TEIXEIRA NOW AN ANGEL
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim acquired first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Casey Kotchman and pitcher Steve Marek.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
Regardless of their healthy lead in the AL West, the Angels are actually below average in runs scored this year and are being carried by their pitching. So an added big bat in the middle of the order is critical. Enter Teixeira, an elite hitter who knows the AL from his days in Texas and is renowned as a second-half hitter. He is an upgrade to the solid Kotchman, and will provide a big boost to the rest of L.A.'s key hitters. The Angels seem serious about making a run for the World Series.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
For the Braves, the key for now is they shed the balance of Teixeira's contract for the rest of the season (saving big bucks in the process). Teixeira is set to become a free agent following this season, so there is a chance Atlanta would have lost him anyway and the Braves are looking less and less likely to make this year's playoffs. Kotchman doesn't bring Teixeira's power but he's an excellent hitter for average and provides a great glove. Kotchman also has a far less expensive contract and the Braves can offer him arbitration until 2011, so they may now be able to avoid looking to free agency over the winter for a first baseman. Marek is not a highly-hyped prospect and appears awhile away, but he's a nice add here because of his live arm.
Fantasy impact
