Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Buy him two cigars

Normally, it'd be one, but since there are two deals that help the Braves today, Schuerholz can have two.

The first one became official a couple hours ago - Mark Teixeira will fill a big hole at 1B, and arrives with lefty reliever Ron Mahay (2-0, 2.77 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) in exchange for C/1B Jarrod Saltalamacchia (which makes my spellcheck explode) and SS Elvis Andrus (in AA), and two other pitching prospects.

While it is getting rid of a lot of minor-league potential, this deal appears to be new management taking a stand to try to win NOW. It's a welcome change from the last few years. Teixeira will bolster a lineup weakened by lousy production at 1B and by Andruw Jones, who will probably drop to 6th in the new lineup. Plus, it's a homecoming for the former Yellow Jacket, and he's signed until after the 2008 season, so at least it's not the possibility of a two-month rental and skipping town.

The second deal JUST became final: Kyle Davies is gone, and Octavio Dotel is coming into town. I've never been a big fan of Davies, and Dotel will bring some help to a pen that was promising in April but has been rocked by injuries for the last two months. Though I'd have liked to see some starting help with Buddy Carlyle and Jo-Jo Reyes a shaky back-end, getting two big boosts in the bullpen might provide some support should they be as shaky as I fear. Even so, I don't think they'll be any worse than Davies in starting roles.

I'm happy with both deals. For now. Maybe there will be a deal for Bronson Arroyo in the next hour or so. If so (as has been rumored today) then I have no complaints at all.

1 comment:

Jeff Briscoe said...

Good analysis. Hate to lose Salty (he will be a star) but it's McCann's job at C and Salty didn't look all that great at 1B anyway. Like you say, Texiera is still young, signed for next year, and a Georgia Tech guy too which is nice.

I do think this seals it that Andruw Jones will be gone next year. I have mixed feelings about that. But they won't be able to afford him so I guess it's just part of the game. Only bad news is that Boras represents Texiera as well! ;-(