Mark Teixeira is on the move at the trade deadline for a second straight year.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have acquired the slugging first baseman from the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Stephen Marek. The Angels pulled Kotchman off the field at Fenway Park this afternoon to inform him of the trade.
Atlanta this week decided to trade Teixeira, who can become a free agent at the end of the season, after it became clear to the injury-riddled club that it would not be able to compete for a postseason berth. The Braves acquired Teixeira, 28, from the Texas Rangers last July, hopeful that he would help lead Atlanta to the playoffs in 2007 and 2008. The Braves missed the postseason last year.
The Angels, who lead the American League West by 11 1/2 games and have the best record in baseball, add a much-needed power bat to the middle of their lineup; Teixeira had 20 home runs and 78 RBIs with the Braves this season.
Kotchman, 25, batted .287 with 12 homers and 54 RBIs for the Angels this year. The Braves will control his contractural rights through the 2011 season.
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