As we head closer and closer to July the rumor mill starts to get out of control. Along with the constant barrage of where C.C. Sabathia is heading, could Rich Harden be out of Oakland and can the Rockies get a big return for Brian Fuentes, now our very own Mark Teixeira is getting his own round of rumors. Tex has not even been with the Braves for a year but his stay in Atlanta could soon be over. And remember the Braves sent five prospects including catcher Jarred Saltalamacchia to Texas for Teixeira and reliever Ron Mahay. Obviously, Mahay isn’t with the team, but could Mark really follow in his footsteps? Well, let’s be honest, he’s probably not going to stay in Atlanta at the end of the season, unless he’s really into taking a big discount. The Mets and Yankees will both need a first baseman when the season’s over and they’re not opposed to overpaying for a player.If the Braves were to trade Teixeira, they’d officially be giving up any hope of making it to the playoffs and they’d also be unable to get any sort of return equal to what they sent to the Rangers, especially with Mark’s contract ending at the end of the season and having Scott Boras as your agent isn’t exactly re-assuring to any team. Also keep in mind that Atlanta is currently just four games out of first and the Phillies have been on quite the skid over the past week or so, it seems to me that the NL east is still up for grabs. Plus without Teixeira next year, there will be a huge hole in the line-up, so if ever there was a year for the Braves to make a push, it would be this one. Although, I said that about the NY Giants in 2006-07 and well things turned out ok for big blue.
I personally am not ready to give up. It’s nice to see players step up and fill the holes in the rotation (like Jorge Campillo) and out in the field. And when the team begins to get a little healthier, well watch out. But at the same point, if the Braves take a huge nose dive heading towards the July 31st trade deadline, then rebuilding maybe coming a year earlier than expected.
(Photo: Tami Chappell/REUTERS)
It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate
Kate,
ReplyDeleteYou're right about one thing, it'll be very difficult to keep Mark after October is over.
I have spurts of optimism about it but I never believed Andruw would stay either. "Baseball is business" sometimes breaks my heart.
At any rate, the Braves would have to become sellers for this to be a realistic option. You're right, a nose dive. At 3.5 games out and Tex finally starting to do something, I think we keep him, even as a rental and get back in this thing. Our pitching (starting) is a lock so I don't think CC will be joining us. If anything I would predict a move to sure up the bullpen (set up man needed) but I don't think we'll see another blockbuster trade like last years'.
~JB