If John Schuerholz get his way the Braves could be adding Mark Teixeira to their lineup, batting between the Jones's by next Tuesday. The Braves are said to be offering Jarrod Saltamacchia, Matt Harrison and Elvis Andrus for Tex. Sounds good on the surface, but let's dig a little further to see who actually would be offering the better deal to the Texas Rangers for Teixeira's services.
If the rumor is true that the Angels are offering Kotchman, Santana & either Terry Evans or Nathan Haynes, but for all intents and purposes, lets say Hainley Statia, a SS prospect in the Angels organization playing for the Quakes in High-A Ball.
Let's see why the Angels have the better offer by far and why Bill Stoneman may win out in the Teixeira sweepstakes despite his inability to improve the team's offensive woes in past deadline deals.
Casey Kotchman > Salty - Kotchman has better plate discipline (37 walks to only 39 strikeouts), will hit for a higher average (has a .325 minor league batting average), he is a more accomplished defensive 1B and has room for power in the future, plus he profiles well in the power dept. with that short porch in Arlington. Remember, Salty was just moved to 1B 4 weeks ago so they could get his bat in the lineup after McCann proved he was healthy enough after battling minor injuries to start the season.
Here's another thought, perhaps the Rangers are looking at Salty as a C, not a 1B, with their intentions of moving Wilkerson to 1B. Doubtful, with Taylor Teagarden their top C prospect raking in High-A Ball.
C Taylor Teagarden's #'s in High-A Ball: (.314, .451 OBP, 24 2B's, 20 HR's)
Ervin Santana > Matt Harrison - Harrison is a southpaw with decent #'s at Double-A but not overpowering stuff by any means. He's at best, a #3 type if everything comes together for him with his secondary pitches.
Santana meanwhile, despite his struggles this year, has the potential of a front of the rotation starter, though he hasn't shown the mental toughness or command to tap into that potential as of yet. Still, he's a guy that could go right into the rotation and replacement the Kameron Loe's and Jamey Wright's of the world.
Matt Harrison's #'s (5-7, 3.39, 76 K's in 116.2 innings, .262 BAA) in Double-A
Terry Evans, Hainley Statia or Nathan Haynes > Andrus - Haynes is a guy that could replace Kenny Lofton who is rumored to be going somewhere other than Texas before or on July 31st in centerfield.
Terry Evans who was a 30/30 breakout prospect last year acquired from the Cardinals in the Jeff Weaver deal, is having a good season in Triple-A , also impressed in his first major league start on June 20th, clubbing a Home Run at Anaheim Stadium.
Hainley Statia is a solid defensive middle infielder that is threat on the bases. Question is this, why would the Rangers want Andrus or Statia, both of whom are in High-A Ball when they have SS Michael Young locked up, Ian Kinsler at 2B and prospect Joaquin Arias.
Terry Evans: (.315, 13 Hr's, 30 2b's, 18 SB's) in Triple-A
Nathan Haynes: (.386 BA, .462 OBP, 4 Hr's, 14 SB's in 44 games) in Triple-A
Hainley Statia: (.272 BA, 19 2b's, 19 SB's) in High-A Ball
Elvis Andrus: (.237 BA, 3 Hr's, 23 SB's) in High-A Ball
