If the Rays offer up Pena in this deal then the benefit of bringing Teixeria declines significantly since the Rays need to pick up offense more than anything else. Pena’s swinging a mighty hot stick right now and he’ll probably remain productive for the rest of the year. Having these two rotate between 1B and DH is the best option.

If they do send Pena on his way, hopefully we pick up more pieces then just Teix in the trade.

Aki
Beej
Longo
Tex
Pena
CC
Navi
Hitske/Gross/Gomes
Barty

Posted by Buster Olney
“As the Braves consider offers on a possible deal for first baseman Mark Teixeira, they’re faced with the real possibility that the injury to Tim Hudson’s pitching elbow is significant. According to sources, the early indications from teams in talks about Teixeira are that the Braves are asking for some form of pitching in return.”

We have some of this to give without giving up Pena.

If they pull the trigger, this could pan out one of 2 ways.

1. They can use the 12 million they save towards resinging Tex, or
2. They can call up Dan Johnson, get similar, albeit inferior production from what Pena has given them thus far this year, and use the 12 mil they saved on extending Upton, Howell, Balfour, etc…or finding a RF upgrade on the open market…Plus they’d get 2 First round draft picks.

Yes, Pena is a very good player in a team friendly contract. But he’s very replaceable…especially if he continues to hit like he has in every year except for last.

we couldn’t send then Dan Johnson if a first baseman doesn’t have to be the centerpiece. I doubt many teams could match that kind of throw in.

A’s GM Billy Beane is fielding offers from teams and still may deal closer Huston Street. The Dodgers, Rays, Brewers, White Sox and Mets have all checked in. It’s believed the Mets are reluctant to surrender their top prospects, though, so it may be tough for them to get Street. Another possibility for the Mets would be to promote hard-throwing reliever Eddie Kunz at some point this year.

It was much easier in the past being a seller because I didn’t stress about it. I’m way too worked up this week at a time when I do not need to be.

According to an American League source, the Angels and Braves are close to a deal that would send Mark Teixeira to the Angels for first baseman Casey Kotchman and pitcher Stephen Marek.

Till a night that Anaheim wasn’t playing Boston?

# # The Rays are looking for a right-handed bat, and here comes one—Rocco Baldelli. After hitting well and playing the field in Double-A during a second rehab assignment, Baldelli is playing well enough and recovering well enough to bring it back to the Trop. Baldelli was always the fall-back position if a bat couldn’t be found at the Rays’ designated price, and as it turns out, it couldn’t. For those wondering, I’m told the Rays never made a competitive offer for Teixeira.

http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7876