Atlanta Braves Wiretap

Braves Chose Angels' Package Over Tracy And Owings

The Braves chose between two offers for first baseman Mark Teixeira, sources say.

The Angels proposed first baseman Casey Kotchman and Class AA right-hander Stephen Marek. The Diamondbacks offered Chad Tracy and right-hander Micah Owings.

Via FoxSports


Angels Acquire Teixeira

The Braves received first baseman Casey Kotchman and pitching prospect Stephen Marek, a hard-throwing reliever for Mark Teixeira.

Teixeira, 28, brings power and superb defense after 4 1/2 seasons in Texas and the equivalent of one full season in Atlanta. He will bat third in the order, between Maicer Izturis and Guerrero, Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said.

"Mark's definitely a two-way player," Scioscia said. "Mark can play defense and hit from two sides of the plate. He's a presence in the middle of the lineup.

"We know what Casey can do. He's a terrific player having a terrific year. Mark Teixeira is a guy who brings us a presence that's tough to put into words what he's going to mean to our club."

"No doubt, we'll be deeper, whether it's lefty or righty."

Via MLB.com


Sources: Teixeira Dealt To Angels

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.

Kotchman was pulled off the field during pregame warmups at Fenway Park on Tuesday afternoon, further fueling speculation that a deal was in place.

Via ESPN


Braves Jul 2008 Archive