One of the biggest names bandied about as Thursday's trade deadline approaches has found a new home.
Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark on Tuesday that Atlanta Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira is headed to the Los Angeles Angels for Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Steven Marek.
I'm VERY torn on this deal. On one hand, Teixeira adds a much-needed home run hitter to a mediocre power offense. Yeah, the Angels have the best record in baseball, but they had that last year at this time too and they got crushed in October. A deal had to happen.
BUT...I don't like losing Kotchman in this deal, as he had developed into a good first baseman that could have been an asset to the team for many years. Kotchman has quietly put up a better average than Teixeira and is much better defensively. On top of that, Teixeira might not be around beyond this year with his contract about to expire. And with Francisco Rodriguez ready to test free-agency after this year, I'm afraid either he'll go or Teixeira will go. There's no room for both. I would have much rather seen one of the Angels' MANY outfielders get dealt.
It's a good trade, don't get me wrong, but I think the Angels might end up regretting this deal if they don't win it all.
Originally posted by It's FalseKotchman has quietly put up a better average than Teixeira and is much better defensively.
Aw, don't go by batting average, of all things. Teixeira's career OPS+ is 132 and Kotchman's is 101, and both have similar numbers in 2008 (Tex 139 vs. Kotch 105). Offensively, the Angels come out WAY ahead on this deal.
Holy fuck shit motherfucker shit. Read comics. Fuck shit shit fuck shit I sold out when I did my job. Fuck fuck fuck shit fuck. Sorry had to do it....
*snip*
Revenge of the Sith = one thumb up from me. Fuck shit. I want to tittie fuck your ass. -- The Guinness. to Cerebus
Angels were the best team prior to this trade, now they definitely are. Only concern I'd have for them is they are going to clinch very early, which might have them be stale when the playoffs open.
Regardless of whether or not this was a good deal for the Angels, it will be very strange seeing Casey Kotchman in a uniform of a team other than the LA Angels of Anaheim. That will take some getting used to.
They're talking some pretty serious money for Teixeira after this season wraps up - like 10 years, $230 million kind of money.
Let's be honest here. Kotchman is JUST good enough defensively to be a starter. His offense put the Angels in the bottom 10 in almost every stat at first base and that's especially bad since most teams expect power from first base. And Kotchman is not MUCH better defensively, a little better maybe, but Teixeira is a legit two time Gold Glove winner. Yes he might be a 2 month rental but Kotchman is no big loss and with all the Manny troubles and Ortiz injuries this might be their best chance to get past Boston.
As for the Braves. Well, my Mets might not win the division but at least I can still laugh at the morons who picked the Braves. All their "the Braves could win if Chipper plays 150 games and the pitchers are healthy" predictions were like saying "the Braves could win the division if three separate meteors fell to the Earth and landed on the Mets, Phillies and Marlins."
(edited by Quezzy on 29.7.08 1850) Lance's Response:
Originally posted by QuezzyLet's be honest here. Kotchman is JUST good enough defensively to be a starter. His offense put the Angels in the bottom 10 in almost every stat at first base and that's especially bad since most teams expect power from first base. And Kotchman is not MUCH better defensively, a little better maybe, but Teixeira is a legit two time Gold Glove winner. Yes he might be a 2 month rental but Kotchman is no big loss and with all the Manny troubles and Ortiz injuries this might be their best chance to get past Boston.
As for the Braves. Well, my Mets might not win the division but at least I can still laugh at the morons who picked the Braves. All their "the Braves could win if Chipper plays 150 games and the pitchers are healthy" predictions were like saying "the Braves could win the division if three separate meteors fell to the Earth and landed on the Mets, Phillies and Marlins."
(edited by Quezzy on 29.7.08 1850)
With a poor bullpen leading up to Papelbon and a line-up that falls off the end of the Earth after the 6 hole, I don't see how the Red Sox finish higher than 3rd, 4th if the Blue Jays ever figure out how to string wins together. And I thought it was worth a shot to take the Braves at 10-1 on short money to win the pennant as something to watch. I knew I should have ignored logic and tried to ride the Marlins as a bomber.
Originally posted by redsoxnationWith a poor bullpen leading up to Papelbon and a line-up that falls off the end of the Earth after the 6 hole, I don't see how the Red Sox finish higher than 3rd, 4th if the Blue Jays ever figure out how to string wins together.
Before the season is over everything will return to normal, and the Red Sox and Yankees will be in the playoffs. Tampa will fall back, the Yankees will win the division, and the Red Sox will slide in as the Wild Card.
I would have much rather seen one of the Angels' MANY outfielders get dealt.
I'm sure the Angels feel the same way, but it's all about salary.
Sarge Jr.: 08:$9M, 09:$10M, 10:$11M, 11:$12M Kotchman: 08:$1.4M, and not a free agent until 2012
The Braves wouldn't have bothered unless they lock up a position at under market cost for a long period.
I'm not wowed by Kotchman, I think he may be this good for long time but never will become much better. If the Angels don't keep Texieria, I think they'll be happy enough with the draft picks. The Angels seem make moves during the off season, but hold back during the season from going all out. Nice to see them try.
Originally posted by redsoxnationWith a poor bullpen leading up to Papelbon and a line-up that falls off the end of the Earth after the 6 hole, I don't see how the Red Sox finish higher than 3rd, 4th if the Blue Jays ever figure out how to string wins together.
Before the season is over everything will return to normal, and the Red Sox and Yankees will be in the playoffs. Tampa will fall back, the Yankees will win the division, and the Red Sox will slide in as the Wild Card.
Closely watching the teams in the AL East, Tampa is superior to Boston when you go position by position. And the young starter argument can't really be used because Lester and Bucholtz are young, Matsuzaka is only in his second season, and Wakefield is very good between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but that last month can be scary. I also wouldn't write off the 2nd place team in the Central at this point, as the East contenders have allowed them back into the race.
Originally posted by redsoxnationWith a poor bullpen leading up to Papelbon and a line-up that falls off the end of the Earth after the 6 hole, I don't see how the Red Sox finish higher than 3rd, 4th if the Blue Jays ever figure out how to string wins together.
Before the season is over everything will return to normal, and the Red Sox and Yankees will be in the playoffs. Tampa will fall back, the Yankees will win the division, and the Red Sox will slide in as the Wild Card.
Closely watching the teams in the AL East, Tampa is superior to Boston when you go position by position. And the young starter argument can't really be used because Lester and Bucholtz are young, Matsuzaka is only in his second season, and Wakefield is very good between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but that last month can be scary. I also wouldn't write off the 2nd place team in the Central at this point, as the East contenders have allowed them back into the race.
The Central race is backsliding. The White Sox are imploding. The Twins are about to play a LOT of road games, where they are just not very good. The Tigers are still underacheiving. Before the year is done I suspect the Central winner is lucky to get to 87 or so wins. The W.C. will almost surely come from the AL East.
As a Chicago White Sox fan who goes to 10-15 games a year, I can safely say the guy is a blight upon the place. Security has gotten insane since his little expedition onto the field, which ruins it for everybody.