Teixeira heading to Atlanta; Mets get Castillo from Twins
Mark Teixeira could be the Atlanta Braves' new cleanup hitter as early as tonight.
The Braves reached an agreement on Monday to send rookie catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and three minor-leaguers to Texas for the powerful, switch-hitting Teixeira. The official announcement of the deal is expected to come today.
The negotiations were confirmed by people familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it wasn't finalized. Today is the deadline for making trades without waivers.
If made official, the deal could help reshape the National League postseason picture.
The Braves were set to send Saltalamacchia, slick-fielding shortstop Elvis Andrus and two more minor leaguers to Texas for Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay.
The Braves have struggled at first base all season and currently do not have a lefty in their bullpen.
Texas was believed to be studying medical records on two Braves minor-league players before completing the four-for-two exchange.
The Braves also were trying to complete a trade for Kansas City closer Octavio Dotel. Atlanta may be ready to send pitcher Kyle Davies to the Royals.
Texas was busy, too, as teams asked about reliever Eric Gagne. The New York Mets, New York Yankees and Boston were interested.
Teixeira, 27, may replace Andruw Jones, hitting .216, as Atlanta's cleanup hitter.
Teixeira, making $9 million this year, is eligible for salary arbitration after this season and can become a free agent after the 2008 season. He is represented by agent Scott Boras.
Mets acquire Castillo: The NL East-leading New York Mets neatly filled a big hole at second base, acquiring three-time all-star Luis Castillo from the Minnesota Twins for a pair of prospects Monday.
The 31-year-old Castillo will give the Mets three switch-hitters at the top of their lineup when injured Carlos Beltran returns and brings speed and a .304 average to a batting order already topped by major league stolen base leader Jose Reyes. Castillo twice was the NL steals leader, though bad knees have limited his running in recent seasons.
A three-time Gold Glove winner who still has above-average range, Castillo also should solidify the defense in a standout infield with Reyes at shortstop, David Wright at third and Carlos Delgado at first. Ruben Gotay had been playing second since Jose Valentin broke a bone in his right leg when he fouled off a pitch at Dodger Stadium on June 21.
Minnesota gets catcher Drew Butera, who will report to Class AA New Britain, and outfielder Dustin Martin, who will go to Class A Fort Myers. The deal, which came together in less than 24 hours, was completed one day before the deadline for making trades without waivers.