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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Hank and Tex in the house
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A couple of decent sluggers rolled into Braves spring training today, Mark Teixeira and an older fella named Hank.
Tex and the Hammer at Dark Star. Things are picking up.
Hank Aaron was here with the rest of the Braves executives for annual meetings they have at the start of spring training. Sure, they could have them in Atlanta, but abundant sunshine, golf and private jets make this quick trip south a pretty attractive option for a meeting space.
Teixeira is signing autographs as I write this, as about half of the fans in attendance at this morning workout scrambled for a place in line next to the dugout as soon as they saw the first baseman emerge.
Anyway, there’s no update whatsoever on a possible Teixeira contract extension. Braves aren’t talking about it, and neither is agent Scott Boras. And by the way, Teixeira laughed when I asked him about the rumored rift between him and Boras.
“Scott and I have a great relationship,” he said. “We talk about once a week.”
And one other thing: Teixeira is not building a house in Atlanta. At least not yet. He owns land in Atlanta, but he’s had that for some time, and he also owns plenty of land in other areas of the country. Loves the real estate.
He spent the winter at his home in Arizona, like he’s done for several years.
I know GM Frank Wren and Boras have had at least preliminary contract talks, when Teixeira signed his one-year deal this winter for $12.5 mill and avoided going to arbitration. But whether they’ve discussed parameters on a long-term deal, I don’t know.
Asked Tex directly if he thought something could get done before the end of the season, before he becomes a free agent.
“I’m always willing to listen,” he said. “But at the same time, I have much more important things to worry about. If I take care of things on the field, that will take care of itself.
“If you’re worrying about contracts, you’re not going to take care of business on the field. Twenty-four other guys on this team don’t care about my contract.”
I smiled and told him at this point that yes, they actually do care. Because they want him re-signed. And Teixeira laughed, because he knew that was correct.
Might the contract issue become a distraction of him and/or the team during the season?
“I’m not going to let it be a distraction for me and my team,” said Teixeira, who is making $12.5 mill this season, his final year of arbitration eligibility. “If you want to talk about baseball, I’ll talk all night.
“But if you want to talk about contracts, my agent is always willing to talk. And I’m sure Frank [Wren] is always willing to talk.”
Teixeira hit .317 with a 17 homers and whopping 56 RBIs in 54 games for the Braves after he was traded from Texas in a seven-player deal on July 31. The Braves gave up five prospects, including catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and shortstop Elvis Andrus, to get Tex and lefty Ron Mahay (but mainly to get Tex).
The move didn’t bring a postseason berth to the Braves, but they’ve got at least one more shot to get there with Teixeira. And he belives this is the best shot he’s had in his career to reach the playoffs, despite all the talk of the Phillies and Mets being clear favorites to win the NL East.
“I know I’m capable of having my best season in this lineup,” he said. “If we play up to our potential we can definitely win the division, and after we get to the playoffs we’ll see what happens.”
J.S. also in the house: No, not John Smoltz; he’s been here a week. We’re talking John Schuerholz, who’s at Braves spring training for the first time as anything but a GM.
He’s the club prez now, having turned over the GM reins to Frank Wren after the 2007 season. And Schuerholz said he had no regrets, that he loves his new role, and that Wren has done an outstanding job assembling this team.
Schuerholz also scoffed when I told him that some still seem convinced he’s still pulling the strings on player moves.
“How many times do I have to say that’s wrong,” Schuerholz said. “People will write whatever they want anyway. But cynicism aside — none, zero [Schuerholz’s role in personnel moves this winter]. As I said when we made the announcement, he is the general manager. He will make the decisions, with his staff.
“And that’s the way it’s happened. Will he keep me abreast about things, keep me in the loop? Yes, and he has. But it’s been a very complete transition process, not even a blip on the screen. I think he’s done an excellent job.”
”HEY, GOOD LOOKIN’” by Hank Williams
Hey, hey, good lookin’,
Whatcha got cookin’?
How’s about cookin’ somethin’ up with me?
Hey, sweet baby,
Don’t you think maybe
We could find us a brand new recipe?
I got a hot-rod Ford and a two-dollar bill
And I know a spot right over the hill.
There’s soda pop and the dancin’s free,
So if you wanna have fun come along with me.
Hey, good lookin’,
Whatcha got cookin’?
How’s about cookin’ somethin’ up with me?
I’m free and ready,
So we can go steady.
How’s about savin’ all your time for me?
No more lookin’,
I know I’ve been tooken.
How’s about keepin’ steady company?
I’m gonna throw my date-book over the fence
And find me one for five or ten cents.
I’ll keep it ‘til it’s covered with age
‘Cause I’m writin’ your name down on every page.
Hey, good lookin’,
Whatcha got cookin’?
How’s about cookin’ somethin’ up with me?
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