Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1378 of 1503)

Okay, so Mark Teixeira went to the Braves and Eric Gagne was dealt to the Red Sox. That’s it? That’s all this sorry ass 2007 trade deadline gave us this year? No three-team blockbuster that included nine players, two managers and three batboys? Unbelievable. I think I read that the Padres got a case of Bubble Yum and a crate full of watermelon Jolly Ranchers for reliever Royce Ring.

As boring as the trade deadline was this year, I actually applaud general managers across the league. I think these geniuses are finally figuring out that Matt Mantei isn’t worth a young stud like Brad Penny or that Victor Zambrano might not bring back the same return as a 19-year-old Scott Kazmir might some day. More and more, teams are hanging onto the young prospects and being more patient with their development. With that, fans are seeing less exciting trade deadline deals, but more of guys like Jose Reyes, Carl Crawford and Tim Lincecum develop into future stars.

Tuesday the Boston Red Sox acquired reliever Eric Gagne from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Kason Gabbard, David Murphy and Engel Beltre. The BoSox are just plain sick from top to bottom, from their stacked lineup to their solid pitching staff.

Okay, so your team is facing Boston and is down heading into the seventh inning. At any time during the next three innings, you could face Gagne, Hideki Okajima or closer Jonathan Papelbon. Thanks for playing, drive home safely.

If Boston’s butt holes didn’t consistently pucker up to the size of an M&M in the second half every year (save for 2004 of course), I’d declare the rest of the American League D.O.A from here on out. But I digress.

The Atlanta Braves just added a major piece to their lineup by acquiring first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Texas Rangers. It didn’t come without a steep price, however, as the Braves had to package four young prospects, including stud catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and shortstop Elvis Andrus. The Braves are also in the process of swapping relievers with the Royals, acquiring Octave Dotel in exchange for Kyle Davies.

I know Saltalamacchia (who is a borderer’s worst nightmare) was the future backstop of the Braves, but Teixeira is an absolute stud and is still young at 27. Atlanta lost a future catcher, but gained an already young and proven corner infielder who can hit for average and power.

It will be interesting to see if the Mets counter this deal or rest their hopes on a healthy Pedro Martinez, who is set to do a rehab assignment later this week.