Braves Acquire Mark Teixeira

Great job by the Braves. Once again they acquired genuine MLB talent for overhyped prospects and filled a gaping need. Hat tip to JS; wish he was my GM.

I just hope they did not give up Hanson and Medlen as Medlen has been unhittible this year. This trade will haunt the Braves if they don't keep teixeria.

Well, ok, whatever lol. That is about all I can say. I think yes, excellent move by the braves to get the deal done and help us out right now, but if we cannot sign Tex to an extension, we could lose this deal miserably. But hey, you do what you do, and I guess at some point you do have to take proof over potential. I just really think we are going to regret losing salty.

I don't see how the Braves regret trading Salty.

Let's say he becomes teh best catcha evah - where does he play? He's far more valuable at C than 1B, and the Braves already have McCann. Salty is exactly the guy you trade, right now - hold onto him too long and you run the risk of his value declining (let's not forget that he slugged a lusty .380 in AA last year).

Guess they're trying to win this year or next, and damn the future.

Don't we need a starter? Carlyle and Reyes are automatic losses.

This is a great trade. Although I agree that losing Salty makes me a little sad, I just think it would have been unfair to turn the kid into a mediocre first baseman for the Braves rather than letting him be an all-star catcher somewhere else. Good luck to Salty and Elvis, and god speed to the Braves in the second half.

Carlyle's fine...I'm not sold on Reyes. And maybe Lance Cormier will be back soon? Dan Smith? It's all not great but could be OK...

I can't wait to find out who the pitching prospects are, but I will punch something if one is Hanson. My guess is Harrison and Devine...

Well, this should make the last couple months pretty exciting.

That said, we'd better not have given up Hanson....

Nice job Rangers, now deal Laird and Gagne, put Salty at catcher and unfortunately move Wilkerson to first base.

THE BRAVES JUST MADE THEIR LOU BROCK DEAL.

This is a really great trade for Texas.

Carlyle is an automatic loss? Have you even bothered to watch the guy? He's 5-3 with a 4.25 ERA and the Braves are 7-4 in his starts. How does that make him an automatic loss?

As for the trade, I'm happy it got done. That could change depending on who the pitching prospects were, but it definitely helps a lot for the next two years.

Braves could have dealt for starting pitching except there aren't any good ones available. No use in trading Salty for No. 4 or 5 starter and getting hardly any value back for him.

Andrus is still a legit prospect. Take out his home numbers .180 in the worst hitters park. On the road he's a .295 hitter with a .380 OBP and a .415 Slugging %.

Congrats JS, you did it again. I Love Omar and all but damn, JS is always on point. Great trade for the Braves. They've needed a 1b for years and looks like that wont be a problem for a long time. Salty will be great, especially in Texas, but it was a trade that had to be done.

Good Luck Braves. Or should I say Good Luck Mets. We're gonna need it now that the Braves made this trade. Its going to be a fight to the finish!

It's also great to see the Braves actually making a mid-season impact trade. Hopefully it's a shot in the collective arm.

Also, someone raised a great point about Salty - it's much more fair to him to play his natural position, with such potential, than wallow in mediocrity because McCann isn't going anywhere.

"The Braves were getting an OPS of about 600 out of their 1B and people really think pitching was their biggest need? We have 4 starters with ERA's of 4.25 or better. Yeah the #5 spot is a revolving door, but we'll figure something out there. Anyways, if we can get to the playoffs, we only need 4 starters at most anyway. Given the price of pitching on the market, I think this was the move to make."

What is Salty's OPS when he plays at first?

You need 5 starters to GET to the playoffs. If the season ended today, you would be out.

JoeM and daslied ,

Do you really believe that they would have to give up Salty to get Contraras, which sadly, would be a better option for a 5th starter?

You could have had Garland these prospects easily...and others as well.

Believe me, there are a LOT more pitchers available than you think for a package that involves Salty, Elvis, and Hanson\Harrison....a LOT.

So is Teixeira going to pitch in the 8th inning or the 9th...........

JerseyMetFan is great. I'm sorry, how does this help the Braves pitching? (which is where they really need the help). The bullpen has been eh as of late too. Does anybody really trust Bob Wickman closing games anyway?

you know, i think i might miss seeing salty's daily blog on here...

"Salty's OPS when he plays first is an impressively bad 609."

Sample size, dude.

so does this mean the Braves soured on Salty? Is that even possible.

IronNat - what if Braves use him as trade bait to fill holes after the end of the year? I wouldn't put it past JS to already have future trades in mind to keep Braves in contention for many a year

Has the Teixiera/Atlanta/Georgia Tech connection been mentioned yet? They always seem to love the local kids.

You're right JerseyMetFan, it won't be easy to sign him, but we will have the money to make a run at him. He's not a sure thing to walk.

Well, the year at first started off Sour, then Saltalamacchia made it Salty at first. Now it's sweet!

Not Joe Morgan,
Aduncaroo asked for his OPS at 1B. I don't think its especially meaningful, but I obliged his request. Read the previous posts before making a jack@ss comment.

It's possible, sure. But Boras knows the demand for Teixeira will be off the charts, and I highly doubt he'll "love" Atlanta enough to pass up a ton of money from Boston or NY.

I'll take "proven" over "upside". Especially "upside at a position already filled by proven".

Garland, Willis, etc., were either not really available or too expensive for average ability. And the only decent ones mentioned, Oswalt and Vazquez, weren't really going anywhere. Snell? Might be good. Might blow out an arm next week. Same with Gorzelanny. I'd be a little gunshy with pitchers, too, if I was JS and already had to pay Gonzalez and Hampton.

Nixa,

No worries, thanks for getting it. I think Salty puts up way over a .600 OPS in a full season though, I don't care if he is playing SS.

Anyway, if you could have gotten Snell or Gorzelanny, you think this is better? I would think you would prefer wins....and its seems to me that you could win a lot more with Snell as a #3 or 4, and Salty at 1st. Maybe thats just me though...

I just want to know who is going to get a left handed hitter out late in a game for the Braves? Your gonna put Bob Wickman against Papi in the WS if that was the scenario?

Don't get me wrong, for this year the Braves definitely improved their playoff chances. With the Mets struggling and their DL list growing they are going to have to mortgage their future by tomorrow. The Mets can no longer sit on their hands and watch Atlanta and Philly overtake them.

Overtake the Mets? Some people...

The Mets rotation is heads and shoulders above both Atlanta and Philly.

Philly just lost their best player for AT LEAST a month, and replaced him with friggin Tad Iguchi.

Yes, the Braves got better at 1B. Enough to overcome the Mets? Doubtful.

The Mets have gotten where they are now with poor seasons from Glavine, Delgado, Beltran, and Lo Duca. I'd be surprised to see them slump for the rest of the season. Pedro is coming back in about 4 weeks. Nobody knows what he's going to be able to bring to the table, but I'm willing to bet that he'll have a servicable arm for us, be it in the rotation or the bullpen.

Who should the Mets go get? Milledge can't be moved now that Beltran is hurting and Green is sucking. You want to move Pelfrey, Humber, and Humber for the Castillos and the Lorettas of the world??

Look into a RP. We aren't desperate. Gotay is fine at 2B. We have the best backup catcher in the majors in Ramon Castro, so don't worry about Lo Duca. Milledge has shown me that he deserves to be in our starting OF more than anyone. Alou just came back, and is finally healthy.

I'd be happy to see Omar sit on his hands and let the deadline pass.

And braves fan, just because you can afford Teixeira doesn't mean you'll get him. The Yankees have more money than God, and have a glaring hole at 1B.

What a great trade. The Braves get help for this year and the next while the Rangers get potential for years to come.

Many of you talk about how the Braves lose out on this trade because he'll only be in ATL for 1.5 years and that Smoltz will be gone and the rotation is done. When in the past has JS let a team get to that point? Schuerholz has been the best GM in the league since he took over the organization and has always had a solid pitching staff.

JS always makes things happen. They know what they are doing Atlanta as much as you dont want them to.

I heard the Braves gave up Feliz and according the Baseball Prospectus future shock the Braves traded 4 or their top 5 prospects for one hitter and an average relief pitcher.

"Yes, the Braves got better at 1B. Enough to overcome the Mets? Doubtful."

The last time I looked the Phillies were 3 1/2 back and the Braves 4.5. I also note that Beltran is heading to the DL. You really feel confident about sitting pat?

Texeira says he wants to play for a winner...and the Orioles. Isn't that statement contradictory?

http://skinnymoose.com/thebaseballguy

The MILL UPDATE:http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6521

The Braves trading for Tex & Mahay will help their playoff chances. They needed a 1B that can produce & they definitely needed a LH in the bullpen. They still need a decent starting pitcher. With the rotation they have right now, it's going to be hard to make the playoffs. I don't think they will catch the Mets, not that the Mets are going to run away with the NL East, but I think Atlanta's best chance is winning the NL Wildcard. Maybe Schuerholz will surprise Braves fans & trade for a decent starting pitcher now. He has a little over 27 hours.

And the NL depth at 1B just keeps getting deeper. The NL now has the likes of Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Derek Lee, Lnace Berkman(I know he plays OF too), Carlos Delgado(even though he's just about out of gas), Adrian Gonzalez, Todd Helton, Prince Fielder, and now Tex. If the NL could field all 1B, the AL would be screwed in the AS games.

As far as the trade goes, I think the Braves gave up a lot to get him. They will probably lose him to FA IMO. Much like my Cardinals, the Braves will put a price on Tex and not overpay for him. He will prob end up in NY and Atl will take some compensation picks. I agree some other posters that the Braves would have been better served to get a pitcher, but a top line pitcher would have still cost Salty, and Thorman is not a good 1B so it would be a tough spot.

This is a great deal for the Braves. Yes, they gave up a lot but Cox and JS want to win NOW! Cox is likely gone after '08. And they will have a chance at retaining Texiera because Hampton's contract will be off the books. Andruw is likely gone after this year anyway, so they basically replaced his bat next season at a cheaper price even if it only winds up being a million or so. The addition of Teixera gives the Braves the best lineup in the NL top to bottom AND gives them a lineup that could match up with an AL team in the WS (if they got there.).

Now, dont' think that JS is done dealing. I can gurantee that he is still going to go after a starter and Edgar Renteria could be the guy that gets traded. I think the Braves feel Escobar can take over at SS and play everyday and Kelly Johnson has already proved he can handle 2B.

JerseyMetFan, you are kidding. Milledge and Alou is not better than Beltran and Marlnon Anderson. Beltran is a stud. Alou could get hurt at any moment.....again.

The Mets should be awfully worried. Their pitching isn't any better than the Braves or Phillies right now and I think relying on Pedro to be a savior is naive. You guys can't even an exact return for Pedro.

Besides, JS will still go after a starter. David O'Brien reported last night that the Teixera deal was going to get done and that the Braves were after a starter, one that hasn't even been mentioned in trade rumors.

Never underestimate JS and his ability! NEVER!!!!!!!!!!

WOW Robert... way to show your ignorance.

Go look at the numbers, and then get back to me.

Starters? Maine, Perez, El Duque

Bullpen? Feliciano, Heilman, Wagner

Neither the Braves nor the Phills can come CLOSE to matching that.

Also, go look at Beltran's numbers while you're at it. He's got a great glove in CF, but his offense has been pedestrian since mid-June.

Maybe they're going to find something to do with Thorman.

They will most likely keep Franco this year out of courtesy but get rid of the 1B platoon next year and maybe only keep the LF platoon.

http://skinnymoose.com/thebaseballguy

You mean the same Perez that was given away by the Pirate last year? The oft injured El Duque? And a young starter in Maine? The same Wagner that put the finishing touches on an NL AS game loss? No team in the NL except the Padres and maybe the Dodgers if they are healthy have a rotation to be bragging about so I would not be screaming out about how impressive you think that pitching staff is. After all, those three starters don't strike fear in anyone any more than Smoltz, Hudson, James or Hamels, Myers (if healthy and starting), and Kendrick/Eaton. Get over yourself. Your Mets are not the juggernaut that everyone predicted and that is tearing you apart inside isn't it? I think you just a little bitter because your Mets aren't doing anything to get better/younger. And I'm not even a Braves or Phils fan. I'm a Cards fan and you don't hear me complaining as much as you are.

Of course you're bitter, because the Cardinals suck. Don't worry, I forgive you.

I'm not worried about "striking fear" into opponents. I care about results. Maine and Ollie are two of the best young pitchers in the NL right now. Since when was Ollie "given away"? You think Omar deals Nady for just Roberto friggin Hernandez? Dream on. They soured on Perez, and the Mets pounced.

Who's complaining? Some people think the Mets are going to fall to the Braves. I disagree. Such is life. Nobody is complaining here.

The Mets starters are head and shoulders above Atlanta and Philly's. When you're resorting to using 'inconsistent' to describe a guy with a 2.84 ERA and 'lucky' to refer to a 12-5 pitcher with a 2.93 ERA. Then there's El Duque, who's been nothing short of brilliant.

Sure sounds like complaining to me. All I hear is...blah blah...the Mets are still better...blah blah the Braves made a bad move...blah blah they wont catch the mets because they are amazing. Guess what...they are not! No one in the NL is dominate, but I now find myself rooting strongly against the Mets to fall to the Braves for the division for another 15 or so years so that way cocky fans like yourself can't go around praising the Mets as the front runner for the title year after year.

Sure the Cardinals aren't that great this year, but atleast I don't praise every part of the team as the top in the league. I would love nothing more to see the Cards and Braves both rally back and meet in the NLCS just to shut you up.

Wesley, how the hell is it impossible not to love atlanta? Nothing is special about atlanta, it is an okay city, but nothing more. What in the world is too love about a baseball market that won the division 14 times in a row and cant sell out their own playoff games? John Maines era should be around 4, El duques era should be around 5.60, Ollie Perez era should be around 9.65, but strangely enough, EL Duque has the worst era of that group with a whopping and embarrasing 3.02. What are we going to do with these guys. The mets can pitch. As I have said so many times, this season is coming down to one, perhaps 2 things. The second one if what will you get from Pedro, because that can be a huge boost even if he is just average. The first and most important thing to remember is, the Mets are not going anywhere, unless Carlos Delgado starts to hit and protect the rest of the lineup.

If the Mets and Braves met up in the NLCL, who's rotation would you rather have?

ATL:
Hudson
Smoltz
James
Carlyle
Reyes

NYM:
Glavine
Perez
Hernandez
Maine
Sosa

You might give the edge for 4 & 5 starters to the Mets, but 1 through 3 the Braves' rotation is MUCH better. All-in-all, advantage: Atlanta. The Mets rotation is made up of two fourty somethings and two re-treads. You can't be confident in that, can you? They've done a great job to get the Mets where they are... but I just can't see them keeping it up.

"And I find it laughable that Braves fans would be bashing Oliver Perez when he's shut you down THREE times already this year."

And the yankees twice. Also, what happens when Chipper takes his month on the DL in the near future? The Tex replaces Chipper, and the braves lineup is back where it is now. Look at me i am shaking in my little space boots.