On Monday, one day before the trade deadline, Scott Boras client, Mark Teixeira was traded from the Texas Rangers to the Atlanta Braves. Many feel this move puts Atlanta over the top in the NL East all but assuring the Braves of winning the division sometime in August. I have a somewhat unique perspective as I follow the NL East as well as the Rangers as I live three minutes from the Ballpark.

Before you read this piece, please don’t understand me, Mark is a tremendous bat who has excellent defensive skills in first base that even Keith Hernandez can’t gripe about too much during the upcoming Mets Braves series this season.

There is one thing about big Tex that gets whispered about and indirectly reference in the Dallas sports media. If you have ever heard Mark interviewed, he gives a very “no-nonsense” interview. Rumors started to float around after the Rangers slow start in 2007. Scuttlebutt was that Teixeira was darkening the mood in the clubhouse. I rumor all but proved after Tex went on the DL and the team went from Ameican League punching bag to breaking off series wins.

While this trade, no doubt makes Atlanta better, Tex may prove to be the wind that fans the flames of an already squabbling Braves clubhouse. Chipper pouting, Smoltz calling out teammates in the press; Add a little bit of Mark Teixeria and it may just be the match that starts the fire. When reached for comment, super-agent and vampire Scott Boras stated, “Mark looks forward to starting over in Atlanta and sniping at a whole new clubhouse.”

Again, it may all be misconception and incorrect interpretation, but lets not hand over that NL East pennant just yet.