Braves Sign Teixeira, 3 Others to Deals

Teixeira will arguably be the most-desired player on the free-agent market that will open at the conclusion of the 2008 season.

Mark Teixeira will arguably be the most-desired player on the free-agent market that will open at the conclusion of the 2008 season.

ATLANTA - Since assuming his position three months ago, Braves general manager Frank Wren has shown no signs of procrastination.

Thus, maybe it shouldn't be too surprising that he's come to an agreement with Mark Teixeira much earlier than expected and without the necessity of enduring the arbitration process.

The Braves announced on Thursday night that they've avoided going to arbitration with four players -- Teixeira, Omar Infante, Tyler Yates and Mike Gonzalez. Their only two arbitration-eligible players who remain unsigned are Rafael Soriano and Matt Diaz.

Teixeira, who combined to hit .306 with 30 homers and 105 RBIs with the Braves and Rangers last year, will make $12.5 million for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old, switch-hitting first baseman made $9 million in the second year of his two-year contract this past season.

While it's known the Braves want to keep Teixeira past this upcoming season, Wren hasn't revealed whether he'll even attempt to negotiate a new contract with the first baseman and his agent Scott Boras before October.

Teixeira will arguably be the most-desired player on the free-agent market that will open at the conclusion of the 2008 season.

Infante, who was acquired from the Cubs in December to serve as a super utility infielder, will realize just a slight raise, as his salary moves from $1.3 to $1.4 million. He broke his hand this past weekend in the Venezuelan Winter League and will likely miss most of Spring Training.

Gonzalez, who missed the final four months of this past season while recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, made $2.35 million last year and will make $2.36 million in 2008. The left-handed reliever is expected to be deemed healthy and ready for a return to the Atlanta bullpen in June.

Yates, who posted a 5.18 ERA in a career-high 75 appearances this past season, will make $800,000. The right-handed reliever's salary in 2007 was $412,500.

Story by: Mark Bowman

Courtesy: MLB.com

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