Rangers Produce Two All-Stars Out Of Teixiera Deal
It is highly unlikely – in fact almost impossible – to trade away one All-Star player and get multiple All-Stars in return. Yet, that is exactly what the Texas Rangers have done.
In 2007, they traded away perhaps their best player at that time, All-Star first baseman Mark Teixiera and relief pitcher Ron Mahay for five players from the Atlanta Braves – which at that time were mostly young prospects who have yet to prove themselves.
At that time, it seemed like a bad deal, especially considering Teixiera’s talent and ability, both offensively and defensively. Fast forward to 2010, and now it looks as if the Rangers pulled off a robbery.
Two of the five players acquired from the deal, namely shortstop Elvis Andrus and closer Neftali Feliz are going to Anaheim, as they were chosen for the 81st All-Star game. And with the way they’re playing, it looks as if they will be All-Stars for years to come.
Both are young players – Feliz just turned 22 while Andrus will turn 22 in about a month’s time. Both though, are not lacking in talent, as even when they were teenagers, they were being eyed by the big teams. Now, the two have been very instrumental into leading the Texas Rangers into first place of the American League West standings.
Andrus is normally the leadoff hitter for the Rangers. He could improve a little bit on his batting average (which at .280 is not by any means shabby, but more could be expected from the leadoff spot). However, when he gets on base, he is very dangerous, as evidenced by his 23 stolen bases thus far into the season (expect more). He already has 41 walks also, which proves he can get on base.
What makes Andrus very good despite his young age is the fact that he knows his role in his team – which has translated into baseball fans and other big-league players taking notice, thereby selecting him to be an All-Star.
“My job this year is to get on base and score runs," said the 21-year old. “Everybody has their different roles. I know my role. As long as we're winning games, it's going to be a successful year. And if you keep working hard, good things are going to happen.”
Closer Feliz meanwhile, is deserving of his spot too, with 23 saves already this season (second in the American League), blowing only 2 so far. Of his 37 2/3 innings pitched at this point of the season, he already has 42 strikeouts, giving him an average of over 1 per inning. Though he has a relatively high ERA of 3.82, his WHIP is just 1.06.
The 22-year old from the Dominican Republic is a typical closer, typically using one pitch – the fastball. However, his fastball is very dominating as it is consistently in the high 90s in terms of velocity, even going over 100 MPH at times. This is the main reason he has produced strikeouts and saves, even at his young age.
The Texas Rangers are in first place thanks in part to two young All-Stars who were acquired by keeping a close and keen eye on prospects. Their general manager is quick to praise his two young talents.
“I am happy for those guys. They have worked exceptionally hard,” said Rangers GM Jon Daniels.
The Texas Rangers can count this among the better trades, if not the best, of their history. They are in line to make the playoffs, and with their recent acquisition of ace Cliff Lee, they have clearly set their sights on the World Series.
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