The Atlanta Braves traded Mark Teixeira to the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday for Casey Kotchman and Steven Marek.

As Buster Olney mentioned on ESPN SportsCenter in reaction to the deal, this makes the Teixeira deal of 2007 a bad move. The Braves had to either win a World Series in 2007 or 2008 or lock up Teixeira long-term. The team did not make the playoffs in 2007 and ended up selling off Teixeira for less value a year later. Meanwhile, the four top prospects the Braves gave up a year ago still have their upside.

The Angels are kind of in the same situation, especially considering the division race looks to be locked up before acquiring Teixeira. However, the Angels have less riding on the line because they gave up less value than the Braves did in 2007. Regardless, getting Teixeira makes the Angels the clear favorites to win the World Series. With Teixeira, Vladmir Guerrero, and Torii Hunter, the Angels have a mighty potent lineup.

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On Wednesday, the New York Yankees traded Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers for Ivan Rodriguez. Also, the Yankees traded LaTroy Hawkins to the Astros for a prospect.

The Yankees could use an upgrade at catcher in light of Jorge Posada’s injury, and Rodriguez is an upgrade offensively at catcher. However, the Yankees had to part with a serviceable set-up man in Farnsworth to shore up the very bottom of their order. One wonders if Yankees GM Brian Cashman thinks the bullpen is worthless. While Hawkins has been abysmal in 2008, he is more bullpen depth thrown away for nothing. Ultimately, the Farnsworth for Rodriguez deal feels like the Yankees traded from a weakness to add to a strength.

The Tigers needed Farnsworth with the mess their bullpen has been as of late. However, it seems like Rodriguez should have netted at least a prospect in addition to Farnsworth. Maybe, I’m misvaluing Farnsworth’s “worth.” It isn’t a question of contract as both are half-season rentals.

Also, how crazy is Astros GM Ed Wade? Couple this with the acquistion of Randy Wolf, and he might be the most laughably bad general manager in baseball.

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As Andrew Beaton reported Thursday on Hot Foot, the Chicago White Sox acquired Ken Griffey Jr. from the Cincinnati Reds for two prospects.

As Beaton commented, this is a perplexing deal as far as Chicago goes, considering the team doesn’t really have an obvious spot for Griffey. What I’d guess is perhaps Nick Swisher will alternate between playing centerfield and first base. On days that Swisher plays CF, Paul Konerko would play 1B. On days that Swisher plays 1B, Griffey would play CF.

Of course that means Griffey goes from a place where he plays everyday to a place where he doesn’t. In that sense, his move to a contender would be a little bittersweet. Also consider that the White Sox are barely holding onto their AL Central lead and even if they make the playoffs, they will be major underdogs compared to the likes of the Angels, Red Sox, and Rays. It was Griffey’s choice whether to invoke or waive his no-trade deal, and he chose the move. Only time will tell whether it was good or not for Griffey or White Sox GM Kenny Williams.