ESPN.com: Rangers Plan on Trading Teixeira

[dallaskd]

Rangers in talks with several teams about Teixeira
By Buster Olney
ESPN The Magazine

Executives with other teams believe that the Texas Rangers are definitely intent on trading first baseman Mark Teixeira before the July 31 trade deadline, which would make Teixeira the most prominent player dealt.

The rival executives say that the Rangers' demands for Teixeira have come down bit by bit. In addition, the Rangers feel they can get one or more of the targeted prospects that they can ask for from the targeted teams. However, the Rangers dispute the notion that their price is coming down or that it's a slam dunk that they will trade Teixeira.

At the outset of the Teixeira trade talks, for example, the Rangers had insisted the Yankees include either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes, one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, and had asked the Dodgers for three top prospects. They had asked the Red Sox for pitcher Clay Buchholz and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

The Angels, Braves and Giants are also involved in talks for Teixeira.

Teixeira, who will be eligible for salary arbitration after making $9 million this season, has refused to talk about the possibility of being traded.

"I'm done talking about it," Teixeira said Tuesday before the Rangers played a doubleheader against Seattle, repeating what has become a daily response.

At the start of the eight-game homestand Thursday, when Teixeira played in Arlington for the first time since going on the disabled list June 9, he said he was focused on the game.

"I know there is a business side of baseball. There is a playing side of baseball, and that is what I'm going to concentrate on the last two months of the season," he said last week. "Until someone tells me otherwise, I'm a Ranger. I love playing here."

But Teixeira, the No. 5 overall pick as a third baseman out of Georgia Tech in 2001, has also expressed his desire to play for a winning team. The Rangers didn't finish better than third in the AL West with only one winning record his first four seasons, and they're in last place again this year.

Any team that acquires Teixeira would get more than a rent-a-player for the rest of this season. While Teixeira will be eligible for salary arbitration, he can't become a free agent until after 2008.

Only Ralph Kiner, Albert Pujols and Eddie Mathews hit more than the 140 homers that Teixeira had in his first four major league seasons. He had at least 33 homers and 110 RBIs in each of the past three.

Teixeira went into Tuesday hitting .302 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs despite missing 27 games because of a strained left quadriceps muscle sustained running out a ground ball. The Rangers were 16-11 when he was out of the lineup after he played in a team record 507 consecutive games.

"If Mark is not here, we are going to miss him because of what he brings to the table. This guy is a great ballplayer and can make a difference in a game," manager Ron Washington said Tuesday. "I don't think you can ever say because we won when Mark wasn't in the lineup that the team is better without him. This team is not better without him.

"My only statement to that is, we'll adjust," Washington said. "Because if Mark leaves here, we're getting something for him. So we'll adjust."


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2947494

[T Park]

just read him and Gagne supposedly to the Braves for Saltalamacchia and the stud SS Elvis Andrus.

Also a starter thrown in.

Sounds like a deal to me.

But damn, both Teixera and gagne?

Madness.

[Flight3107]

If JD does that deal he should just leave now.

[monosylab1k]

If JD does that deal he should just leave now.
I agree. For an All-Star level (and potential superstar) 1B, and the hottest closer in baseball, Jon Daniels better be preparing to lube up and assfuck whoever is willing to sell their future for wins right now.

[dallaskd]

We wont trade Gagne. We will resign him (he wants to stay). Tex is probably heading to the Braves. Atlanta likes Mahay. I love Ron, but in this deal you have to pull it. This is how the deal may work out according to the DMN..

1B Mark Teixeira
RP Ron Mahay

For

C/1B Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SP Kyle Davies or SP Matt Harrison
IF Elvis Andrus



12:06 AM CDT on Thursday, July 26, 2007
By EVAN GRANT / The Dallas Morning News
[email protected]

With less than a week to go before the trading deadline, the Rangers are heavily involved in talks with Atlanta on a deal that could send Mark Teixeira to the Braves, major league sources confirmed Wednesday.

The deal, however, could also expand into a blockbuster. Both Atlanta and the Los Angeles Dodgers, sources said, would like to get Teixeira and a reliever from the Rangers. Eric Gagne and Ron Mahay are of interest to Atlanta; the Dodgers are more interested in Gagne and Joaquin Benoit. Further complicating the scenario is the Rangers' interest in keeping Gagne on a long-term deal. The club and Gagne remain conversant about such a possibility.

The foundation for a deal that would send Teixeira to Atlanta would be 22-year-old catcher-first baseman Jarrod Saltalamacchia, considered the Braves' top prospect. It would likely also include a young pitcher, potentially either 23-year-old right-hander Kyle Davies or 21-year-old left-hander Matt Harrison, and infielder Elvis Andrus. The Braves, however, are not likely to part with lefty Jo-Jo Reyes.

Theres more speculation in that article about possible deals with both Los Angeles teams. If the Rangers can get James Loney and Andre Either plus a good prospect pitcher, I'm willing to deal Tex and Gagne to the Dodgers.

Heres the article..

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/baseball/rangers/stories/072607dnsporangteixeira.aeab0031.html

[monosylab1k]

1B Mark Teixeira
RP Ron Mahay

For

C/1B Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SP Kyle Davies or SP Matt Harrison
IF Elvis Andrus


FUCK THAT.

I don't give a shit how good Saltalamadingdong is. Andrus is nice, but we've already got him, his name is Joaquin Arias!!!!! If we don't get TOP LEVEL young pitching prospects then NO FUCKING DEAL. Davies SUCKS DICK in the majors and Harrison has the potential to be an okay 5th starter AT BEST.

BULLSHIT DEAL. Give me that Dodgers trade any day over this one.

Daniels better be working this shit. If he does this trade he's officially the biggest dumb shit in the major leagues.

[dallaskd]

If the Rangers can get Jo-Jo Reyes or Joey Devine from the braves along with Saltalamacchia, you have to do it. Remember, Tex WILL NOT RESIGN HERE! You might as well get value for him and Reyes and Saltalamacchia would be fantastic.

[Melmart1]

Nobody is giving up TOP LEVEL pitching prospects. Nobody.

The Rangers will never sniff Kershaw, Chamberlain, Hughes and probably not Reyes either.

Saltalamacchia is wanted by MANY teams. The Rangers can easily flip him to somewhere else for prospects and/or major league-ready talent. Ian Snell is a name that comes up quite often, as the Pirates are desperate for Salty but don't have the right trade chips to pry him from Atlanta.

[Flight3107]

FUCK THAT.

I don't give a shit how good Saltalamadingdong is. Andrus is nice, but we've already got him, his name is Joaquin Arias!!!!! If we don't get TOP LEVEL young pitching prospects then NO FUCKING DEAL. Davies SUCKS DICK in the majors and Harrison has the potential to be an okay 5th starter AT BEST.

BULLSHIT DEAL. Give me that Dodgers trade any day over this one.

Daniels better be working this shit. If he does this trade he's officially the biggest dumb shit in the major leagues.



I think JD is already the biggest dumb shit in the major leagues, this deal would lead me to believe that Daniels might be slightly retarded.

[dallaskd]

You guys are a bunch of ignorant assholes. Dont judge someone before you see them.. I hope we pull this deal...yall will bitch..Salty will tear it up and we will have a good SP in Davies. No one will give us a top pitching prospect..it wont happen. were more likely to get a top pitching prospect for Saltalamacchia than teixeira.

[monosylab1k]

Salty will tear it up and we will have a good SP in Davies. No one will give us a top pitching prospect..it wont happen. were more likely to get a top pitching prospect for Saltalamacchia than teixeira.
:lol the guy already can't pitch for shit in Atlanta, he's gonna redefine the word "suck" in Arlington.

we have an elite-level hitter and we can't get a single top piching prospect for him? Fuck Salty...with Rudy and our stadium we'll ALWAYS have solid hitting no matter who we put in the lineup, it's the FUCKING HORRENDOUS PITCHING THAT'S BEEN KILLING US FOR OVER A DECADE NOW.

if you think trading Tex for a top hitting prospect and some slapdick pitcher is the right move, you're the ignorant one here.

[dallaskd]

:lol the guy already can't pitch for shit in Atlanta, he's gonna redefine the word "suck" in Arlington.

we have an elite-level hitter and we can't get a single top piching prospect for him? Fuck Salty...with Rudy and our stadium we'll ALWAYS have solid hitting no matter who we put in the lineup, it's the FUCKING HORRENDOUS PITCHING THAT'S BEEN KILLING US FOR OVER A DECADE NOW.

Davies is still a project. But like Devine, Reyes, and Harrison, at least their young, good prospects, something we dont really have. Davies would be our best minor league pitcher and is an upgrade over McCarthy and Padilla. We wont get a top pitching prospect. It wont happen. But Salty is one of the top prospects in all of baseball. He would tear up Arlington. Tex will walk. You might as well get good(average in your mind) pitching prospects than nothing or some draft picks.

[dallaskd]

Davies has shown signs of potential..

MAY 22 vs NYM

8 IP
6 H
1 ER
2 BB
3 SO

[dallaskd]

He also has hit a 3 run homer this season. :lol

[Flight3107]

Ok, do the deal JD....

Bring in more bats and shitty arms, lets continue the suckage for the next 10 years.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I'd do that deal.

/ Braves fan.
// Happy dance.

[Melmart1]

A lot of your fellow Braves fans would not. They consider Tex "taking on salary" and don't think you should both give up prospects AND take on salary. That is some backwards thinking, IMHO but the Braves are in a weird predicament right now, as they really do need to win NOW, it seems.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Um, they can go fuck themselves.

Don't spend money stupidly, but if they want to spend money on a guy like Tex, give up some prospects from a system stocked with them being taught by good coaches and get some bullpen help, so be it.

[John Patrick]

if gagne does get traded.....

damn im going to miss those shades....

[Flight3107]

Angels have offered Casey Kotchman and Joe Saunders for Teixeira. Although I hate dealing within the division, I really like this deal. Rosenthal reported this on Fox baseball, but said JD is still looking for another player or two.

[dallaskd]

Angels have offered Casey Kotchman and Joe Saunders for Teixeira. Although I hate dealing within the division, I really like this deal. Rosenthal reported this on Fox baseball, but said JD is still looking for another player or two.

I would deal Tex for Joe Saunders and a prospect. Joe is 4-0 with a 3.16 ERA. He will be an ace in a year or two. Looks like it wont happen though. I expect Tex to go to Atlanta.

[dallaskd]

Ok ESPN.com says the Braves have sent in a formal offer for teixeira

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Tex and a reliever (praying it's Wilson, would be pleased if it's Gagne or Mahay) in a Braves uni by Wednesday?

Excuse me, I need to go lie down.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Stark's report:

MARKET REPORT
The deadline clock is ticking louder by the hour. The Rangers continue to call around, trying to stoke the market. But sooner or later -- and we'd bet sooner -- our hunch is that Teixeira is going to end up exactly where most people have been predicting he'd end up: in Atlanta. Reports of the Diamondbacks and Dodgers charging back in over the weekend appear to have been overstated.

The Angels, meanwhile, haven't budged since they tweaked their offer late last week to include pitcher Joe Saunders in addition to Casey Kotchman. And the Braves have been telling other clubs they think they've made a good enough offer, and they shouldn't have to sweeten it.

The buzz Sunday was that the names of Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Elvis Andrus have been settled on in the Atlanta package -- but there's a chance the teams could agree on either a different pitching prospect than the much-discussed Matt Harrison or decide the third player should be a pitcher to be named later.

So now it's time for the Rangers to close this deal, because yet another front-office man who is close to Braves GM John Schuerholz predicted Sunday that Schuerholz won't wait much longer, saying: "This is just my gut feel, from knowing John for so long. But I'll be very surprised if he lets this thing get past midday Monday. Midday on Monday leaves him 24-28 hours to go complete another deal, using one or more of the same players. And I can just about guarantee you he's working on something else."

The Angels, on the other hand, don't appear to be pursuing any other deal of consequence. They just want to know whether this one is getting done or not. Most clubs understand why Texas GM Jon Daniels has taken his time on this, to make sure he makes the best trade he can, in what could be the defining moment of his tenure. But by Sunday, other teams' patience with Texas' slow pace on all its potential deals was beginning to disintegrate. An official of one club accused Rangers owner Tom Hicks of "knowing he controls the market -- so he's playing with it like a guy with a remote-control car."

Three other teams criticized the Rangers' price on all its players, from Eric Gagne to Joaquin Benoit, using words like "ridiculous" and "unreal." So now that we're down to the last 48 hours, the Rangers will have to prove they meant business and had a plan all along -- or they're going to infuriate their peers even more than Hicks did with A-Rod's $252-million Powerball jackpot, a contract other owners still grumble about. "This," said an executive of one team, "is decision-making time."

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

The more I think about it and the more I read...Jon Daniels is in a really bad position to fuck this up. If he jerks Schuerholz around too long and ends up losing out on a good Braves deal, he could end up with an Angels team that can then lower their price for Tex (taking out Saunders from the deal for say, Santana).

Word is Daniels (while it's a good move to aim high) is simply reaching for the stars with Gagne (asking for two star prospects from BOS and NYY).

This could backfire badly if they end up holding Gagne and not getting good value for Tex.

[dallaskd]

The more I think about it and the more I read...Jon Daniels is in a really bad position to fuck this up. If he jerks Schuerholz around too long and ends up losing out on a good Braves deal, he could end up with an Angels team that can then lower their price for Tex (taking out Saunders from the deal for say, Santana).

Word is Daniels (while it's a good move to aim high) is simply reaching for the stars with Gagne (asking for two star prospects from BOS and NYY).

This could backfire badly if they end up holding Gagne and not getting good value for Tex.

Theres nothing wrong with holding Gagne. He will resign in Texas.

[dallaskd]

07/29/2007 9:25 PM ET
Notes: Teixeira watch continues
Rangers try to go about their business as trade winds swirl
By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com

KANSAS CITY -- According to sources, the Rangers are talking to the Arizona Diamondbacks about first baseman Conor Jackson, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and a pitching prospect for Mark Teixeira.
The Atlanta Braves remain interested in Teixeira, but there are some health issues with Matt Harrison, the Double-A left-handed pitcher that would be part of the return package. Harrison has a strained shoulder and has been shut down. A Major League source said that does not kill the potential Braves deal, but complicates it.

The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and New York Mets are pushing hard for closer Eric Gagne. A source described the situation as "pretty warm."

The Red Sox are concerned about their setup relief and the Yankees are concerned about Mariano Rivera. Gagne can veto a trade with the Red Sox and insisted that nobody has talked to him about any deals.

"I haven't heard anything," Gagne said after the Rangers' 10-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

That's the latest information that's surfaced as the Rangers drew to within less than two days of the trade deadline.

The Diamondbacks are showing serious interest, and the Rangers have been scouting Gonzalez, a 21-year-old outfielder who is hitting .270 with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs at Double-A Mobile. But a deal with any club does not appear imminent.

The Angels are willing to offer first baseman Casey Kotchman and pitcher Joe Saunders but have not satisfied the Rangers on the third player in the deal. All anybody knows for certain is that Teixeira was in the Rangers' lineup Sunday, but nobody is really sure if it was for the last time. Manager Ron Washington assumed it was not.

"I haven't heard anything in two days, so things must have cooled down," Washington said.

More likely is that general manager Jon Daniels and his lieutenants have bunkered down in Arlington working the phones. The deadline is 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, and Teixeira and Gagne appear to be the most talked about Rangers.

Shortstop Michael Young said the players' focus has been on the field and the approaching deadlines is not weighing on them.

"It's not," Young said. "This happens every year. Every team goes through this at the deadline, whether you're a contender and wondering what players you're going to get, if not, what players are going to leave. It hasn't been a point of conversation."

Teixeira is the biggest name. He was the Rangers' first-round pick in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft and has been in the big leagues since the beginning of the 2003 season.

"Obviously with the guys that have been here awhile, the idea of Tex being gone strikes a nerve," Young said. "We've been through a lot together. I've made a point of saying I want to go through my whole career playing with Tex and Hank [Blalock]. We've been together a long time and I know what they bring to the table."

Teixeira has stopped commenting about the possibility of being traded and went about his normal routine Sunday, which included organizing Sunday chapel services.

"I don't even think about it," Washington said. "If it happens, it happens. Of course it will change the lineup, but I don't worry about it."

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Theres nothing wrong with holding Gagne. He will resign in Texas.

He's not going to be happy with a gutted roster that's building for the future. My guess is somebody will offer him a decent deal on a mid-level team next season - or DanHicks will break the bank and offer him insane money to stay.

[dallaskd]

Possible Rangers 2008 Starting Line Up..

1B- Jarrod Saltalamacchia
2B- Ian Kinsler
SS- Michael Young
3B- Hank Blalock
C- Gerald Laird
RF- Frank Catalanotto
CF- Torii Hunter
LF- Marlon Byrd
DH- Sammy Sosa

Relievers:

Joaquin Benoit
Akinori Otsuka
Frank Francisco
Eric Gagne
C.J. Wilson
Ron Mahay
Wes Littleton or Willie Eyre

Thats a good Lineup and one of the best bullpens in baseball. If we can get 2 starters to go with McCarthy, Millwood, and Loe; the Rangers can have a decent team.

[dallaskd]

Tex and a reliever (praying it's Wilson, would be pleased if it's Gagne or Mahay) in a Braves uni by Wednesday?

Excuse me, I need to go lie down.

The Rangers WILL NOT trade C.J.

[JMarkJohns]

How serious are the talks with the Diamondbacks? Their GM was on a few broadcasts ago and said Arizona wasn't very active. Well, Jackson, a top-20 prospect and another mid-level prospect begs to differ.

With the potential of Gonzalez and the ballpark size aiding Jackson's power numbers, that's a hell of a package.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

The Rangers WILL NOT trade C.J.

No shit, hence the word "praying."

[dallaskd]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7072074

[T Park]

This Justin Upton must be one hell of a player.

The Diamondbacks deal would be the one I would take. Conor Jackson has mega talent, and just hasn't found it in Zona.

I wouldn't trade Teixera at all personally, but if the Rangers are gonna be dumbfucks and trade another all star, might as well get something for him.

[Melmart1]

This Justin Upton must be one hell of a player.

The Diamondbacks deal would be the one I would take. Conor Jackson has mega talent, and just hasn't found it in Zona.

I wouldn't trade Teixera at all personally, but if the Rangers are gonna be dumbfucks and trade another all star, might as well get something for him.
Seriously, do you know anything about baseball? How are the Rangers dumbfucks for trading Tex? His value is at an all-time high as competing teams want to add power to make a playoff push. Tex has already burned bridges in Arlington and the Rangers have no chance of extending him. So you get two or three players and build for the future instead of keeping a malcontent for another year then letting him go in free agency and getting compensatory draft picks.

Let's see... a package of MLB-ready Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus and a pitching prospect or draft picks that may never pan out or even sign with Rangers ...

Dumbfucks, indeed. :rolleyes

[BeerIsGood!]

Seriously, do you know anything about baseball? How are the Rangers dumbfucks for trading Tex? His value is at an all-time high as competing teams want to add power to make a playoff push. Tex has already burned bridges in Arlington and the Rangers have no chance of extending him. So you get two or three players and build for the future instead of keeping a malcontent for another year then letting him go in free agency and getting compensatory draft picks.

Let's see... a package of MLB-ready Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus and a pitching prospect or draft picks that may never pan out or even sign with Rangers ...

Dumbfucks, indeed. :rolleyes


It should be a pretty easy call to see, I don't understand anyone that wants the Rangers to win advocating keeping Tex given the circumstances.

[JMarkJohns]

The Diamondbacks aren't trading Upton for a position player. If they do, it'll be in an attempt to get Santana.

One scout recently said he's the most untradeable prospect in the last decade.

They aren't trading a cheap Upton for the rights to pay Tex 12 million then lose him to free agency.

[Melmart1]

IT'S DONE, FINALLY!

Tex to the Braves, along with Mahay for Salty, Andrus and TWO pitching prospects.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074846

[monosylab1k]

IT'S DONE, FINALLY!

Tex to the Braves, along with Mahay for Salty, Andrus and TWO pitching prospects.
they better be fuckin good. the fact that they're as yet unnamed probably speaks otherwise though.

this is only a good deal if one of those pitching prospects is worth a damn.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Eesh! Two pitching prospects? Hopefully B-level guys.

Regardless, good pickup for the Braves. Power in the middle of the lineup that's possible to keep long-term and an upgraded bullpen.

[Melmart1]

Maybe I can finally get some work done today! :lol

[monosylab1k]

Time to ship out Sosa. Since we have Saltalamadingdong, can we get Laird the hell out too?

[BeerIsGood!]

Let's hope the pitching prospects yield at least one productive, consistent starting pitcher.

I was hearing some "experts" around MLB saying that they would have traded Tex for Salty straight up. Is this kid that good? I've never seen him play.

[monosylab1k]

I was hearing some "experts" around MLB saying that they would have traded Tex for Salty straight up. Is this kid that good? I've never seen him play.
He's supposed to be a younger Tex who can also play catcher. But to trade a proven All-Star straight up for a prospective All-Star is just stupid. Good trade by Daniels as long as one of those pitchers is good.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I was hearing some "experts" around MLB saying that they would have traded Tex for Salty straight up. Is this kid that good? I've never seen him play.

Considering the situation with Tex, it might have been worth it.

It'd have been robbery if Schuerholz could have convinced Daniels to do it, but it would have been a little fair.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Time to ship out Sosa. Since we have Saltalamadingdong, can we get Laird the hell out too?

The Cubs are stockpiling catchers for some reason. Send him there.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074846

Braves set to acquire Teixeira from Rangers
Ken Rosenthal / FOXSports.com
Posted: 2 minutes ago

The Braves are on the verge of acquiring Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira.

The deal is done, pending a review of the medical records of the players involved, according to major-league sources.

The Braves will receive Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay.

The Rangers will receive catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Class A shortstop Elvis Andrus and two pitching prospects.

One of the prospects is believed to be Class AA left-hander Matt Harrison.

The Rangers had been split on whether they wanted Harrison, in part because he recently experienced shoulder trouble.

However, Harrison underwent an MRI that revealed no damage, and the Rangers evidently are willing to take him despite their concerns.

The addition of Teixeira, 27, would dramatically transform the Braves' lineup, giving them a second switch-hitter with power to join third baseman Chipper Jones.

The Braves rank fifth in the National League in runs scored, but their on-base/slugging percentage at first base is the worst in the majors.

Teixeira, who does not become a free agent until after next season, also would give the Braves lineup protection against the likely departure of center fielder Andruw Jones as a free agent this off-season.

The Angels also made a strong bid for Teixeira, offering first baseman Casey Kotchman and left-hander Joe Saunders. They were willing to include a third player, but not at the level the Rangers were seeking, sources said.

The Diamondbacks and Dodgers also had been interested in Teixeira, but neither was willing to trump the Braves' proposal.

Saltalamacchia, 22, is perhaps the single best player the Rangers were offered, a switch-hitting catcher with power who offers more upside than Kotchman.

The Braves were reluctant to part with "Salty," who also can play first base. But they would have no place to play him if they had Teixeria through '08; catcher Brian McCann is signed through 2012 with a club option for '13.

Teixeira is earning $9 million this season, and his salary could rise to $12 million next season in his final year of arbitration.

It is almost certain he would not sign a contract extension before becoming a free agent; his agent, Scott Boras, prefers his clients' values to be determined on the open market.

However, Teixeira attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta and might be open to signing with the Braves long-term.

[djohn14]

Saltalamacchia is a heck of a player. He has the potential to be a 40 HR hitter. Really! He has a great arm behind the plate. He's only 22. Elvis Andrus is an 18 year old phenom. He is a speady mofo. He makes errors and is struggling in high A ball, but remember he is 18. If he has a slump now, he'll now how to get out of it in the future. He has a great glove, but his errors come from rushing the through. They compare his glove to Omar Visquel, yes the good one, and thinks his bat possibly can come up to a Miguel Tejada type player. Congrats Texas, your now my second favorite team, behind the Braves of course!

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Yeah. Securing Andrus might have been the best part for Daniels.

Nearly everybody is of the opinion that Salty will make an immediate impact, but many also expect Andrus to do the same in the future.

[djohn14]

Harrison is a good pitcher. He has good control and a nack for getting out of jams. He started for the Double A all star game.

[Melmart1]

TPark and other season ticket holders lament :cry

[BeerIsGood!]

Considering the situation with Tex, it might have been worth it.

It'd have been robbery if Schuerholz could have convinced Daniels to do it, but it would have been a little fair.

If the guy can be a good catcher and a good hitter, and at least one of the prospects turns out to be good then it'll be a good trade. The situation definitely factors in here, and Tex was good as gone after next season anyway.


I don't think anyone wants Sosa, but I do think Gagne will be in pin stripes or Met blue if the Rangers can get a good prospect arm from either club by tomorrow. If Gagne did go to the Mets - that would be a hell of a matchup in a game with the playoff spot in the balance... Tex vs Gagne

[Melmart1]

Omar Minaya might be able to be convinced to take on Sosa. He thinks very highly of him and is the one who originally signed him with Texas. If the Mets get Gagne, then there is a chance that Sosa can be a throw-in. Then we could call up Jason Botts :elephant

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

MATT HARRISON, LHP Braves

Proper Name: Matthew Reid Harrison
Born: Aug. 16, 1985 in Durham, N.C.
School: South Granville HS, Creedmoor, N.C. Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 221
Bats: L Throws: L

Individual Pitching Stats
Club (League) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H R ER HR BB SO WP BB/9 SO/9 AVG WHIP STR%
Mississippi Braves (SL) 5 7 3.39 20 20 0 0 116.2 118 51 44 6 34 78 2 2.62 6.02 .264 1.30 ---
MINOR LEAGUE TOTALS 5 7 3.39 20 20 0 0 116.2 118 51 44 6 34 78 2 2.62 6.02 .264 1.30 ---

[Melmart1]

Rumor is that the two prospects are Harrison and Nestali Feliz.

[djohn14]

Yeah, Nefatali Feliz is ranked as the fifth Braves prospect. He is 19 years old and word is that he has good "stuff". He had good numbers in the GCL. (Gulf Coast League)

[BeerIsGood!]

Wasn't Harrison shut down for the season with an injury? Does anyone know how serious it is?

[yavozerb]

Wasn't Harrison shut down for the season with an injury? Does anyone know how serious it is?
I read(espn) he had a MRI done on pitching arm and results were negative, thus the trade occuring shortly thereafter..

[yavozerb]

The sides reached a compromise agreement after Texas sought a substitute for pitching prospect Matt Harrison due to injury concerns. According to the Fort Wort Star-Telegram, the Braves have agreed to send pitching prospect Neftali Feliz and a player to be named later instead of Harrison.
(cnnsi.com)

I guess the rangers wanted no part of harrsion after the injury. That means he will be the next roger clemens

[djohn14]

There is still a chance it could be Harrison, but I doubt theyd trade both him and Nefi. Man I loved Nefi and Elvis. I live the Braves so if yall have any questions about the prospects just ask me.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

There is still a chance it could be Harrison, but I doubt theyd trade both him and Nefi. Man I loved Nefi and Elvis. I live the Braves so if yall have any questions about the prospects just ask me.

djohn, I'm a Braves fan, too.

Question: Any word on why Matt Esquivel was suspended indefinitely? He's @ AA-Mississippi.

[dickface]

when he becomes an All-Star, we can all look forward to Chris Berman announcing him as Jarrod Salta-Of-The-Earth-lamacchia! Tommy!

[yavozerb]

There is still a chance it could be Harrison, but I doubt theyd trade both him and Nefi. Man I loved Nefi and Elvis. I live the Braves so if yall have any questions about the prospects just ask me.
Give us the lowdown on these guys (strengths and weaknesses)

[djohn14]

djohn, I'm a Braves fan, too.

Question: Any word on why Matt Esquivel was suspended indefinitely? He's @ AA-Mississippi.
Shoot, there is one I didn't know. Last year or the year before last he got into a fight with a teamate, so he's not exactly a good person. Maybe he hurt Harrisons shoulder. (The Harrison thing was a joke). Esquivel has had his share of "stupidness". Wish I could help more.

[djohn14]

Give us the lowdown on these guys (strengths and weaknesses)
Salty is MLB ready, catcher or 1b. He is a good person too, so that always helps. Swith hitter. Only knock is he will chase them in the dirt. I have not seen Nefi play, but his ERA is like 2.05 or somthing. Dosen't walk guys and will pile up some K's. Only 19. Elvis Andrus...Great glove. He has lots of errors because he rushes his throughs. Slumping now, but only 18. Starting to hit better since he was in the Futures game. I beleive 25 steals. I'll give him 2 years to be an expanded roster addition, and 3 to be there to stay. Compared to Omar Visquel, Miggy T, and Edgar Renteria. Will strike out. If you get Harrison, you get a number 2 or 3 starter. Won't be an ace, but he'll develope nicely. Could be MLB ready in a year. Another possibility could be Kyle Davies if you don't get Harrison. He is MLB ready. Won't blow people away with FB, and has a nice curve. He has made Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran look like Bobby Anderson. I don't know him either, thats what I mean. He could be called up instantly. He could be a frontline starter, but the Braves sent him down because he loses confidence when he walks people. Still young.

[dallaskd]

Omar Minaya might be able to be convinced to take on Sosa. He thinks very highly of him and is the one who originally signed him with Texas. If the Mets get Gagne, then there is a chance that Sosa can be a throw-in. Then we could call up Jason Botts :elephant

I dont see Gagne being dealt. Any chance we deal just Sosa?

[Melmart1]

I dont see Gagne being dealt. Any chance we deal just Sosa?
I think the only way a transaction gets done involving only Sosa is if he gets waived.

[AFBlue]

He's supposed to be a younger Tex who can also play catcher. But to trade a proven All-Star straight up for a prospective All-Star is just stupid. Good trade by Daniels as long as one of those pitchers is good.

He's not a gold-glove first baseman....

He actually just started playing 1B this year because the Braves already had all-star McCann behind the plate and they wanted to get this kid some ABs.

What he IS...

A powerful, switch-hitting catcher. Some question whether he'll be able to stay behind the plate long-term because he's like 6'3, 230lb....but he should be able to stick there for the forseeable future.

Positives:

22yrs old
Switch Hitter
30-40 HR potential that's not far from being fulfilled
Plays Catcher

Negatives:

Just Adequate Defensively
Questionable Makeup to Stay @ Position
Young, Inexperienced

IMO, the positives outweigh the negatives and the Rangers got a heck of a deal. Adding three young (especially Andrus) and promising talents is icing on the cake.

[djohn14]

Not to be rude to Tony as he is mostly right, but Salty is actually 6'4" 195. His arm as a catcher is great, but of course he isn't done growing and probably will get to 220. Also OK D isn't bad, it's just not a positive. He does not have a long way to go to be a starting catcher, however if you got him to play 1B, he still has a few (a lot) things to work on. With that being, you got some nice players, as did we.

[djohn14]

Wont be Davies, because it looks like he is going to KC for Octavio Dotel!

[dg7md]

Good trade, I wasn't impressed because I haven't heard the players we traded Tex for, but I am seeing some good reactions, and we did get quite a lot.

I don't want Gagne dealt, Sosa, maybe, but I like having him on our team.

[djohn14]

Beleive me dg7md, you won't be dissapointed. This trade will help you a helluva lot. In a couple of years, you'll be extremely happy, kinda like I am now.

[djohn14]

Feliz, could probably be in Double A now if needed, he is just at R ball because he is 19 and needs to learn English. His stuff isn't OK, its great.