Time to sell?

Injuries have taken their toll on the Atlanta Braves and it may be time to start planning for the future...a future that probably doesn't include 1B Mark Teixeira.

The Braves currently sit in 4th place in the NL East (6 1/2 games out) and 10 1/2 games back in the wild card race. With Chipper Jones possibly going back on the DL and catcher Brian McCann's recent concussion, the Braves may see a chance to move Teixeira for some young prospects.

Last year, the Braves traded for Teixeira, but the deal didn't pay off as the team failed to reach the post season. They gave up some promising young talent, including Jarrod Saltalamoccihia. So now the Braves are faced with a decision. Move Teixeira before the trade deadline or lose him in free agency after the season and recoup draft picks?

If this were the early 90s Braves, having Teixeira go to free agency wouldn't be a problem because they would be one of the major players to have him return. But this Atlanta Braves team spends its money more wisely and has been more frugal with spending on free agents. When they traded for him last year, they knew that he'd likely only be a Brave through this season, but it'll probably be a bit less.

The smart move is to deal him now to the highest bidder and get whatever they can get for him. This just hasn't been the Braves year with injuries to pitchers to start the season to the now hurting All Stars in Jones and McCann. Its time to look for the future, especially since Teixeira would likely only be in Atlanta for 2 more months. Why not get some top prospects now? Braves, its up to you to find the best deal and good luck to Teixeira, where ever he goes. And if you're willing to take a little less next year, take a look at Atlanta in free agency.