The Mark Teixeira talks are really heating up, with the Braves, Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, and Red Sox all involved. Ken Rosenthal has updated this column, and Evan Grant has new info as well.
The Braves still appear to be in front. The names going to Texas would include Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, and one of Matt Harrison or Kyle Davies. A very nice package, but to get three solid prospects the Rangers would have to pair Teixeira with a reliever. The Braves have their eye on Eric Gagne, C.J. Wilson, and Ron Mahay, with the latter most likely. It’s unclear whether Gagne can be traded to the Braves without his consent.
The Dodgers counter with James Loney, Andre Ethier, and a pitcher not named Clayton Kershaw.
The Angels will give Casey Kotchman as well an outfielder like Terry Evans or Nate Haynes. Kevin Goldstein considers Evans a prospect, Haynes not so much (he turns 27 soon). You may remember the Angels got Evans for Jeff Weaver last year. Rosenthal thinks the Halos will have a tougher time being a division foe, and could turn to Adam Dunn or Jermaine Dye. There’s definitely a Dodgers rivalry element in play as well.
Grant does not mention the Red Sox or Yankees. Rosenthal sees the Red Sox involved because of David Ortiz’s knee and Kevin Youkilis’s slump. The Yanks appear to be showing just their obligatory interest, as they seem unlikely to offer the best package.
