Braves Aquire Teixeira, Mahay

ATLANTA -- There's no longer reason to speculate about Mark Teixeira's immediate future. The Braves have landed the switch-hitting first baseman from the Rangers, and he'll immediately bolster their lineup when he joins it Tuesday night.

A Major League source confirmed Monday afternoon that the Braves and Rangers have finalized a deal that sends Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay to Atlanta in exchange for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Minor League shortstop Elvis Andrus, Minor League pitcher Neftali Feliz and a player to be named later.

An official announcement is expected later Monday afternoon.

There's a possibility that the player to be named will be 22-year-old left-handed pitcher Matt Harrison, who was scheduled to have his left shoulder examined by Braves doctors in Atlanta on Monday. Harrison experienced this soreness during a six-inning start for Double-A Mississippi on Tuesday.

With Saltalamacchia, Andrus and Harrison all being legitimate top prospects, the Braves showed a definite desire to acquire Teixeira, whose presence will significantly bolster their lineup and significantly improve their chances of returning to the postseason.

Teixeira, who averaged 38 homers over the past three seasons, is hitting .297 with a .397 on-base percentage and .524 slugging percentage this year. Paired with fellow switch-hitter Chipper Jones, he immediately strengthens the middle of the Braves' lineup, which has been hindered by Andruw Jones' .216 batting average this year.

With the addition of Teixeira, the Braves no longer have to worry about the lack of offensive production they've received at first base.Their first basemen have hit .211 with a .270 on-base percentage and .363 slugging percentage -- all of which rank as the lowest marks in the Majors.

While getting Teixeira, who has averaged 38 homers over the past three seasons, is the centerpiece of the deal, the Braves will also greatly benefit from the presence of Mahay, who will become their only left-handed reliever. The 36-year-old southpaw has limited opponents to a .236 batting average in 28 appearances this year. Left-handed hitters have batted .250 against him.

Teixeira, who has won two consecutive Gold Gloves, could earn around $12 million through arbitration next year and then become eligible to test the free agent market.

With Scott Boras serving as his agent, it seems unlikely that the Braves will be able to sign Teixeira to a long-term deal before the conclusion of the 2008 season.