Once upon a time the Braves gave up the farm to the Rangers. And now that they’re giving up again, Texas is a willing beneficiary.
Atlanta, which in 2007 gave the Rangers Elvis Andrus, Matt Harrison and Neftali Feliz for free-agent-to-be Mark Teixeira, is rebuilding its team with an eye on Opening Day 2017 when it moves into a new ballpark. Until then, fire sale.
According to ESPN, the Rangers are interested in the dealings, particularly Justin Upton. We lamented last week that the Rangers didn’t have a left fielder worth penciling into the lineup, and Upton would at least be an upgrade to the position.
General manager Jon Daniels has long been a fan of Upton, who last season hit .270 with 29 homers and 102 RBI in a career-high 154 games. It certainly wouldn't be the heist of seven years ago, but taking Upton off the Braves' hands would be a step in the right direction for the re-tooling Rangers.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
