![\"http:\/\/a323.yahoofs.com\/ymg\/ept_sports_fantasy_experts__26\/ept_sports_fantasy_experts-715849976-1272130279.jpg?ymn7LCDDD3eqXyql\"](\"http:\/\/a323.yahoofs.com\/ymg\/ept_sports_fantasy_experts__26\/ept_sports_fantasy_experts-715849976-1272130279.jpg?ymn7LCDDD3eqXyql\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
OK, so on the surface, the idea that the Braves might be willing to trade another collection of prospects for a soon-to-be free agent first baseman seems, well … ridiculous.<\/p>\n
You’ll recall that in July of 2007, Atlanta acquired Mark Teixeira<\/a>(notes)<\/a><\/span> from Texas in exchange for a package that included, among others, the Rangers’ present-day shortstop (Elvis Andrus<\/a>(notes)<\/a>),<\/span> closer (Neftali Feliz<\/a>(notes)<\/a>),<\/span> catcher (Jarrod Saltalamacchia<\/a>(notes)<\/a>)<\/span> and fifth starter (Matt Harrison<\/a>(notes)<\/a>).<\/span> The Braves then finished third in the NL East, missing the playoffs. The following year, they dealt Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman<\/a>(notes)<\/a><\/span> and a minor league pitcher who remains in the minors (Stephen Marek). <\/p>\n Surely no one in Atlanta has any interest in repeating that experience. Nevertheless, the team’s current first baseman is batting .167\/.237\/.278 (Troy Glaus<\/a>(notes)<\/a>),<\/span> and Plan B is a 32-year-old with a career OPS of .775 (Eric Hinske<\/a>(notes)<\/a>).<\/span> Freddie Freeman<\/a>(notes)<\/a><\/span> is a terrific prospect, no doubt, but he’s only 20 and he’s still trying to figure out Triple-A.<\/p>\n