In what's likely the blockbuster of this trading season, the Braves have reached an agreement to acquire star first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Rangers in a multiplayer trade, SI.com has confirmed. The deal sends Teixeira and reliever Ron Mahay to the Braves for top catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia, shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus and two other prospects. The trade is contingent on a review of medical records, according to sources. An announcement could come as early as tonight. The sides reached a compromise agreement after Texas sought a substitute for pitching prospect Matt Harrison due to injury concerns. According to the Fort Wort Star-Telegram, the Braves have agreed to send pitching prospect Neftali Feliz and a player to be named later instead of Harrison. The Braves are not expected to pursue a long-term contract with Teixeira, who is due to become a free agent after the 2008 season and is making $9 million this year. Saltalamacchia, who like Teixeira is a switch-hitter with power, has spent time at first base this season as the Braves tried to find a way to utilize his bat. Saltalamacchia's path at catcher was blocked by McCann, who this year signed a six-year, $26.8 million deal. Mahay, 36, is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA and one save in 28 games this season. Teixeira, hitting .297 with 13 homers and 49 RBIs, gives the Braves a home-run threat at first base they lacked after trading Adam LaRoche to Pittsburgh in the offseason. Teixeira, a two-time Gold Glove winner, also should be a defensive upgrade. Teixeira missed 27 games this season with a left quadriceps injury. The Braves opened the season with Craig Wilson and Scott Thorman splitting time at first base. Wilson was released after hitting only .172. Thorman is hitting .220 with 10 homers and 34 RBIs. Saltalamacchia has struggled defensively at times when tried at first base. The Braves signed 48-year-old Julio Franco on July 18 after Franco was released by the Mets. Teixeira has hit 153 homers in five seasons. He set career highs with 43 homers and 144 RBIs in 2005. Saltalamacchia, 22, is hitting .284 with four homers and 12 RBIs in 141 at-bats. Andrus, 19, is best known for his strong defense at shortstop, but he plays a position of great depth in the Braves' organization. Rookie Yunel Escobar is hitting .317 in 43 games this season while playing shortstop, third base and second base. Starter Edgar Renteria, hitting .333, is signed through the 2008 season. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/07/30/teixeira.trade/index.html
If only Purpura had nuts like John Schuerholz does. Braves are clearly thinking about going for it now with no regard to the future. Wonder if he'll be in the lineup vs. the Stros tonight. Heard the deal is still pending because of the medical records of one of the minor leaguers Texas got.
And in related news, Drayton McClane continues to sit on his ass, dreaming of a World Series years ago.
HaHa...That made me laugh... Tex is good, but that's a lot for a rental...IMHO, not sure if its worth it...
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/080107dnsporanglede.ccc962c5.html "Hicks: Teixeira rejected $140 million offer CLEVELAND – The Rangers did not let Mark Teixeira go to Atlanta without a fight, owner Tom Hicks said Tuesday as the seven-player deal with the Braves was completed. Hicks confirmed the Rangers made Teixeira an official long-term contract proposal more than two weeks ago in a last-ditch effort to keep him. The proposal would have kept Teixeira in Texas for eight more seasons at a total for approximately $140 million. The deal would have included a mutually agreed figure for Teixeira's last year of salary arbitration in 2008 and another seven years worth $18 million per season. Teixeira was making $9 million this season, the second year of a two-year deal with the Rangers. He is eligible for arbitration next season and is expected to receive between $12 million and $14 million per season." Tex is a hell of a player but he apparently did not learn a lesson from the Juan Gonzales fiasco.
