mean he played his college ball at Georgia Tech and Atlanta isn't too far from his home state of Maryland. Rangers received good value for Tex.

theknicks414 · Post #4 » by **theknicks414** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:02 pm

We are getting Hughes, Joba, and Giambi.

If we can acquire a shutdown setup man like Gagne, get rid of Farnsworthless, and bring up Joba our bullpen will be greatly improved. I can see Joba having a Zumaya-like impact.

Post #5 » by **PR07** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:04 pm

I'd still like to see us get another 1B with some pop too.

cmaff051 · Post #6 » by **cmaff051** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:38 pm

This is a good trade for Atlanta if they can resign Texiera. If not, then it's an awful deal.

Jitpal · Post #7 » by **Jitpal** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:02 pm

Looks like Atlanta is now on the verge of dealing for Dotel. Looks like they are going for it all here. Wonder when they pick up Garland to bolster their starting rotation. -Jitpal