Thursday's Trade Rumors

Sources say that talks have heated up between the Braves and Rangers about Mark Teixeira. (I'm personally rooting against any deal with the NL since it would severely damage my fantasy team for next year.) The Braves would be using Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the main chip to get him. The Braves are also interested in Eric Gagne and Ron Mahay. The Dodgers are still going after Tex with Gagne and Joaquin Benoit also of interest. The Angels are also said to be upping their offer, which would include Casey Kotchman, in an attempt to get Teixeira. Source

The Yankees are said to be shopping Johnny Damon, but teams are turned off by the $26 million remaining on his contract. Source A source close to the Rangers said the Yankees have no shot at Teixeira because none of their top pitching prospects are available. Source
The Tigers are reportedly interested in Kyle Farnsworth. How much of Farnsworth's salary is covered by the Yankees could make a deal happen. Source

With the trade deadline five days away, some Rockies prospects are getting the once-over. The Detroit Tigers have sent scouts to Colorado Springs to look at Triple-A first baseman Joe Koshansky and third baseman Ian Stewart.

Reports continue to surface in Boston that the Red Sox are still interested in Todd Helton. However, Helton, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, told The Denver Post during the off-season that he probably would reject any midseason trade. With the Rockies still in the hunt in the NL West, a Helton trade seems highly unlikely. Source

The Mets continue to look for a set up man and a 2nd Baseman and have targeted the Nationals' Chad Cordero and Ronnie Belliard. Source