Tex to Braves: He Has Value, but Who Else Does Now?

July 30, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Alex Resch
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

The Texas Rangers have agreed to trade first baseman Mark Teixeira and pitcher Ron Mahay to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, shortstop Elvis Andrus and two pitching prospects. The deal is pending reviews of medical records on all players involved.

If this trade goes through as planned, Teixeira brings a major bat to the lineup of the Braves as they prepare to push the New York Mets for first place in the National League East division. His power at the plate improves the value of those around him in the lineup, such as shortstop Edgar Renteria, third baseman Chipper Jones and outfielder Andruw Jones. Also, Teixeira's change of scenery - moving to one of the better offenses in the NL - as well as a move to a division that has featured below-average pitching, should improve his value. Look for him to put this distraction out of the way, deal with the adjustment of changing leagues and then go to town on National League pitching. A pennant race could provide the motivation he needs to rake on a more consistent basis.

As for Saltalamacchia, he appears to be on his way to playing every day on the game's biggest level. He has looked impressive in spot duty with the Braves, but he has not been able to contribute on a regular basis. However, going to a team that just gave up its first baseman and has a catcher with suspect hitting means Saltalamacchia has a good chance to play every day. Pick him up as soon as possible because he moves from a somewhat pitcher-friendly park to a hitters' park and could play every day.

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Alex Resch
Resch has been a KFFL Hot Off the Wire Analyst since 2006.

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