JB@TheLaunchingPad

So Teixeira came to Atlanta a year ago to bolster the Braves postseason push. He was brought in with much aplomb and excitement even sparking the now somewhat famous (if not annoyingly repetitive “Teixeira Song”). We all expected things to change and every Brave was a flutter with World Series talk in the clubhouse.

But as another faltering series closes out and further insult is piled upon injury, the Mark Teixeira “era” along with any deluded playoff hopes are over.

We now welcome Casey Kotchman in the first of many moves to come in the Braves first real rebuilding year since 1990. It’s been a while since we’ve had one and now it’s our turn to look for long term building blocks rather than an array of short term fixes. I have to say… Casey seems like a good step in that direction.

Adding a reasonably priced, young, talented first baseman who doesn’t resemble Scott Thorman, Rico Brogna, or Julio Franco is a breath of fresh air. Of course Kotchman does not replace Tex’s bat, but at 25 he gives us hope for the future and we’ve made a trade that gives us the option of keeping him as a Braves for at least 3 years if not beyond.

What’s the next step in rebuilding? Many would say we should bring on a true slugger and grab some talented starting pitching.

I’m one of those.  Among other things, our outfield needs a heavy hitting boost badly. Let’s face it, your biggest slugger should rarely be the guy behind the plate or the perennial DL All Star.

As for pitching, Jair Jurrjens has officially made himself the face of the patchwork starting staff. He, in all likelihood (fingers crossed), should be rejoined next year by Hudson but we really need three more proven starters. I know Smoltz would love to pitch next year and he may, but the need for at least two youngsters to replace Hampton and Glavine are glaring.

I like the move made this week to get a long term addition. It excites me to see what Casey can bring to the plate and on the field. Now with some spending money in our pockets, let’s go burn a little cash this off season and get some proven yet young talent to fill the voids left by injury, departure, old age- or all three.

Who are your suggested next pickups/rebuilding blocks? Ohman's on the block and there's a moderatley good free agent market coming up before '09.