BRAVES WIN TEIXEIRA SWEEPSTAKES
The Atlanta Braves acquired first baseman Mark Teixeira and pitcher Ron Mahay from the Texas Rangers for catcher/first baseman Jarrod Saltalamacchia, minor-league shortstop Elvis Andrus, minor-league pitchers Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison and Beau J
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Sitting 4.5 back in the NL East and 2.5 back in the Wild-Card race at the time of the deal, the Braves' hopes of returning to the postseason just got a whole lot better. Teixeira not only fills a glaring need for a slugging first baseman in Atlanta, but the acquisition also takes arguably the biggest bat available off the market, away from their competition. Under contract through 2008, the switch-hitting slugger will be a huge factor in their lineup next year as well. Mahay has been an underrated bullpen lefty throughout his career and he ends a five-year run in Texas on a high note, having been extremely effective against hitters from both sides of the plate this season. He becomes the only southpaw in the Braves bullpen, filling another big hole.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
Just 22, Saltalamacchia is arguably the best catching prospect out there, but he's also plenty capable of replacing Teixeira at first base, so the Rangers have a choice here. Like Teixeira, the kid is a switch-hitter with some power and can hit for average with solid plate discipline. He's a good team player, who should be a key member of the Rangers' lineup for years, and if they decide to stick him behind the plate, Gerald Laird could be on the move. Andrus won't turn 19 for almost a month but is already a strong defensive infielder with the potential to become a good offensive performer as well. He's got great speed but needs to sharpen his plate discipline in the coming years before being considered a lock for the big leagues. Lefty Harrison completes the Rangers' acquisition of players ranked the Braves' top three prospects entering the season (with Saltalamacchia and Andrus). He's a big southpaw who has been compared to Tom Glavine, which is pretty heady company. Nearly 22, he's pitched well at Double-A this year and it shouldn't be long before he cracks the Rangers' mediocre rotation, though he's had a little shoulder soreness this year. Feliz, just 19, is still in the very low minors working on harnessing his control, but he has amazing raw stuff. The lanky righty is a starter right now but could also have late-relief potential. Not quite 20, Jones is another southpaw who has a nice fastball-curveball combo down in the low minors but has some work to do on his command and the depth of his arsenal before he rises higher. In all, the Rangers have brightened their future considerably despite losing a great player and fan favorite.
Fantasy impact
