Back in the Old Form

The Braves, under GM John Schuerholz, is back up to their old mid-season tricks. As I write this, about an hour until the MLB trade deadline for 2007, they have traded for Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira, filling what had been more or less a hole in their lineup with the well-paid slugger, and getting lefty reliever Ron Mahay. The Rangers come out fairly well on the deal, getting up-and-coming catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who had been backing up all-star Brian McCann and filling in at first base, in addition to three minor league prospects.












They also added powerful reliever Octavio Dotel, sending promising, if inconsistant starter Kyle Davies to the Royals. This move should help them to shore up their bullpen, which was the bane of their team's existance last year, and a real weak spot since John Smoltz returned to the starting rotation, dominating it in the way he did the Braves bullpen. While the starting rotation remains a bit of a question mark beyond Smoltz and Tim Hudson, these trades give the Braves what should be a competent relief staff, and with the addition of Teixeira, one of the most powerful offensive lineups in the National League. If they weren't seen as a contender before, they certainly will be now, and barring some unexpected injury, I will be surprised if they aren't back on top of the NL east by October. The Mets and Phillies did do a little patchwork, but in the end, I'd say they should watch their asses, because Atlanta will be coming up fast.