Yankees Will Probably Watch Braves

The Braves are 6 games out of a tight NL East race and are trying to figure out who they are. Are they buyers or sellers? They’re perennial buyers, as last year shows, and they could go that route again this year. However, their team isn’t playing up to its potential (see Jeff Francouer) and yesterday, they learned that Chipper Jones will likely sit out with a hamstring injury and that Tim Hudson is experiencing elbow tightness (always a bad sign). These injuries are popping up at an integral moment, as the Braves will face league rivals–the Phillies– this weekend for a 3-game set. Their season and the theme they choose come the trade deadline (buyers or sellers) will hinge upon that 3-game series.

If they believe that they’re out of contention, it will be interesting to see what happens to Mark Teixeira. While the Yankees can probably sign Tex in the offseason, he could be moved by the trade deadline, this year. He would be a perfect fit for NY (a powerful switch-hitter), taking over at first base and allowing Jason Giambi to slot in as the everyday DH (problem solved). However, the Braves would want a lot in return (pitching) and the Yankees know that Tex will be a FA at the end of the season (he’d be a rental). If the Yankees could somehow work out an extension with him, such a trade could be worth it, but it’s doubtful that would happen (Scott Boras is still his agent). Either way, if the Braves don’t sell Teixeira, they do have lefty reliever Will Ohman, who could be dealt instead (he’d be cheaper than Fuentes).