The Trade Deadline is Looming
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by Tyduffy
Baseball's mythical July 31st trading deadline is fast approaching, with contending clubs clamoring for the last cog that will put them over the top in October. Pundits are predicting one of the most boring deadlines in history, which probably means there will be at least two last minute 4-club Nomar leaving the Red Sox extravaganzas that no one saw coming. Here are a few rumors to whet your appetite.
Mark Texeira to Atlanta
In what may be the most unwieldily named trade in the history of baseball, the Rangers are considering trading 1st baseman Mark Teixeira to Atlanta for a package that would include rookie catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Braves would likely include two other good prospects as well, with the Rangers sending a prospect the other way.
The deal appears to make a good deal of sense for both sides. Saltalamacchia is expendable for Atlanta, as he currently resides behind 23 year-old All-Star Brian McCann who just signed a six-year extension. Texeira is an elite power hitter, as well as being a switch-hitter. Assuming he can adjust to the league switch, he is the type of player who could tip the balance toward Atlanta in the NL East. He can help them contend for this season and the next, and, even if they can't resign him, they can restock the prospects they lost through the extra draft picks.
The deal also makes sense for Texas. There are teams who would love to have Teixeira, like the Yankees, the Dodgers, and the Angels. However, his value is lowered by his impending free agency and the fact that agent Scott Boras will almost certainly enter the open market rather than resign him. Few clubs would be willing to part with their elite prospects to bring Teixeira into the fold. Getting a young, well hitting, major-league ready catcher, and two B+ level prospects may be the best deal the Rangers can get.
Making this deal would probably be beneficial for both sides, but one wonders whether Tom Hicks would allow his baseball people to make the right decision.
Johnny Damon on the Move
Two years ago Georgie Porgie was chuckling smuggly as he just stuck one over on the Red Sox by outbidding them for that bearded fellow they all seem to love. Now, they are saddled with a $13 million a year contract for a 33 year old Center Fielder who is hitting .246, has a deteriorating body, can't play in the field everyday, and still throws like a little girl. The Yankees would love to send him somewhere else. Unfortunatley, no one would really want him. Even if New York assumes half of his remaining contract, it is still doubtful that there would be a market for him.
Kyle Farnsworth to the Tigers
A contending team is actually considering trading away middle relief? Apparently.... The rumor is that the Yankees are looking to ship Farnsworth back to Detroit, and even pick up some of his salary to make the deal work. Yes, he came out and criticized Clemens' special treatment and has been a festering hemherroid on the club's backside, while not having a particularly great season. However, he has closer stuff, even if he can't control it. Can he really create that much lockerroom discord out of the bullpen. Would you really want to pass on the possibility that he could turn it on down the stretch? Let alone, trade him to a team that you could be facing in October?
