Mark Teixeira...An Atlanta Fixture, or Trade Bait?

When Mark Teixeira was traded to the Braves last summer for an abundance of young Atlanta talent, I thought the move was beneficial. The Braves were lacking a power stick and someone to protect Chipper Jones in the lineup.

The new addition to the team seemed to be what they needed to recapture the excellence from the 90's, and start a new run at the top of the NL East. As the Mets fell apart, I believed that the Braves had enough to win the division. As we know, the Braves fell apart like the Mets, and the Phillies went on to clinch the division.

Now, as the Midsummer Classic approaches and four teams in the NL East are within four games, the question still looms if the Braves will be able to sign Tex to an extension, or be left with little choice but to trade him away.

Before Teixeira, a consistent all-star caliber performer, and his all-star lawyer Scott Boras back their bags and leave Atlanta, I believe they should consider the following options. The Braves have a bevy of talent on their team, including all the necessary parts to reach the postseason.

They possess great talent such as up-and-coming star Yunel Escobar, who provides great power for a leadoff hitter, is a stellar defensive shortstop with great range and a rocket arm. He has enough swagger to become a big player in the league.

Chipper Jones, a past MVP, All-Star, and one of the best switch-hitters of all time still has a few good years left to help lead the young Atlanta team. Though John Smoltz seems to have reached the end of his career, Tom Glavine should be able to return to the team this season and provide quality starts. 

The Braves also have proven young players on the roster including Brian McCann who will reach his 3rd All-Star game in as many years in the league, along with Jeff Francoeur who is an electric outfielder with tremendous power potential.

Teixeira should also realize that he will never have the opportunity to hit behind a switch hitter with the skills of Chipper Jones anywhere else. The Atlanta team also has spark-plugs and role players such as recent additions Brandon Jones and Gregor Blanco. The additions of Omar Infante, and Mark Kotsay when he returns will help the Braves to get back over .500 and contend in the East.

Teixeira should also realize that with Tim Hudson, a proven ace, up-and-comers Jorge Campillo and Jair Jurjjens, the Braves starting pitching isn’t an issue. Tom Glavine will re-join the staff after the break and the Braves could make a run based on their Achilles heel all year—the bullpen.

The return of Mike Gonzalez, who saved his first two chances, definitely bolsters the bullpen as they await the return of Soriano. Will Ohman has been solid and if the younger arms such as Blaine Boyer and Jeff Bennett can come around, the Atlanta team will be poised for a run at a divisional title.

Teixeira, known as a "good fit" for almost any team in the league, needs to steer clear of the money that will be thrown at him in New York from either side of town. The only thing the Mets are building right now is a new stadium, with no manager to speak of. With selfish players who play for money and nothing else, the Mets would not be a good fit for Tex.

The Joe Girardi show in New York has proven to be a wash. Their young starting pitching has yet to work out. With Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes bouncing back and forth between AAA and the bigs and Wang being on the DL, the Yankees have no pitching to speak of.

This leaves Boston as one of the only options left, which would force them to move Youk to third and what..DH Lowell who just signed a three year extension? Teixeira should stay in Atlanta with one of the best managers of all time, and lead the Braves to another NL East title.