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RotoWorld
According to the Los Angeles Daily News, the Dodgers were focusing on acquiring Ocatvio Dotel, who is still expected to go to the Braves.
The Dodgers would use Dotel as a seventh-inning bridge to reach setup man Jonathan Broxton and closer Takashi Saito. It is believed the two sides were discussing Chin-lung Hu, the Most Valuable Player in this year's All-Star Futures Game, in exchange for Dotel.
Carlos Silva had drawn interest recently from the Braves, Diamondbacks, Cubs and Mets.
The Mets reportedly would have used Silva as a reliever. If the Twins trade Silva, they'd probably give Kevin Slowey another opportunity at the back of the rotation.
The Braves are reportedly offering Jo-Jo Reyes in a deal for Bronson Arroyo.
A deal still seems like a long shot, but the Braves have been extremely aggressive. Reyes would likely go right into Cincinnati's rotation if dealt. However, he's a whole lot more interesting in NL-only leagues as a Brave.
The Braves reportedly will considering moving Bob Wickman, pending the completion of the Octavio Dotel deal.
Maybe Dotel could continue to close after all. Still, it's a long shot. Wickman isn't really any good these days and probably wouldn't succeed in any role outside of closing. If the Braves keep him -- and they probably will -- he'll probably remain the primary ninth-inning guy.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Yunel Escobar is involved in the conversations between the Braves and Reds for Bronson Arroyo.
Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes for Arroyo is a fair offer. The Reds, though, have Alex Gonzalez signed through 2009, and it's doubtful Escobar would prove to be an upgrade on Edwin Encarnacion at third base. If they did get Escobar, it could be to move him for pitching in the offseason. He's definitely in demand.
ESPN's Buster Olney says the Mark Teixeira deal is done, with Matt Harrison as the player to be named.
Olney says Kyle Davies would have been substituted in had Harrison failed his physical, killing the Octavio Dotel deal. Now both deals should get done. Davies will go to Kansas City for Dotel.
Ron Mahay was traded from the Rangers to Braves in a seven-player deal.
Mahay brings a 2.77 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP in 28 appearances this season with him to Atlanta. The Braves would have far preferred C.J. Wilson than the 36-year-old free-agent-to-be, but maybe he’ll be of a little help.
Braves acquired first baseman Mark Teixeira and LHP Ron Mahay from the Rangers for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, shortstop Elvis Andrus, RHP Neftali Feliz, LHP Matt Harrison and LHP Beau Jones.
Teixeira, a Georgia Tech product, is expected to be installed as the Braves’ cleanup hitter. The team might designate Scott Thorman for assignment, as there’s no longer any need for him at all. Teixeira should lose some value in mixed leagues because of the ballpark switch, but now that he’s in the playoff chase, he might be extra motivated to make up for it. Andruw Jones will likely be moved down in the order, perhaps to the sixth spot behind Brian McCann against right-handers. Edgar Renteria and Chipper Jones should both benefit from Teixeira’s presence and score some extra runs the rest of the way. McCann and Jeff Francoeur will also be helped with more RBI chances. The huge addition comes at an even bigger price, but it’s one John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox won’t have to pay if they retire after 2008.
Braves acquired RHP Octavio Dotel from the Royals for RHP Kyle Davies.
The Braves beat out the Mariners and Dodgers for Dotel, who is expected to be a setup man in Atlanta. There haven’t been any additional rumors about Bob Wickman getting moved.
Rangers owner Tom Hicks revealed Tuesday that he offered Mark Teixeira an eight-year, $140 million contract two weeks ago.
The Rangers became more intent on trading him after he turned down the proposal. "I thought we made enough of an offer to keep him a Ranger for life," Hicks said. :I'm disappointed he turned it down, but I think we did everything we could to keep him. Now, we've got some very good young players coming here and I feel with some good moves and free-agent signings, we can be a championship team."
Braves acquired LHP Royce Ring from the Padres for LHP Wilfredo Ledezma and LHP Will Startup.
We like Ring as a specialist, but he's not worth both Ledezma and Startup, each of whom could be useful in greater roles. Ring had a 3.60 ERA and a 17/14 K/BB ratio for the Padres this season before being sent down last week. He could join the Atlanta pen right away if the team can find room for him along with Octavio Dotel and Ron Mahay.
Braves purchased the contract of catcher Corky Miller from Triple-A Richmond.
The Braves apparently have really soured on Brayan Pena's defense. The 31-year-old Miller was hitting .210/.342/.320 for Richmond, giving him an OPS about 120 points below Pena's. He'll take over Brian McCann's backup.
Braves optioned RHP Chad Paronto to Triple-A Richmond.
Paronto goes to make room on the roster for Mark Teixeira, who could be available as a pinch-hitter after arriving during tonight's game.
Chuck James got plenty of run support Tuesday as he won for the ninth time this season.
In five innings, he gave up six hits and four runs, walking one and striking out, hardly his best effort of recent performances. But Atlanta was smacking the ball around -- especially after he departed -- so James bagged the W. His ERA, however, rose to 3.70.
Kelly Johnson hit two home runs and drove in five runs Tuesday to help power the Braves past Houston 12-4.
Johnson had four hits in all, raising his BA to .295 with 55 RBI. Jeff Francouer and Brian McCann also went yard for the Braves. Just a few weeks ago, the Atlanta lineup couldn't hit its way out of a paper bag and now it's mashing anyone in its way. Just imagine how good this offense will be with Mark Teixeira moving into the cleanup spot on Wednesday.