ATLANTA -- Texas Rangers power hitter Mark Teixeira is on
the brink of being traded to Atlanta.
The first baseman could give the Braves the big bat they want
for their pennant push.
The Associated Press reports talks between the teams were
nearing completion today -- one day before baseball's deadline for
trades without waivers.
A-P reports the Braves are expected to send rookie catcher
Jarrod Saltalamacchia and three prospects to Texas -- for Teixeira and reliever Ron Mahay.
The pending trade had been widely reported throughout the media.
Atlanta is in the thick of the wild-card race.
Teixeira is making nine million dollars this year with
Texas.
The former Georgia Tech star is eligible for salary arbitration
after this season and can become a free agent after the 2008
season.
Saltalamacchia, who like Teixeira is a switch-hitter with
power, has spent time at first base this season.
Mahay, who's 36, is 2-and-0 with a two-point-77 E-R-A and one
save in 28 games this season.