UPDATE: Where will Scott Thorman fit? He’s out of options, but he’s cheap for a few years. Are the Braves working on another deal? The Braves will probably keep Franco over Thorman because the latter’s trade value is higher for obvious reasons and for the former’s “veteran” presence.

UPDATE: In a related note, the Braves designated Wilfredo Ledezma for assignment. It’s a shame. As odd as it sounds he should have been given a start or two to see how he would cope, because he couldn’t have been pounded more than he was as a reliever.

Ken Rosenthal has the scoop and says that the trade we’ve been all waiting for has been completed. The blockbuster trade includes the Rangers for the second year in a row. Maybe the Rangers GM felt pressured to redeem himself for last year, but in any event he did well to pry Jarrod Saltalamacchia away from the Braves.

The Braves will receive Mark Teixeira and LHP Ron Mahay. The Rangers will receive Saltalamacchia, SS Elvis Andrus and two pitching prospects. EPSN also has the story via Peter Gammons and Jayson Stark

This will definitely affect the Braves payroll but GM John Schuerholz has been mum on payroll issues.