Yankees to Play Musical Chairs for Albert Pujols?

Having been completely upstaged by the Red Sox acquisitions of superstars Adrian Gonzalez band Carl Crawford, not to mention being spurned by ace pitcher Cliff Lee who signed with the Phillies, the Yankees now will pull out all the organ stops to sign wavering Cardinal Albert Pujols, widely regarded as the greatest player in the game.

But with superstar Mark Teixeira inked for the next five years, there's no room for Pujols in Yankee Stadium, you say? That song's been heard before, but listen to the way it's played by Kevin Baumer, writing at www.businessinsider.com.

First, Teixiera moves to third base, his original major league position, pushing Alex Rodriguez to shortstop, his original position. Derek Jeter, according to a plan that's been advanced for several years, then moves to the outfield.

When the music stops, Pujols is a Yankee.

"Of course, if the position issue is such a major obstacle, the Yankees could simply pay Pujols an extra $50 million to be their MVP designated hitter," Baumer said.

"...If the Cardinals haven't had the foresight to recognize that by not signing Pujols before the season, they're about to enter into a bidding war with the Yankees, they don't deserve to keep their slugger in the first place, " he concludes.

Angels Acquire Mark Teixeira

The Braves have traded Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Stephen Marek.

This move is a little surprising, since Arte Moreno is known to be adamantly opposed to trading young talent for potential two-month rentals, but giving up only Kotchman for the biggest bat on the market would have been really tough to turn down. The club also has Kendry Morales to fall back on if they cannot resign Teixeira, who could command a $200 million contract this winter. It would have been nice to upgrade at a different position, since Kotchman has arguably been the team MVP. That being said, this addition definitely makes the Angels, who already have the best record in baseball, THE World Series favorite.

Braves brass probably has mixed opinions of this trade. On the one hand they did not get the top pitching prospect they were seeking, and only got one major league ready player, but that player is a gold-glove caliber first baseman, who is under team control through 2011, and has arguably been the best of the best team in baseball.

Absurd Dodgers Rumors

Despite Ned Colletti's inability to ever make a worthwhile trade, the New York Post claims that the Dodgers are the most likely team to acquire Manny Ramirez.  A Ramirez trade would be centered around either Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier and the Red Sox would pay almost all of Manny's remaining 2008 salary.  If the Red Sox can trade Manny, they will make a hard run at Mark Teixeira.

The Post also claims that the Dodgers may instead try to acquire Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts.  This would leave shortstop completely unresolved and push Jeff Kent to a utility role. It might be time to stop using that publication as a source.  

Angels Willing to Part with Adenhart

The emergence of all-stars Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders has caused the Angels to rethink their stance on trading previously untouchable pitching prospect Nick Adenhart, if it means acquiring a prized bat such as Matt Holliday or Mark Teixeira.  Saunders, previously regarded as a future 4th or 5th starter, and Santana, previously regarded as crap, now combine with John Lackey to form arguably the most formidable front end rotation baseball.  

MLB.com suggests that the Angels would have to part with either Adenhart, Jeff Mathis, Howie Kendrick, or Ervin Santana to get their hands on Holliday.  The latter three have all been integral parts of the Angels MLB best 57-38 record and are unlikely to be traded.  A package including Adenhart, Rivera or Matthews, and another pitching prospect could get a deal done.

The Angels are thought to be more interested in Holliday than Teixeira.  He would likely take over left field for Garret Anderson in '09.   Assuming that Vladamir Guerrero's $15 million option is picked up, the Angels would then only have to focus on resigning Francisco Rodriguez and signing a 5th starter to take the spot Adenhart would have otherwise occupied (although Kelvim Escobar is signed through '09). 

Braves Deal for Mark Teixeira Quiet, Too Quiet

When it comes to the Braves supposed attempt to trade top prospect Jerrod Saltalamacchia for Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, no news is good news -- at least if you're a Braves fan.

Atlanta's front office typically buttons up just before a deal is made. No one is saying a peep. If that's any indication -- even as a stretch -- don't be surprised if the deal comes down any minute.