It's always best to analyze baseball trades at least two years after they are completed. The Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves made a blockbuster at the trade deadline in 2007. Knowing what you know today, would you make that trade if you were the General Manager of the Rangers? How abut as the GM of the Braves?
July is one of the most exciting months in baseball. We check the standings at the 4th of July to see who is in first place in every division. Some say that teams in first place on the 4th usually go on to win the division. The other important aspect of the month is the trading deadline. After the end of July, waivers are required to trade contracts.
On July 31, 2007 power hitting first baseman Mark Teixeira was traded along with left-handed reliever Ron Mahay from Texas to Atlanta. It was like coming home for Teixeira, as he played his college ball at Georgia Tech, hitting a robust .409 with 36 homers and 185 runs batted in 140 games over 3 seasons.
In exchange for Teixeira and Mahay, the Rangers received catcher/first baseman Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Left handed pitcher Matt Harrison, shortstop Elvis Andrus, right- handed pitcher Neftali Perez and left- handed pitcher Beau Jones.
Teixeira is an impact player. He can change a game with one swing of his potent bat. He's a switch-hitter, making pitching matchups all the more difficult. He plays outstanding defense at first base and his energy and spirit are noteworthy. As a free agent this past off season, Teixeira signed with the Yankess and probably had no clue that he would end up in home run heaven. His homers and runs batted in should continue to skyrocket if no changes are made to the playing conditions at Yankee Stadium. He's an outstanding player, no doubt about it.
Ron Mahay is a very serviceable lefty reliever. Used in match-up situations, Mahay is capable and relied upon by his current club, the Kansas City Royals. Note: Mahay signed with the Royals the next season after being traded to Atlanta.
So, Teixeira is a .289 lifetime hitter with 223 homers and 737 RBI. This year he is hitting .278 for the Yankees with 20 home runs. Those are excellent statistics, and as noted above, they should improve. He's 29 and is in his prime.
Was he worth obtaining at a cost of Saltalamacchia, Andrus, Harrison, Perez and Jones?
The answer from this scout is....no! That response is the same as at the time of the trade. Here's why:
Saltalamacchia-Quality catchers are difficult to obtain. Saltalamacchia is a very good handler of pitchers and is agile and efficient behind the plate. His hitting should continue to improve. He can play first base when he needs a rest from the grind of catching and he is still developing at age 24. He has years ahead of him to bring his game to its highest potential as upside exists in his power. No, he may never be an All Star. But he'll be a starter.
Harrison-Like catchers, left- handed pitchers are difficult to find and develop. Many take time and patience. Harrison fits that description. This observer has watched him throw many, many games in The Arizona Fall League and in spring training. He has been overpowering at times and other times he's been wild without command. In August, he will be 24 years old. He's already pitching at the big league level, but he currently has left shoulder inflamation. He will likely improve with more innings and experience against quality hitters. He's being coached by Nolan Ryan and Mike Maddux-two of the best. Upside certainly exists.
Andrus-The Rangers like him so much they moved Michael Young to third to make room for Andrus at short. That's saying something. Initially, Young balked at the idea, but it has worked out well. Andrus represents the future for the Rangers. He is a smooth fielder, but still makes some sophomoric errors. He's hitting .267 in his first year in major league baseball. He has stolen 16 bases and has been caught once. In August he will be 21 years old. Imagine the future this young man has. His fielding as well as his hitting should improve markedlly Again, great upside exists in this player.
Jones-Another left handed pitcher, Jones is scuffling a little in his professional career. He was a first round draft choice in the Atlanta Braves organization, an organization known for pitching. Jones will be 23 in August. He is struggling with his control and his command of his pitches. Jones was demoted from AA to A recently and is trying to work on throwing strikes and lowering that WHIP. But, he was more than just a "throw in" in the deal. His arm and what he can do in the future are important to Texas. There's that word again---upside. Lots of it.
Feliz-To this scout's way of thinking, this is the piece of the trade that puts it over the top for the Rangers. Feliz has an outstanding arm. He throws loose and his high velocity and good arm action dictate that this 21 year old should be a mainstay on the Rangers staff for some time to come. Moved to the bullpen recently, Feliz had begun the year as a starter in the minor leagues. His future may be in either role, as team need will likely dictate where he is used. Make no mistake, Neftali Feliz has a very bright future in major league baseball. He can bring his fastball at 97 and revert to a good curve at 78-79. Throw in a very serviceable change-up and hitters are thrown off balance. Yes, Feliz has major league quality "stuff."
Teixeira is gone from Atlanta, having been traded for Casey Kotchman, a good first baseman. Mahay left Atlanta via free agency.
Saltalamacchia, Harrison, Andrus, Jones and Feliz all remain in the Texas organization. Maybe that won't be the case come the trading deadline at the end of this month. For now, however, Texas has to be very happy with the results of the deal they made just two years ago. The deal that brought a variety of players to needed positions within the organization. Their major league roster was helped and it certainly didn't hurt in helping to stock the farm system. It is a good farm system that helps bring quality players. Just ask Atlanta. Or better yet, Texas.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments section below or at thebigstrawhat@aol.com