Bravos Send 4 Prospects to Texas, Begin Practice Hoisting Tin-foil World Series Trophy

So the Braves, currently in 3rd place in the NL East dealt can't-miss catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia and three quality arms to Texas for 1B Mark Teixeira and LHP Ron Mahay. This actually looks like a very good deal, despite the fact that Teixeira's power numbers are way down this year (currently on pace for 21 HR and 80 RBI). And with an aging core of Larry, Smoltz, and Andruw (just playing awful baseball and probably leaving after this season), I guess you have to roll the dice. Plus on paper Saltomacchia could be dealt because of Brian McCann, who I will never believe doesn't actually suck. Jeff Francoeur began the back-patting:

"It makes us a real World Series contender," Braves right fielder Jeff Francoeur said Monday afternoon. "I think especially in the National League, we now have the best lineup. One through eight [in the lineup], we have hitters that can jack it out of the park and rack up RBIs."

Which I might be inclined to entertain if that lineup did not also include Jeff Francoeur. But whatever, start printing the t-shirts. I'm still convinced that the Mets will be able to fend off both the Braves and Phillies, if for no other reason than they proved they could put them away when it mattered last year, going 11-8 against them post All-Star break (not spectacular, but remember both teams finished within 3 games of the NL Wild Card, and the Mets had no reason to bust it down the stretch). Plus I'm absolutely positive that Francoeur's Rollins-esque comments will result in bad karma similar to the Phillies' atrocious 2-8 start to the season immediately after declaring themlselves "the team to beat" in the NL East. How presicent, Jimmy. But hey, that's why they play the games.